The Book
Far Out! The Untold Story of the ‘60s-Inspired
“Back-to-the-Land” Migration that Changed Nova Scotia
“Could you imagine today that thousands of educated young urbanites would drop everything and migrate to the remote hills and valleys of rural Nova Scotia to create a better life ? Far Out ! is a timely, candid, and often hilarious story of the idealism, failures, unexpected alliances, and the lasting influence these back-to-the-landers have had on their adopted province.”
- Costas Halavrezos, former CBC Radio host, and author of “Seasoned: Recipes and
Essays from The Spiceman"
The 1960s were marked by radical social change. Many young people rejected the politics and values of the day and decided to “drop out” and leave their cities and towns for the country. Their desire for an independent rural life took many of them to the hills, valleys, and coasts of Nova Scotia. Its “far out” location and helpful neighbours provided a base to build a self-sufficient life. Inexperienced and unprepared, many eventually left. But some were able to adjust and build satisfying lives while
contributing to their communities. Like most
immigrants, they brought a combination of new
ideas and old practices, ranging from organic
gardening, creative arts and crafts, to alternative
energy, environmentalism, and a host of new
enterprises. In return, their neighbours shared
their traditional culture, history, and knowledge.
These interesting people and their fascinating life
stories inspired me to write Far Out!
"Their migration stories were rich in appreciation
for the land and the people they found here, stories
about learning from their neighbours, adapting to
their challenging environment, raising funky families,
making a creative living, and contributing in various
ways to their communities. Somehow, they had
achieved the 'good life' they had sought when they
moved to rural Nova Scotia more than 50 years ago.
Not bad for a bunch of hippies and draft dodgers.”
- Author Chris Murphy
Chris (on the right) interviewing Amish Morell son of Back to the Land parents and Toronto-based arts writer and academic
Chris used personal experience, historical research, and extensive interview material to write this colourful but overlooked chapter of modern Nova Scotian history. Photographs provided by the original back to the landers and his brother Peter and period sketches and drawings by Peter’s wife, artist Anna Syperek, enliven the story. For today’s new generation of rural homesteaders and retirees, the details of this youthful rural migration more than half a century ago are timely and informative and will inspire nostalgic reflections for all those who lived through this transformative
era.
