When this website was first launched, we published no photos of ourselves. It wasn't really a conscious decision but Path to Freedom was created to document the work that was being done and the self-sufficient urban homestead. We didn't think anyone cared about us and there was no reason to clutter up the site with pointless personal trivia. But as the emails came in and curiosity abounded and the media came cold-calling with cameras in hand, we reluctantly came to accept the growing interest in who were the people behind the site and the pretty yard photos.

Years later, we are amused by the photograph at left, taken by a photographer for a German newspaper in 2007. But such photos have come in handy -- if for no other reason than it's probably one of few with all four family members together where no one looks too much like a goof (even if we look less than thrilled).

Nonetheless, an urban homestead is more than just people... it takes someone who had the dedication and vision and the personalities and character of each member that have created the place into what it is; as well as a very important person who influenced the lives of his descendants.

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The Urban Homestead's

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Jules Dervaes Sr.
1913 - 1996

...You should always cast your eyes toward tomorrow. Sharpen your vision. Never be guided by the principle "everybody's doing it..." Jules Dervaes Sr, 1977