A Renaissance For All Seasons

Nat Bradford may not think of himself as a renaissance man or as a man for all seasons, but I think he is both.

Bradford is combining his heritage, classical learning and business innovation with a deep respect for science, the earth and its inhabitants. In the process, he and his family have created a commercial enterprise, The Bradford Watermelon Company, that is reviving economic success and making a difference for others.

But while learning from family and scholars and regional partners is no doubt key to his business success, the real renaissance that Bradford is creating seems to spring from a well that is much deeper.

For a blog dedicated to sharing encouraging stories about the role of education in economic and community development, Bradford’s story seems a perfect fit.

The tale has been told in a few places, most recently in a beautifully written piece published in The State, on April 7, 2015:  The fantastic story of Sumter’s Bradford family, their namesake watermelon, and a mission.

I won’t retell it here, but I would lift up a few of the most attractive strands of knowledge-seeking and wisdom-getting that are woven through the heirloom tapestry that the Bradford’s story has become.

The tale starts with American history (the Revolutionary War, to be more precise). It continues with lessons in agricultural science and food history taught respectively by Nat’s grandfather and Carolina Distinguished Professor David Shields.

Other experts have shared insights in food production and market access. Some who have played important roles include the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation, Slow Food Upstate, McCrady’s Restaurant, and Thomas Locke with the Carolina Farm Stewards Association.

But while learning from family and scholars and regional partners is no doubt key to his business success, the real renaissance that Bradford is creating seems to spring from a well that is much deeper.

Bradford has made it his mission to ensure that the sweet, red watermelon that quenched the thirst of a lonesome prisoner more than two hundred years ago, will permanently improve the lives of desperately poor families living in drought-stricken areas around the world.

Watermelons for Water, a charity Bradford set up, is raising money to provide clean drinking water throughout the developing world.

By all accounts, the Bradford Watermelon is a fine, fine fruit, but for my money, Bradford’s example is even finer.