Alderbrook Farm, Massachusetts, United States

5Wanderer24856896522 5:00 PM Jun 22, 2019

Just pure happiness
The owners of this farm are just the kindest people I've ever met & the animals are very gentle, sweet & beautiful.

5Joseph I 5:00 PM Jan 24, 2020

The Manley Family Retires from Alderbrook Farm After Generations of Service
Over the years, Alderbrook Farm at Russells Mills in Dartmouth has provided a forum for farmers and historians that speaks to the past and charts a new future for farming on the South Coast. Allen and Nancy Manley and family did this quietly, without fanfare, and by example. They provided an exemplary farm operation that familiarizes visitors with a hands-on farming experience. They brought joy to thousands of families and instilled happy childhood memories for the young at heart. The place was always well tended and the farm animals were loved and well cared for. I recall Allen walking the gentlest oxen on a rope leash to a backfield, the rooster crowing on the back of a gray donkey, the territorial goose, the horse, who loved apples, the sheep, the goats, and the peacock spreading his fan and calling out pea haw! The barnyard at Alderbrook Farm is an iconic reminder of how family farms operated in New England for hundreds of years. Farming was celebrated at Alderbrook Farm through the seasons. From the sowing of the seed in spring, to the harvests of early peas, and summer bounty of sun ripened tomatoes and summer squash, to the autumn Macomber turnips, pumpkins, and Hubbard squash, and Christmas trees and wreaths celebrating winter. Lets not forget about the sea of dahlias rising like cheerleaders’ brightly colored pompoms from the well-tended soils. Here was Nancy, her cheeks pink with the sun, with a smile on her face and Allen stoically by her side managing the farm operations at Alderbrook Farm. The farm fields at Alderbrook Farm grew the most delicious vegetables, which were sold in the farm store. Here Nancy and staff provided friendly oversight and mentoring. Local farmers brought just picked vegetables of every shape and color, raspberries still warm from the summer sun, cheeses from local dairies, healthy breads and baked goods, honey from local hives, and Dartmouth Grange Kitchen jams, jellies, salsa, and cereals. Over the years, the Manley family have overseen and revitalized the Dartmouth Grange to be a venue for farmers to socialize, trade notes, and create community through hard work and good works. That Alderbrook Farm is closing in its current iteration is news sadly received. Times change, we get older, and farm regulations, costs, and paperwork become more onerous. However, the memory of Alderbrook Farm and the big-hearted Manley family will never fade. Thank you Allen, Nancy, Sam, and family for all you have done for the greater good.