Parker–Hutchinson Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Parker–Hutchinson Farm
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Parker Bridge Rd., Coventry, Connecticut |
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| Area | 8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1850 |
| Architectural style | "Cape" farmhouse |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004386 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1982 |
The Parker–Hutchinson Farm is a historic farm property in Coventry, Connecticut. It includes the Samuel Parker House, built around 1850. This farm is special not just for its old farmhouse. It's important because it shows how many small businesses used to run right from the farm. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is a place worth saving for its history.
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Exploring the Parker–Hutchinson Farm
The Parker–Hutchinson Farm is in a quiet, country area of southern Coventry. It sits on the east side of Parker Bridge Road. The farm covers about 8 acres (3.2 hectares) of land.
What You'll Find at the Farm
The farm has several buildings close to the road. These include an old farmhouse, a horse barn, and a sheep barn. There is also a shed. You can also see the foundations of other buildings that once stood there.
The main house is a 1-1/2 story building. It has a sloped roof and a chimney in the middle. The outside is covered with wooden boards called clapboards. The front of the house has five windows and a door in the center. A section extends from the back of the house. The barns and shed are also very old, likely built in the 1800s.
A Busy Place: Farm Life and Work
This farm shows us how people lived and worked long ago. It gives clues about two important home-based businesses. These businesses were very popular in Coventry during the 1800s.
- Flax Processing: People grew flax plants to make linen cloth. The farm likely processed flax as early as the late 1700s.
- Wool Production: The farm also raised sheep for their wool. They would then process the wool to make yarn or fabric.
Asa Parker Jr. started raising sheep on the farm by 1820. His daughter and son-in-law, the Hutchinsons, continued this work. The Hutchinsons were very busy. They ran many other small businesses on the farm in the 1800s.
Other Businesses at the Farm
The Hutchinson family used their farm for more than just flax and wool. They also had:
- A Cider Mill: Here, they would press apples to make cider.
- A Cooperage: This was a workshop where they made wooden barrels and buckets.
- Hat-Making: They probably also made small woolen hats.
The Parker–Hutchinson Farm is a great example of how families used to run many different businesses from their homes. It shows how important these small industries were to the community long ago.
