Jennifer Garner Saved Old Family Farm Where Her Mom Grew up Poor & Turned It into a Paradise
- Jennifer Garner not only excels as an actress but also serves as a remarkable exemplar of a devoted daughter.
- Emerging from humble origins, the "Yes Day" star was profoundly moved by the narratives recounting her mother's impoverished upbringing.
- Determined to save her mother's run-down family farm, Jennifer transformed it into a magnificent paradise years later.
Jennifer Garner is a critically-acclaimed actress known for portraying a wide range of roles in films and television series, including "Felicity," "Alias," "Catch Me If You Can," "13 Going On 30," "Juno," "Love Simon," and many others.
While many are familiar with Jennifer's profile as a famous Hollywood diva, little is known about her family background, upbringing, and her parents' childhood. Many might be unaware that the beloved actress hails from modest origins and takes after her mom and dad.
Jennifer Garner attends the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala Presented By Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 09, 2019, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer's mother, Patricia Anne Garner, experienced a deeply impoverished childhood. In 1936, during the Great Depression, Patricia's parents, Harvey Newton English and Violet Margaret Sayre English, managed to purchase a family farm near Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
With heartfelt intentions, Jennifer embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the farm, envisioning a fresh chapter for the cherished property.
With only $700 given to Harvey as a veteran's bonus for his service as a World War I veteran, they knew it was their only chance to own property. The farm they purchased was modest, consisting of a two-room house and 20 acres of land, with a Native American cemetery occupying 1 acre at its core.
Patricia's parents had to hire someone to drive them to get to the property, as they did not own a car. Negotiations over the price of the farm were intense, with Harvey spending a whole day haggling over a $20 difference. Eventually, the deal was closed, and the farm became a valuable possession for the family, having remained in their ownership ever since.
Actress Jennifer Garner and her mother attend the premiere of Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises' "Elektra" at the Palms Casino on January 8, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Life on the farm was challenging, lacking basic amenities like electricity, running water, and indoor plumbing. While electricity was eventually installed in 1945, Patricia's family never had the luxury of running water or indoor plumbing during her time there.
Despite the hardships, the farm had its advantages. The cultivable land was incredibly fertile, allowing Harvey to plant and maintain a bountiful garden. Various crops were grown, including leaf lettuces, radishes, English peas, new potatoes, beets, green beans, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
Additionally, the farm boasted numerous native pecan trees, providing income and delectable treats. The family also raised chickens, cows, and pigs, ensuring a self-sufficient source of meat.
In 1936, Patricia's mother and three siblings moved to the farm while her father worked in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp some distance away. They arrived in October, facing an unusually wet year.
Jennifer Garner and her mother, Patricia Garner, are seen on November 24, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges, Patricia's mom and grandma managed to procure a horse and cultivate a garden. Patricia herself was born in 1938, and shortly after, her father left the CCC and returned home to the farm.
In 1962, Patricia's father passed away, and at some point after that, her mother decided to sell the farm to Patricia's older brother James and his wife, Helen. During Patricia and her father's ownership, they expanded the farm by approximately 35 acres by acquiring adjoining tax-title land.
Later, James constructed a barn and fenced the property. Eventually, in 2008, James sold the farm to Patricia's brother Robert and his wife Janet, who built a modern house on the land, ensuring the farm's continued legacy within the family.
Jennifer Garner and her mother, Patricia Garner, are seen on November 24, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2020 interview, Jennifer shared details about her mother and her own upbringing. She expressed her concern to her mother about discussing their family's poverty, but her mom responded resiliently, saying she was never ashamed of her humble beginnings.
The "Elektra" actress admired the grace and dignity her parents maintained throughout her childhood. Despite the difficulties, she described her mom as a dedicated person who pursued her education and obtained a graduate degree while Jennifer was young.
Patricia went on to become a teacher at West Virginia State, specializing in remedial reading. Her students were college students who had struggled with illiteracy despite navigating the public school system in West Virginia.
How Jennifer Garner Advocated for the Impoverished & Bought Her Family's Farm
Having experienced a modest upbringing, Jennifer developed a deep concern for others. Growing up just a generation removed from poverty, she witnessed classmates who couldn't afford new shoes and encountered educational disparities. This ignited a passionate commitment within her to stand up for these families, leading her to support the organization "Save the Children."
In 2017, Jennifer purchased her family's farm, which held significant sentimental value as it was where her mother grew up.
Recognizing the farm's historical and personal significance, she acquired the property with the understanding that her family could continue to reside there and care for the land.
With heartfelt intentions, Jennifer embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the farm, envisioning a fresh chapter for the cherished property.
Reflecting on her childhood, Jennifer warmly recalled her family's humble abode — a small yellow house nestled on Greystone Place in Rolling Hills, West Virginia. The neighborhood, situated on a hill, featured a narrow dead-end street and close-knit neighbors, surrounded by woodlands that served as a playground for Jennifer and the local children.
Together, they enjoyed childhood games like "kick the can" and embarked on imaginative adventures, constructing forts and collecting treasures. The "Daredevil" alum recounted her fascination with collecting rubber bands, cherishing them as prized possessions.
Cooking was significant in Jennifer's upbringing, as her resourceful mother crafted homemade meals with love and ingenuity. Due to financial constraints, her mom took on the task of creating everything they ate, including homemade potato chips lovingly fried by her own hands.
A Brief Look at Jennifer Garner's Life as a Farmer
In 2018, Jennifer and her mother sat together at their family farm, which held a special place in Patricia's heart, being her childhood home. The "Peppermint" star expressed her deep attachment and emotional connection to the land, emphasizing her desire to pass on the same love to her own children.
The mother-daughter duo discussed their shared passion for cultivating the farm and spoke about the variety of organic fruits and vegetables they grew, such as persimmons, kale, blueberries, and potatoes. Jennifer also talked about her Uncle Robert, who still resided on the farm and held a wealth of cherished family stories.
Jennifer takes immense pride in her role as a farmer, unafraid to get her hands dirty and actively engaging in the labor-intensive tasks involved in working the land. She enjoys driving a tractor, breaking the ground, planting and nurturing various crops, and harvesting the fruits of her labor.
She wholeheartedly embraces the farmer's lifestyle and often sports a classic look, dressed in regular denim overalls. From singing to her green babies to showcasing her love for organic farming through her collaboration with "Once Upon A Farm," Jennifer's farm continues to flourish under her watchful eye.
With her hands-on involvement and commitment to organic farming practices, Jennifer cultivates a thriving environment for her crops. The farm has become a source of pride and accomplishment for the Hollywood A-lister, reflecting her passion for sustainability and nurturing the land.
Today, Jennifer's mom's once-run-down family farm thrives under her watchful eye, having turned into a real paradise. The "Pearl Harbor" actress also enjoys sharing delicious recipes on social media, courtesy of her grandma, Exie Mae.
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