FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann Graham Nichols
Phone: 517-290-3962
Email: info@alexanderforcongress.com
Website: alexanderforcongress.com

St. Johns, MI – The oldest continuously operating mint farm in the United States is in foreclosure and will be auctioned tomorrow at 3:00 PM at The Clinton County Courthouse. Established in 1912, The Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns is the oldest mint farm in a town famous for its annual Mint Festival.

 

A growing number of citizens, public officials, and activist groups are outraged by the potential loss of this cherished family farm, which symbolizes the struggles faced by small and medium-sized farms across the state. There will be a pre-Auction rally at the Farm, located at 1250 E. Parks Road in St. Johns on Thursday, August 14^th at 2:00 PM.

 

8^th District Congressional Candidate Bob Alexander is among those pledging to support the Crosby Mint Farm in any way possible, both now and after his election in November. He will attend the rally along with area Commissioners, activists, educators and concerned citizens.

 

The Crosby Farm, subject of two documentary films, grows, distills and bottles mint oil using sustainable agricultural practices. It is owned and operated by “Peppermint” Jim and Linette Crosby, great-grandchildren of the original owner. According to film producer Ephraim K. Smith, “it is very unusual for any individual American farm to have been the focus and title of an historical documentary released nationally.” Smith also believes that the Crosby Mint Farm is “probably eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.” The Farm regularly hosts Michigan school groups, herb societies, master gardening groups and provides tours to groups of U.S. and European visitors.

 

Following the foreclosure auction on August 14^th, the Crosbys will have 12 months to “redeem” the farm, either by paying of the existing debt or by refinancing. Jim and Linette have been working to keep the farm in operation while trying to save it from foreclosure, and maintain existing business.