KAHU - our philosophy
The Animals of Apthorp Farms Inc.
There is a Hawaiian word, Kahu which embodies our philosophy and the love and mindset of us at Apthorp Farms, whether our reindeer, our doberman, animals past or present are treated with love and respect, NOT animals we OWN.
Kahu - in Hawaiian you do not call yourself your pets OWNER, you are their "Kahu" Kahu has many meanings, among them, GUARDIAN, PROTECTOR, STEWARD, BELOVED ATTENDANT, basically someone entrusted with the safe keeping of something PRECIOUS., something CHERISHED. What a Kahu protects, is NOT their PROPERTY, what they protect is a part of their SOUL.
Come meet our beloved reindeer and all our other family and see for yourself why we call ourselves, their Kahu.
About Us Our History
Volunteer Firefighters/Paramedics, Scott & Deb Apthorp fulfill Deb's dream of a reindeer farm since childhood in 2012. Apthorp Farms Inc. is owned, operated, and staffed with first responders. With core values in dedication and service to the community - we offer exceptional service to our clients as well as our reindeer in our care. We believe in giving back, and dedication and have done so since inception. Our journey will hopefully go on in perpetuity, with a focus on education, and keeping reindeer healthy, happy & well cared for being paramount. Many charities have been served by Apthorp Farms since 2012, even through COVID via virtual events including The Pennsylvania State Police, Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, E.A.R.S. Rabbit Rescue, St. Martins Early Learning Ctr, Pediatria, The U.S. Brig Niagara, Erie Fire Department, Fairfield Hose Company, Collier PD, MARS Stem Club, Tamarack Wildlife and the A.N.N.A shelter as well as many others. Email deserving charity requests to us! call 814-823-4321 email reindeer@apthorpfarms.com
Historical Boston Store Chair from Santa Vern
Added as a historical focal piece In 2013 the historical Boston Store Santa Chair(formerly Erie Dry Goods located at 716-728 State St Circa1885) had gone into ruins for decades until redeveloped as Boston Store Place. It is registered on The National Register of Historic Places with its beautiful Art Deco construction. In the mass auction of basement findings, "Santa" Vern Johnson purchased and treasured the chair which was a highlight to Erie and Erie County Children on the 5th floor of the Boston Store for decades. When Santa Vern took ill he sold the chair on Craigslist. Vern wanted it in a special place, deciding that we served the memory of the chair best he sold us the chair for $350.00. Honoring its little known history, beyond nostalgic childhood memories, we still wish we knew whom built it? A plaque with what little known history is displayed and used by Santa's in our Santa house. With plans for bigger display area in our barn when able to finance and complete. Although Santa Vern did not live long enough to see its fruition, we hope he looks down fondly upon his cherished chair as we strive to keep it's history alive. Deb has since restored it to its original color and upholstery trim, Clint Jordan, repaired a scroll that had broken away, and we removed broken plastic decorations with a reindeer hook for Santa's hat! Our plans is to place in a local museum in the future should it be valued as such. Otherwise it will stay on in history at Apthorp Farms.
Beautiful Lamp
While a wonderful farm sits in ruins its beautiful porch lamp called to Deb, after several unanswered calls to the realtor went ignored. Reaching out to a fellow firefighters in Summit Twp was the long miracle necessary. This porch lamp was located at 9091 Peach St, a beautiful two story red brick farmhouse built in 1851. It had been previously owned by a Harboreek School teacher, Mr Dennis. Franklin and Nellie McVay Dennis lived at 9091 Peach St. Mr Dennis passed at 82 and was a Marine and a Pearl Harbor veteran aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard in the south Pacific. While teaching science at Harborceek High School he also coached football, wrestling an baseball. It seemed very apropos this lamp called to us. We reside in Harborcreek almost the same address!, Scott was studying every aspect of science in HS and college to become the engineer he is today and also participated in football and wresting. My hope is that Mr. Dennis looks fondly down on the preservation of 1 piece of his loved home where he raised 1 daughter, 3 sons and 10 grandchildren. Mr. Dennis was remembered as a wonderful teacher, a always there friend, a kind gentleman and role model. I hope he knows a small piece of his life was preserved by the Perry Highway Fire Department via Gretchen and Kip Hayford and fondly adorns the Santa house entrance today.