LUCAS — The Malabar Farm Foundation announced this week it has launched a new updated website in support of the historical preservation efforts at the 1940s-era home of Ohio Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield.
“When I first thought of the creation of the Malabar Farm Foundation, I wanted to continue the legacy and life of Louis Bromfield,” said Louis Andres, Malabar Farm Foundation Founder. “What better way to promote and preserve his writings and expand his influence than through today’s internet technology?”
Since its founding in 1993, the Malabar Farm Foundation has provided support totaling over $2 million in projects to the ODNR, Malabar Farm State Park, including the construction of the Visitors Education Center in 2006.
“We are happy to announce … the launch of the newly updated and redesign of the Malabar Farm Foundation website at www.malabarfarm.org,” the organization stated in a press release. “Visitors from all over the country, and around the globe, come to explore the grounds and tour the Big House. In a normal year, Malabar Farm is host to thousands of visitors.
“Here are a few of the Louis Bromfield and Malabar Farm claims to fame.”
Bromfield was the author of 30 best-selling books and wrote the screenplay for numerous Hollywood movies.
Bromfield wrote the script for Walt Disney’s 1938 film “Ferdinand the Bull.”
Bromfield was a vocal proponent of soil and water conservation and is known by some as the “Father” of sustainable agriculture.
The 1945, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall wedding took place in the Big House.
The Pugh Cabin at Malabar Farm were featured in the movie “Shawshank Redemption.”
Conservation and Preservation Projects
In 1993, the Malabar Farm Foundation, Inc. was established as an all-volunteer, community advisory board and private non-profit foundation to provide assistance to Malabar Farm State Park in preserving the legacy of Louis Bromfield through donations, projects, fundraising, and grants.
In 2014, the Malabar Farm Foundation began funding a restoration and preservation project for Louis Bromfield’s extensive art collection in the Big House at Malabar Farm.
To date, 43 oil paintings, 3 watercolor paintings, and a series of French still-life prints have been restored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA) in Cleveland.
Over 100 pieces of artwork are still in need of restoration work. The Foundation has contributed more than $100,000 toward this effort, and the work continues.
When the art restoration project is complete, the Foundation hopes to turn its attention to the preservation of original Bromfield family textiles on display in the Big House.
“This new website brings Bromfield’s works to a new generation still dealing with many of the same environmental and conservation issues we face even today,” Andres said. “Bromfield was a powerful influencer using the power of his pen.
“Today, the foundation can influence the next generation using the power of the internet.”
What the New Website has to Offer
The vintage look of the new foundation website gives it a unique feel and distinct 1950’s era look that showcases the land, legacy and life of Louis Bromfield and Malabar Farm. The new website focuses on the history and legacy of the farm and the ongoing role the Foundation plays in the renovation and preservation of the Bromfield home and its many artifacts.
“This new website celebrates Bromfield’s Life and Legacy and the important role the foundation plays in the preservation and education of future generations,” Andres said
The website includes many never-seen photos, a virtual tour of the Big House, a blog, updates on renovation/preservation projects, a bibliography and a filmography of Bromfield’s works. The new website will offer artwork from local artists, books, ebooks, and items created by the Malabar Farm Spinning and Weaving Guild for purchase.
Part of the proceeds will support preservation efforts and collaboration with other local community organizations.
This project was made possible through the volunteer efforts of Louis Andres, Malabar Farm Foundation Founder and First Executive Director, and Ginger Patterson, IT Volunteer and Founder of Growth Zone Media.
This project was completed in local partnership with DRM Productions. The website is a great resource to learn and explore the legacy of Louis Bromfield and involve our community of friends. In addition, a new Facebook page @Malabar Farm Foundation was also recently launched.
It features upcoming events and historical highlights. The public is invited to come and explore Malabar Farm’s new home on the web at www.malabarfarm.org.
