Sagatabscot Orchards in Sterling, MA was established in the 1740s. This historic farm has been owned by only two families; the present family has been operating it since 1912.A self-serve stand offers many apple varieties, including heirloom, as well as cider.The antique cider press has been preserved in the farm barn along with other historical relics. Note the World War I helmet, worn by an ancestor of the present owner.In the Algonquin Indian language sagatabscot means “place of the hard rock”.Since the 1700’s the owners have built numerous additions to the original buildings on the rocky hillside.The farmhouse is painted in the original 1700s color.The “six over six” windows and side entry are appealing details for colonial architecture enthusiasts.Lucky and Lucky, the chickens, were named as a consequence of being the last chickens left after a fox found the hen house. The barn is a treasure trove of antique farm implements, historical items and family lore.Cart wheels and traditional Ojibwa Indian snowshoes are displayed in the barn rafters.This bobsled was used to deliver milk when roads were impassable in the winter.The present owner created this replica of the barn for his young daughters.Generations of cousins have gathered at the farm for family festivities.Small rooms carved out from the larger structure include historical items and family heirlooms.
This photo blog features the seasonal changes in nature observed in my own backyard and a variety of local environments. The Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in Princeton, MA is often highlighted as a model for the positive effects a small nature preserve can have on the larger environment and the local community. Local sites of historical, cultural and recreational interest are spotlighted as well.
All photographs were taken by me. Thank you so much for visiting.
It’s a little gem of a place. I was taking pics near the farmstand, and the owner graciously invited me to roam the farm. Later, he opened up the barn (which is not usually open to the public ) for us. He was so knowledgeable and interesting to talk to, and the produce was wonderful!
From My Window 
I will have to go visit this farm next year!
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It’s a little gem of a place. I was taking pics near the farmstand, and the owner graciously invited me to roam the farm. Later, he opened up the barn (which is not usually open to the public ) for us. He was so knowledgeable and interesting to talk to, and the produce was wonderful!
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An impressive history. Think of all the troubles small farmers have had over the last couple centuries. And they survived it all.
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So true, Ken. Those farmers had to be pretty tough!
Julie
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What a fabulous place! I so enjoyed the tour. Beautiful old buildings.
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Thanks. It was a really uplifting visit!
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How nice to have neighbors like these. Lovely post and pictures, Julie. 🙂
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Much appreciated, H.J. What I like about Central Massachusetts is that there are so many “little gem” places like this nearby.
-Julie
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Beautiful pictures, especially of the red barn.
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Thanks! The red barn was beautiful, and the cider I bought was delicious!
-Julie
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