As the children of migrants from Europe during the tragedies of the 20th Century, the resident caretakers of LBH are proud to say that they have reclaimed this plot of Native land and are actively working to return it to its natural state. Generations past bought this small plot from the original “homesteaders”, and we are honored to work with our neighbors to be actively Anti-Racist in all that we do. This includes accepting and honoring that we exist on stolen land.
As Beth and Dylan learned to navigate the realities of being farm stewards, parents, mid carrier artists, and educators, they also learned how to maximize their strengths and deflect their weaknesses. After six years, it is safe to say that this is a primary component of our mission. We believe that everyone should have the freedom to explore all of their passions, and we encourage our chosen family, and all of our residents and guests to do the same. LBH is as much a philosophy towards living in a Post 20 the Century Capitalist world as it is a small business.
As artists, Beth and Dylan are constantly experimenting. Their failures teach lessons that empower their successes. An example is their most iconic brand: Trucker Hat Hot Sauce. Neither thought they would ever be in the hot sauce business, and yet it was one failed season of cherries on their orchard, and a monetary need to pay the bills for the next two months that saw them re-explore the hot sauce a friend once told them would make them rich. While this iconic, unique to The Columbia River Gorge condiment has evolved into their largest money maker, they will often find themselves joking about never having thought, for a minute, that they would “End up in the hot sauce game.” And yet, Trucker Hat Hot Sauce has evolved into an iconic, and uniquely local product that “if you know, you know, and if you don’t too bad…”
Beth and Dylan take the same approach towards LBH that saw them survive the Great Recession after Dylan lost his Chelsea Gallery in 2008.
They ride the seasons with the same tenacity they used to build a
thriving home and community in Eugene in Whiteaker in 2004. The world throws punches and sometimes all you have is the tools in your hands, and the grit needed to build something you love.
“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”
– Mother Teresa
