Verrill Farm Destroyed but to be Rebuilt
Yesterday at 3:30PM I received my regular customer e-mail from Verrill Farm. This one informed me about their turkey order from Stonewood Farm Turkeys in Vermont. Little did I know that something terrible was happening about the time of the e-mail. Verrill Farm burned down yesterday. The result of a suspected electrical problem causing the propane tanks to explode. This is a very sad day for the community.
The farm consists of 200 acres. The farm started in 1918 as a dairy business. In 1982, after years of planning and negotiations, the land was placed under an Agricultural Preservation Restriction, thus preventing development of this land. In 1990, the dairy herd was sold and plans began to replace the existing tent retail space with a new farm stand, which was built in 1995.
We go to Verrill all the time. I pass by it several times a week on my way into work in Boston. It's just a lovely oasis. They have the best corn and the best tomatoes, and they celebrate every summer with their annual "Corn and Tomato Festival". This year, unfortunately, the festival was cancelled because of rains. Little were we to know that this would happen shortly thereafter.
We give the Verrill's our best wishes and prayers.
Steve Verrill released this statement in early October 2008:
As many of you know, a fire destroyed our farmstand Saturday, September 20. We are grateful that everyone made it out of the stand safely and that our fields were not touched by fire. Thanks to all of our customers, friends, business associates and neighbors who have stopped to offer support - it is appreciated and the out pouring of concern is over-whelming. Many have asked how they can help. For those who would like to contribute to the rebuilding of the stand, we have set up a special account, The Verrill Farmstand Fund, at the Middlesex Savings Bank, 1208 Main Street, West Concord, MA 01742. Another important way to help is shopping at the temporary stand which supports both the farm and our employees. On Monday, September 22 we started selling corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, mums and more from the wagon we used before the farmstand was built. Soon there will be a temporary building where you will find a selection of familiar items including our own baked goods, produce and other items. We're open from 9 am - 6 pm every day - we look forward to seeing you!
Link: Verrill Farm
