Metcalf–Franklin Farm

Metcalf–Franklin Farm
Location 142 Abbott Run Valley Rd., Cumberland, Rhode Island
Area 63.4 acres (25.7 ha)
Built 1810
Architectural style Colonial, Greek Revival
NRHP Reference # 07000526[1]
Added to NRHP June 07, 2007

The Metcalf–Franklin Farm is an early 1800s historic farm at 142 Abbott Run Valley Road in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It has been farmed by two family owners, the Metcalf family and the Franklin family. It consists of a small complex of farm buildings on two parcels of land, located on either side of Abbott Run Valley Road and totaling over 63.35 acres (25.64 ha) with an additional 2 acres surrounding the farmhouse.

The Land

The Franklin Farm property consists of two parcels of land which straddle Abbott Run Valley Road. On the west side, 46 acres of rolling hills and open fields are surrounded by mid 19th century field stone walls, cedar posts and wire fencing. A narrow stream runs from the northwest upper field, meandering gradually southeast until it runs under Abbott Run Valley Road and easterly into Rawson Pond. A small cattle pond is approximately 540 feet west of the farmhouse was used by the Metcalfs and Franklin for dairy cows.

On the east side, 17 acres of rolling hills and open fields are surrounded on three sides by mid 19th century field stone walls and on the forth side by a paper road (Quaker Land) and Rawson Pond.

Both sides have been used for over 200 years for grazing cattle and growing hay, English hay, meadow hay, oats, corn and apples.

The Barn Complex (ca. 1810, ca. 1860, ca. 1940 and ca. 1930)

The Farm House (circa 1857)

A late Greek Revival style was built by William E. Franklin. It is a one and one half story with a flank-gable roof that faces Abbott Run Valley Road. It contains no central fireplaces and is believed to have had cast-iron coal stoves for its heating. A 5-room modified floor plan is on the first floor, with basic 5-room floor plan on the second floor.

In 2016, the Town of Cumberland along with the HIstoric Metcalf–Franklin Farm Preservation Association received a grant to begin the preservation of the farmhouse.

Current Use

Franklin Farm is currently under the management of The Historic Metcalf–Franklin Farm Preservation Association, a 501c3 organization whose goal is to preserve this historic site for future generations, provide educational opportunities for the community and support those who are experiencing food insecurities in RI by providing farm fresh vegetables through a community garden.

Public Use

All members of the community are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the farm through passive recreation use. A permitted activities can be found in the Town of Cumberland Management Plans A & B for the Franklin Farm. A hiking trail was marked by Eagle Scout AJ Welt (2015) and Eagle Scout Brian Sullivan (2006). Geo Cache coordinates are also available on the property.

Community Garden

Since 2005, Franklin Farm Community Garden has grown over 230,000 pounds of vegetables for the RI Food Bank and Local Food Pantries. It is run entirely by volunteers and welcomes new volunteers every new growing season. Volunteer nights run every Monday and Thursday, 5:30 pm- dusk from June to the end of September. No sign up is required. Check in at the Garage for details on helping that evening.

The farmhouse, a 2-1/2 story wood frame structure, was built c. 1857, and exhibits late Greek Revival styling. The oldest portion of the barn complex dates to c. 1810. The farm was the last dairy farm to operate in Cumberland, going out of service in 1994.[2]

The farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.[1] It is now owned by the town, and serves as a community gardening facility.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2009-03-13). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ↑ "NRHP nomination for Metcalf–Franklin Farm" (PDF). Rhode Island Preservation. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
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