Name: Weston’s Farm & Markets
Location: 48 River Street
Fryeburg, Maine 04037
Phone: 207-935-2567
Email: weston@fairpoint.net
Website: www.westonsfarm.com
Hours: open every day 9-6
9-6:30 p.m. in summer
mid-May to Dec. 24
Fax: 207-935-4555
Products and Services:
-vegetables
-organic produce
-maple syrup
-jams, jellies, honey, milk, pies
-eggs, cheese, wines
-Christmas trees
-ice cream
-cut flowers
-Maine gifts and handcrafts
-Christmas shop
-all-natural lamb and Angus beef
-baked goods
-hay
-CSA
-Senior Share Program
-Conway Market - West Side Road
Why is Weston’s Farm So Unique?
When you turn into Weston’s Farm off of
the River Road in Fryeburg, you immediately
note the old majestic yellow farmhouse. It is
a three-story mansard-roofed Second Empire style home that was built in 1870 by John Weston. It is a beautiful homestead set in the foothills of the picturesque Mount Washington Valley. The house is situated next to a welcoming farm stand.
The Rivercroft Farm, as Weston’s Farm was originally named, is still going strong in its 213th year. Seven generations of Westons have farmed the land since 1799 when the area was under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In July, 2008, Rivercroft Farm was placed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. It is the second oldest farm in the state of Maine.
George Weston discussed how Weston’s Farm transitioned from raising cattle and operating as a dairy to a farm where vegetables were raised in 1985. He chuckled when he explained how in the beginning years the family sold vegetables from a card table.
When you enter the Weston’s Farm Stand these days you immediately notice the unbelievable selection and variety of items that are available for sale. The days of selling vegetables on a card table are long gone! There is organic produce, maple syrup, ice cream, all-natural lamb and beef, jams, jellies, honey, milk, pies, eggs, cheese, and wines. The Farm Stand is filled with Maine gifts and handcrafts, baked goods, and a Christmas shop.
Coupled with the sense of history that emanates from the property is a long-established commitment to the surrounding communities. The Westons have welcomed area residents to cross country ski on trails on their property for no charge. John Weston has been the coach of the Fryeburg Academy Ski Team for the past fourteen years.
In addition, Weston’s Farm has been very
involved in the Fryeburg Fair. George Weston and John Weston both serve as Trustees of the Fryeburg Fair and George Watson is 2nd Vice President of the West Oxford Agricultural Society.
The commitment of the Weston’s Farm to
becoming involved in their community is
evidenced by their participation in the
Senior Share program where seniors who
qualify are eligible to receive $50 of free
produce in the summer or fall. Weston’s Farm has also welcomed schools and camps from New Hampshire and Maine to tour their farm and even participate in farming activities. Many young children have enjoyed learning about the Weston’s maple sugar operation.
On August 28, 2012, the Westons will be
offering a free dinner to the community made
from their own fresh vegetables. The response to the dinner has been so enthusiastic that no more tickets are even available.
Since 1799, the Weston family has practiced sustainable agriculture in Fryeburg. George
and Laurie and John Weston have each demonstrated exceptional skill in diversifying their farm operations. There is an interest in green practices with the incorporation of biodiesel. The farm was recognized as the Conservation Farm Cooperator of the year by the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2006.
Weston Farm has come a long way from the
days of concentrating on raising cattle. They
now have a successful maple syrup operation, organic gardens, hay and timber operations, several greenhouses and a CSA program. In the fall they offer a Harvest Hay Fort and a large selection of pumpkins and winter squash.
During the winter holidays the Westons have a cut-your-own Weston’s-grown Frasier
or Balsam Fir sale and over eighty decorated
wreaths, and boughs, kissing balls, roping, swags, and a Christmas gift shop. In the spring, the Fryeburg farm becomes alive with
the making of maple syrup in the Weston’s Sugar House. They participate in Maine Maple Sunday on the fourth Sunday in March. They offer demonstrations and tours and free syrup samples served on ice cream.
Weston’s Farm also has a presence in Conway, New Hampshire. Their Conway Farm Stand at 48 River Street is open every day from late June through Columbus Day. The farm also participates in the Jackson, New Hampshire Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
George Weston described how home-grown,
locally-grown food has become very popular in the last few years. He explained that this was not the case thirty years ago. He is pleased that people now want to buy locally.
In the 213 years that Weston’s Farm has operated many changes have taken place.
The focus on carrying out a tradition of
sustainability for such a long period of time
by seven generations is truly amazing.
There has been an added interest in producing organic vegetables since 2008.
Weston’s Farm is a source of pride in the Mount Washington Valley for its commitment
to the community, its recognition on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and its
focus on providing healthy, fresh, locally-grown products to area residents.
