From the Asheville Citizen Times January 1914:

Tom Israel Possums.

Operating Possum Farm Near City to Domesticate and Grow Animals.

Believing that there is always a market for a well-fed fat ‘possum, Thomas Israel, of Henderson County has conceived and put into execution the novel idea of raising possums to order, and to carry out his idea, has enclosed a large plot of ground on his place near Hendersonville, stocked it with possums and is sitting back waiting for his profits to materialize.

Members of the opossum tribe, made famous by former President Taft, multiply very rapidly, Mr. Israel says, and he also thinks that the presence of the domesticated animals will attract large numbers of their brethren from the nearby hills and vales. Figuring all these factors into the proposition he expects to have about 2000 opossums of marketable age at the end of two years.

Possums now bring from $.50-$.75 apiece, and their skins, when properly prepared, bring an equal amount. Figuring every possible catastrophe into the account, Mr. Israel thinks he can raise the savory delicacy at a cost of about $.25 ahead. Based on his other figures, this would give a net profit of from a dollar to a dollar and a quarter on every animal.

Continue reading There is always a market for a well-fed fat possum.