Teamwork: Jacob Bowen with ‘Sam’ And ‘Ev’

Jacob Bowen of Eastford and his Randall Lineback working steers “Sam” and “Ev” demonstrated pulling a stoneboat at the Waldo Farm in Scotland, Connecticut, recently.

The oxen will be three in July and are named for the breed’s creators, Samuel and Everett Randall. The critically endangered cattle once provided sustenance in the form of milk and meat for New England families, and also did the heavy agricultural work on farms. The Randall Linebacks have recently been named Vermont’s first “State Heritage Breed.”

Jacob and his team will exhibit at Eastford Heritage Day, June 12, at the Brooklyn Fair, Four Town Fair, and The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) this year. At the 2009 Big E youth working steer junior class he took fourth. Jacob is the son of Amy and Richard Bowen.

Oxen were the trucks, tractors and bulldozers of their time.

Relied upon for strength and intelligence (as well as a food source) oxen were man’s main beasts of burden until the late 19th century, when horses and mules replaced them. Nowadays, to see a live team in action, look for a living history museum such as Old Sturbridge Village or Colonial Williamsburg or at a special event such as farm days, exposition, or an agricultural fair.

Eastford, Connecticut, will celebrate its heritage on Saturday, June 12, with a road race, firetrucks and a community dinner. Enjoy beverages, coffee, pastries, ice cream, pie, backyard barbecue fare, and place bids in the historical commission’s auction. Learn about native plants, local trails and town history.

Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village can see baby oxen as well as lambs and more this weekend when the living history village hosts a “Muster Day” on Saturday, June 12, with a special appearance by the 1812 Marines from Boston’s U.S.S. Constitution, who will march, drill, and demonstrate field maneuvers alongside the Sturbridge militia.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is one of the largest living history museums in the country. For more information visit www.osv.org or call (800) 733-1830.

In 2008, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation held its first symposium on oxen and their crucial role through the centuries. Oxen are a key feature of Colonial Williamsburg’s rare breeds program, which represents the animals that would have been a part of everyday life in 18th-century Virginia.

Another place to see oxen is at the Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair, in Wilmington, Vermont, Thursday Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 2. View results at the 2009 event online.

Those interested in a bit of a drive may want to peruse Northern New England Fairs
N.E. Country Fairs and Field Days www.northernnewengland.com for other events.