The Old Barn

Not far from Canadian Border. 1851…We had arrived in America, on King Ahab’s ship. There was a total of 15 of us and my grandfather’s goat. Gavelle- our goat was about 3 years old. He was very special to Jebo, my grandfather. We would have to find land, plentiful enough for him to run free and we could build a shelter. The ship was as long as five cars. We unloaded our wagons and horses. Stacked the preserves and linen on the back. Gavelle was jumping up and down. Enough of these waters. It had been a week. Traveled from the Mediterranean. We followed some railroad tracks and chose a plot of land not far from the tracks. Set up camp and decided to start building in the morning. We would tear apart the ship. Using the lumber to build the barn and furniture.

"Jebo, Help me pick this up". I was up as the sun. Some of the men had started tearing apart the ship last night. A pile of wood stacked in the empty space. I started dragging the pieces to their corners. "Wake up Justin, Malike and the kids". There were 3 wagons under the trees. Our horses were adapting to the grassy fields and cool breeze. Ahab was goofing around with them all morning. My Uncle had taken off South. He was off to trade coffee and spices for other land. Although it was plentiful, lots had been claimed by Pilgrims or Native Americans. I felt lost, which we were, but the opportunity was worth it. Was everything we asked for. Malike threw on his boots, grabbed a few rags off the wagon. Began hammering the side pieces together. I held the ladders sturdy and grabbing nails. Jebo had started laying bricks for the fireplace. We all worked throughout the days, seasons til one day it was finally finished.

Grecian wildflowers sat on the table. It was September. We had worked 3 months in. Our Friends in the Village stopped over for tea and planned what's next. Some of them went back to Europe. Others were assigned a different town with new shipmates. My friend Violet was making some sort of sugary drink for us. I took the warm pie out the oven and placed it on our table. Gavelle saw the apple treats and began dancing around. Placed them in a silver dish, I had found in a crate. The apples were red, crisp and delicious. Soon we would be picking more to stock up for the winter season. America was much colder then the islands we sailed from.

Jebo placed his maps in the box and brought out the one of Cicero, NY. I was leaving with 5 others. My Uncle was meeting us halfway. On to a new project. Jebo was staying with Gazelle. “I will be back for Christmas, Grandfather. Love you- Will see you then.” Jebo hugged me close and gave the guys a pat on the back. “Bye! Tell my sons to come back with you.”Soon he was far in the distance.

Today I woke up and got ready for work. Make some money for the trip with my friends. Gem's Diner. Winter was consistant with light snow in the night. I packed some gloves, scarf and my compass. There was a story of an Old Barn off 81N - Close to a Railway. It was 4 days til Christmas. For years we heard a story of A Christmas goat. Rather, a Yule. Lived with Old Smitty- Grandson of a man named Jebo. Jebo was said to have had healing powers and a goat that was extraordinarily unique. We’d all meet at his barn. Start a bonfire and celebrate the season. He had knowledge as we were coming. In the country newspaper, was an ad to visit the magical goat. Planned on leaving around 10 am. My phone rang it was Terry- She said she be over in 12 minutes. Was excited to find this mysterious goat. Patrick & Nick drove behind us. I had gone down to the library and found records of where it exactly was. About three hours away.

The snow thickened a little. Christmas lights lit up parts of the small towns. Salt trucks had covered most the roads, but we still drove with caution. The country was beautiful. I knew it was along the tracks. You could see them on the left. Not much farther. Next turn was Lakeway Path. Drove about 3 miles into the wilderness and there it was. Made of Cedarpine. A wooden fence bordered the side of the road.

“We’re here.” Pulled in front of the Old Barn. Nick and Pat got out and walked up to us. “Let’s go.” We had to be sure this goat was making his appearance for the Christmas festival. Heard Old Smitty sometimes kept him as family only traditions. Why would he place an advertisement then do that? We walked up on the front porch. There was wood stack along and some chairs. Terry knocked. An older man, long white beard answered the door. “Welcome! Come on in. I’ve made us some coffee, we can get to know eachother.” We all made our way through the door, out of the cold. Hoping the wind would die down a little for the bonfire. I really didn’t want any coffee, but accepted it anyway. The kitchen was cozy with a long rectangular table. Nick sat down next to Terry. Pat kept close to me. “So, you have done this festival often?” Nick asked. “Just a few times. I have not had much Christmas spirit, but he is a tradition. I should be more involved as you might say.” “He, I thought it was a she.” I asked. “The Yule goat was a she, long ago. This is a descendent of hers. Why he’s called a Christmas Goat, not so much Yule. He still has the magnificence of an original. So the legend will live on.” “So there are others?” Pat questioned. “Yes, back along the Mediterranean. They travel many miles to America, as we had. Would you like to go meet him?” We all smiled, and followed him out the back door.

There was a room attached to the back of the barn. You could smell the hay. “Hey, Sully! You ready to play in the snow today?” The goat was about 3 feet high. He was white with long ears and tiny horns. “Can we pet him?” I asked. “Sure, here. Even feed him a carrot or two.” Pat and I grabbed a couple carrots and fed the sweet animal. “Okay, now let’s dress him up a little. We have shalls, flowers, bells. Which would you like?” Smitty opened the closet door and pulled out a chest. Opened it. Terry picked up a red cloth, I picked up a green one. “Green.” Nick said- We all agreed. Then chose bells for his ankles and a wreath for the top of his head. Sully seemed to enjoy this. “We’ll have to pack him som snacks, then will be ready to leave.” It was now 3:00 pm. The festival started around 5. We would have time to get the fire going. Light the trees and possibly shovel some. We helped get the goat in Smitty’s old truck. Nick suggested we take one car this time. So the 4 of us got on my car. Following behind Smitty. The festival was about 10 miles away. Smitty turned into a state park. There were a few cars already there. Soon enough the parking lot had filled up. Christmas music was playing and Sully was marching around. Smitty told us stories of the first Yule goat and how he had kept the spirit alive. As it brings us joy and prosperity for the holidays. We mingled and participated in other activities they had going on. When the part died down, we all got in the car and followed Smitty back to his old barn. He asked if we’d like to visit in the summer. As he wasn’t really just a Christmas goat. “Sounds good. We’ll be in touch.” Terry and I hugged the goat and Old Smitty. The guys shook his hand. “Nice meeting you! Don’t be a stranger.” Smitty stood in the driveway, waving goodbye. It was certainly a great adventure. You could feel the good energy it left you. I hope the Christmas goat lasts forever.