Joseph Walker was born in Tennessee on December 13, 1798. He was considered by historians to be among the greatest of our nation's trailblazers. Joseph made his way through these parts sometime in the spring of 1820, going west.
Legend has it that before Joseph left, his father gave him the family horse, Chance, to bring him good fortune and help him find his way. The sight of Joseph riding Chance became a symbol of hope for people in need all across the nation--as they seemed to magically show up just at the right time.
The story goes that when Joseph's beloved horse Chance passed, he nailed Chance's horseshoes upright to hold good fortune for all those who followed his trail. We are told that "Old Joe Walker" continued hanging up his lucky horseshoes as he blazed trails across our great country. Somewhere along the way, "Chance" just may have helped bring good fortune for one of your ancestors as they sought a better life for their (your) family.
Like "Old Joe" and Chance, CLO has been cutting trails for well over three decades, helping families and people seeking a better life. At Midnight Farm, CLO continues Old Joe’s great tradition of hanging horseshoes upright to pass on good fortune.
Someday you will see thousands of horseshoes nailed upright on the walls of Midnight Farm and around its trails. Each one will offer one very fortunate family the "Chance" to pass on good wishes, luck, and hope to all the families that follow as they too find their way to "the good life."
"Old Joe Walker's Wall" at Midnight Farm will be an inspiration to all those who come here, and it will remind us all that sometimes to make a meaningful difference you have to make a new trail and take a great Chance.
Mike Strouse
September 12, 2009
