Metcalf–Franklin Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Metcalf–Franklin Farm
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| Location | 142 Abbott Run Valley Rd., Cumberland, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 63.4 acres (25.7 ha) |
| Built | 1810 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000526 |
| Added to NRHP | June 07, 2007 |
The Metcalf–Franklin Farm is a historic farm located at 142 Abbott Run Valley Road in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It has been a working farm since 1801, which means it's over 200 years old! Two families owned and worked this land for a very long time: the Metcalf family from 1801 to 1857, and then the Franklin family from 1857 to 2005.
Today, the farm is a special place. It has several old farm buildings and covers more than 65 acres of land. This land is split into two parts by Abbott Run Valley Road.
Contents
The Farm Land
The farm's land is divided by Abbott Run Valley Road.
- On the west side, there are about 46 acres of rolling hills and open fields. These areas are surrounded by old stone walls and fences from the mid-1800s. A small stream flows through this part of the farm. It eventually goes under the road and into Rawson Pond. There's also a small pond that the Metcalf and Franklin families used for their dairy cows.
- On the east side, there are about 17 acres of similar hills and fields. These are also surrounded by old stone walls.
For over 218 years, both sides of the farm have been used for raising cattle and growing crops. Farmers here have grown hay, oats, corn, and apples.
Farm Buildings
The main farm buildings include a large barn and a cow stable. These buildings are located west of Abbott Run Valley Road, not far from the main farmhouse. The barn is very long, about 100 feet, and the cow stable is attached to it. There is also a separate shed for storing equipment.
These buildings were constructed in different stages, starting around 1810 and continuing until about 1930. They show how barn building technology changed over time in Rhode Island.
The Farmhouse
The main farmhouse was built around 1857 by William E. Franklin. It's a 1½-story house with a classic Greek Revival style. The roof slopes down on the sides, and the front of the house faces Abbott Run Valley Road.
Interestingly, the house doesn't have central fireplaces. It's thought that people used cast-iron coal stoves to keep warm. The house has a five-room layout on both the first and second floors. In 2016, the town of Cumberland and a preservation group started working to restore the farmhouse.
Franklin Farm Today
Today, the Historic Metcalf–Franklin Farm Preservation Association manages the farm. This group works to protect this important historical site for future generations. They also offer educational programs for the community. A big part of their mission is to help people who don't have enough food in Rhode Island. They do this by growing fresh vegetables in a community garden.
Visiting the Farm
Everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the beauty of the farm. You can use the farm for quiet activities like walking. There are hiking trails marked by Eagle Scouts, and you can even find GeoCache spots on the property. You can find more details about what you can do at the farm in the Town of Cumberland Management Plans for the Franklin Farm.
Community Garden
Since 2005, the Franklin Farm Community Garden has grown a huge amount of vegetables – over 375,000 pounds! This food is donated to the RI Community Food Bank and local food pantries.
The garden is run entirely by volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome during the growing season. If you want to help, you can join volunteer nights every Monday and Thursday from 5:30 PM until dusk, from June through September. No sign-up is needed, and people of all ages can help! Just check in at the garage when you arrive.
The farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is now owned by the town and serves as a wonderful community garden for everyone.
