Experiencing Life as a 19th Century Homesteader: A Family’s Journey on “Back to the Frontier”
In an era dominated by technology, the question arises: How did our ancestors manage their daily lives without the conveniences of modern tools such as cellphones, microwave ovens, and automobiles? This intriguing inquiry is explored in the reality series “Back to the Frontier,” where three families immerse themselves in the life of homesteaders from 1880 for an eight-week duration. The show, produced by Chip and Joanna Gaines, invites viewers to witness a significant lifestyle transformation, emphasizing the values of simplicity and resilience.
Each family participating in the show was provided with a basic cabin equipped with essential tools, a modest budget for food, and instructional books to guide them through the myriad tasks of 19th-century living. Jereme and Lina Hall, along with their three children, encountered immediate challenges upon arrival in Alberta, where they discovered the stark realities of homesteading. One of the first hurdles was the lack of adequate sleeping arrangements, leading to a night spent in one shared bed. Jereme, a home renovation professional with woodworking experience, soon took on the task of building additional beds with the primitive tools of the time.
The reality of homesteading extended beyond furniture-making. The daily routines were dictated by the sun, with many tasks needing to be completed before nightfall. “Sometimes we would have dinner, but we’d have to go outside and do dishes in the dark,” Lina recalled. This experience forced the family to adapt to a rhythm dictated by nature, emphasizing the simplicity and immediacy of life devoid of electronic distractions.
Interestingly, the Hall children found joy in their new responsibilities. Mia, the eldest daughter, expressed her surprise at enjoying activities such as cooking on a wood-burning stove. Jereme’s son, Jet, developed a penchant for manually operating an ice cream maker, leading the family to adopt similar practices back in Florida, where they now churn their own ice cream and bread.
The experience prompted significant reflections on technology’s role in contemporary lives. Mia confessed to finding the readjustment to smartphone usage uncomfortable after the immersive experience, stating, “It was such a weird experience…I needed to slowly get back into it.” The family’s connection to nature and each other deepened as they embraced the homesteading lifestyle, distancing themselves from the distractions of modern technology.
Jereme articulated the family’s motivation to participate in this experiment as a means to instigate personal growth. “We wanted change in our life,” he noted, emphasizing that the journey was not solely for entertainment but a transformative experience aimed at redefining their priorities. They are now contemplating longer-term lifestyle changes, including relocating to facilitate a larger garden and orchard, further integrating their newfound values into daily life.
Ultimately, “Back to the Frontier” serves not only as a window into a historically rich lifestyle but also as a commentary on contemporary values concerning family, endurance, and the challenges of modernity. As the Halls and their counterparts from other participating families navigate the difficulties of homesteading, they learn invaluable lessons about patience, adaptability, and the importance of reconnecting with the earth and each other.
The show airs on platforms including HBO Max and the Magnolia Network, drawing audiences into a compelling narrative that challenges our perceptions of daily life and the conveniences we often take for granted.
