Our Mission:
 
Thompson Farm and Nursery is a celebration of our past with a focus on our future.  We will instill an appreciation of the agriculture experience through “hands-on” activities and educational instruction.  We will offer an understanding of the importance of farming: past, present and future.

Family

In early 1845, Julious and Amanda Thompson began their life at Thompson Farm in Bucksville.  Together, they had 15 children, 12 boys and 3 girls.  Many of the children lived the majority of their lives on or near the family farm.

During this time, there were no major roads for transportation.  The family traveled by wagon or along the local rivers of the Independent Republic of Horry.

Most farms and plantations were able to produce most of the things they needed for survival, including tools and food for the family.  The Thompson Farm thrived due to the variety of items they were able to produce. Julious was able to trade and barter for any necessities they could not grow or make.  The items made and produced on the farm included all food staples used by the family, tobacco, potatoes, cotton, livestock, cypress shingles, cured meat, brick and tar.

Julious and Amanda’s son Fred eventually inherited the home place.  Fred was born in 1895.  With his first wife Ina, they had three children.  After Ina’s death, Fred married again to Edna in 1925.  They also had three children, Sidney, Etah and Charles.

Fred and Edna continued to operate the farm until their deaths.  At that time, the Thompson Farm was inherited by three of the children, Fred Jr., Sidney and Charles.

Currently, a part of the original Farm is owned by the family of Fred Jr., with the balance owned by Sidney Thompson and his family.   Sidney’s family includes wife, Norma and their children, Rick, Scott and Kristin.  


The House

The house was originally constructed in early 1825 by Cornelius Sarvis, a South Carolina Legislator.  At that time, the one-story house consisted of one bedroom, a kitchen and a modest breakfast area.    The second story containing three additional bedrooms was not added until the mid-1850’s.  This portion was built using lumber from the Trinity Methodist Church in Port Harrelson.  In the main house, electricity was added in 1938 followed by running water and a restroom in 1941.

The original barn built in 1910 is still located on the property.  The barn is the oldest barn in Horry County was the largest barn in the county when constructed.  

Sidney and his family continue to utilize the house for a second home and as a place to hold large family gatherings throughout the year to honor the history of the Thompson Home place.  



Thompson Farm and Nursery
“Where Traditions Continue to Grow”

Shelly Kirkbride joined our staff in early 2002 and expanded our operation to include greenhouse production.  With her creativity and the dedication of our staff, we have expanded our greenhouse production each season to accommodate the ever increasing demand for annuals and perennials.

Based on the successful operation of the greenhouses, and the changing economic outlook, Thompson Farm looked back to the principles the Farm had always used to survive.  Using these principles, in 2009, Thompson Farm and Nursery opened to the general public by adding farm tours for groups and other marketing events.  Our groups include public schools in the area which bring children to Daisy’s Planting Shed where we offer classes on planting, insects and life cycles of farm animals that meet South Carolina educational standards.

Thompson Farm and Nursery is currently operated by a fourth generation on over 200 acres.  Crops grown include tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, onions, corn, oats and potatoes.  The greenhouses continue to supply a wide variety of plant material to local homeowners associations as well as other nurseries in the area.  A third greenhouse was added in 2008 for the purpose of growing produce hydroponically.  By offering such a diverse selection of products, we are able to remain profitable and offer a unique experience to children and adults of all ages.

Throughout its history, Thompson Farm has adapted to keep up with technology and the changing demands of the consumer.  During economic uncertainty, farming being no exception, the family has diversified to ensure public education and followed the ideology of the importance of locally grown vegetables and plants.