Fordham+Colony+Information

Fordham Colony is one of the two Hutterite colonies in the Clark, SD School District. It is located approximately 17 miles southwest of Clark, just north of Carpenter, SD.

Fordham, like other colonies, is a farming community. Corn and soybeans are two of the main crops grown. Fordham also raises turkeys, hogs, chickens, and of course, pheasants !! There are several colony gardens, where all the produce needed is grown. The fresh vegetables are wonderful !!

There are 80+ people at Fordham Colony. Family names include Wollman, Glanzer, and Waldner. Each family has their own home. We're looking forward to the construction of a new 4-family home on the west side of the colony. It'll be fun watching the progress.

Everyone at Fordham works very hard, from the little ones to the older residents. The little girls babysit for the young moms while they're in the garden, cooking, or whenever else they're needed. The older girls help with the gardens and pheasants. Some take their turn helping to cook as well as working in the dining room. All the ladies take turns dishwashing, and you wouldn't believe how fast dishes for so many can be done when you've got a good group working !! When a lady reaches 50, they don't have to work in the gardens anymore, but they do help when it comes time to can or preserve all the produce. The men do the farming, construction, electrical or plumbing work, as well as working in the new shop or taking care of all the livestock.

Three men make most of the decisions at Fordham. They include the secretary (in charge of finances), the preacher, and the farm boss. These men, as well as all the residents of Fordham should be very proud of all that they do.

Fordham is a wonderful place to live (and work). I've never met a group of people that work so hard and are so loving. The work ethic and value system they all possess is truly great, and I'm very proud to be associated with them.