1-20 cover merged - Flipbook - Page 14
Dean and Judy Shultz
81.09 acres in Mt. Joy Township
This farm has familial significance to Dean. Bordered on one side by Rock
Creek, the land lies mostly in Mount Joy Township on Baltimore Pike and
is one of the few privately-owned properties within the boundary of the
Gettysburg National Military Park. Peter Baker purchased the farm in
1847 and was the owner when the Battle of Gettysburg took place. He
left the property to his son Jacob. Dean’s grandfather lived nearby and
was taken in by the Baker family, and he lived there until he married. The
Bakers were like grandparents to Dean. He spent countless hours of his
childhood at the farm hearing tales of the battle and exploring the
forested hillside. When the Bakers passed away, the property went to
Dean’s father, and from him to Dean.
Dean and Judy have been dedicated stewards of the farm, working to
preserve the historic appearance of both land and buildings. Over the
years they purchased dozens of neighboring parcels to protect the
surrounding hallowed ground. Mature oak forests envelop patchy hay
fields in the center of the property. Old stone rows throughout are
reminders of the work done by early settlers to clear fields and create
pasture. Diabase boulders are scattered around the farmstead and the
woods. These are all things that the Shultzes wanted to protect, and the
conservation easement held by the Land Conservancy will help to do
that.
Photo by Sarah Kipp
It will also help to protect the experience of visiting one of the most
special places in the Military Park – Neill Avenue. Often called
