1 site · RV80 acres · Howardwick, TXSchaffer Farm is a 80 acre farm with 10,000 sq. ft. market garden! Located off old Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle. Our fresh veggie season is from July through October or first freeze, offering corn, okra, squash, zucchini, tomato, variety of peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe and so much more. Our farm is far and wide, on a clear day our sunrises and sunsets are absolutely beautiful and can see for miles.
HISTORY: Schaffer Farm - Located on Historic Route 66 "The Jericho Gap" and Ghost Town. The Township of Jericho was founded in the late 1880's as a stage coach mail stop to change horses and feed any passengers aboard, settlers began to gather at the end of the Red River Wars in the late 1870's.
1900-1902 Construction began on a railroad track built by the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Texas Railroad Company. The first official train ran on July 6, 1902 through Jericho, cattle loading facilities were constructed to accommodate nearby large ranches and huge water storage reservoir was built by the railroad to refill steam engines.
Jericho became famous in legend and folklore after congress authorized a new coast-to-coast highway in 1926, calling it Route 66. It's passage through Jericho added prosperity with several gas stations, mercantile stores, Hotel (Historic Hotel Lyons) and tourist courts built to serve the travelers.
"WHY JERICHO GAP" The main reason for fame came from the stretch of highway between Alanreed and Groom which went through Jericho, rains or snowy weather caused these dirt roads to turn into gumbo-like mud becoming almost impassable to the vehicles of the time and still stands true to this day.
FAMOUS PEOPLE OF JERICHO:
Carolyn Jones, who played fictional character Morticia Addams from the Addams Family television and film series (1964)
J.W. "Digger" Howard - Recognized for his community efforts and contributions to Western Heritage and his love for Team Roping which led him to the board of one of the largest team roping associations in the state at that time, The Texas Roping Association.
HISTORIC JERICHO CEMETERY: Established in 1894 after an unusual outbreak of Malaria killed several settlers. The cause was traced to stagnant water at the spring where drinking water at the spring was obtained. Improvements to the facility were made eliminating the stagnant water. This cemetery is still active and is listed on the Texas historic registry.
SCHAFFER HISTORY: The Schaffer Family came this way in 1894, settling 1 miles north of Jericho had businesses at Jericho, born and raised and died at Jericho are considered Pioneers of their time.
ACCESSIBILITY: Located off Interstate 40 and Highway 70, entrance to Schaffer Farm is at Highway 70 with Texas Flag right at the entrance. Our farm roads are not paved and is up to guest discretion as to whether your rig has sufficient clearance to make it in. If you have concerns please contact us for a road condition update, as ease of access can change with the weather.
WEATHER: Accommodations during snow and rain will be monitored and travelers will be notified of alternate routes or alternate place to stay.
We look forward to hosting you.
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