Ferris Farm Land Preserved For Generations

By Nancy K. Crevier

State and local officials, and friends and family of Charles Ferris III, and his wife, Shirley, gathered with Newtown Deputy Director of Planning and Land Use Rob Sibley, Friday morning, June 11, at the historic Ferris Farm, 144 Sugar Street (Route 302), for a brief ceremony dedicating the town’s acquisition of 74 acres of prime agricultural land from the Ferris family.

The farm, Fairfield County’s last operating dairy farm, has been in existence since 1864, producing dairy products for wholesale, ice cream for retail sale on site, corn, and hay. It has become widely known throughout the region for its ice cream sold at The Creamery.

According to information provided by Mr Sibley, the conservation easement for the Ferris Farm was purchased for $2 million by the town, with $500,000 funded by a state grant, still to be received.

Preservation of the farm will protect the meadows and open space as it is seen from Route 302, said Mr Sibley. Because Ferris Farm is a working farm, public access is not allowed.

“This is a great moment,” said Senator John McKinney upon arrival at the farm on Friday morning, “not just for Newtown, but for the State of Connecticut as we work to preserve our open spaces. It’s also about the preservation of us as a state, and of our heritage. To protect farms is incredibly important.”

Thanking the Ferris family and all who made the acquisition possible, including Conservation Commission Chairman Joe Hovious, commission members, and attorney Bill Denlinger, Mr Sibley opened the dedication ceremony by noting, “The town and state recognize the benefits of agricultural practices as a worthy investment.” He directed attention to the newly place brass plaque affixed to a stone, and read, “The Ferris Farm conservation easement is preserved from development through a 2007 purchase by the people of Newtown with the assistance of a Connecticut DEP grant. Because this 78-acre area is a working farm, there is no public access.”

“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my husband, his parents, our children, and the sacrifices all have made,” said Shirley Ferris, who also recognized the assistance of Mr Denlinger and of former Newtown first selectman Herb Rosenthal in securing the development rights. Mrs Ferris also emphasized to all present that the easement is really about saving the farm land.

“We are surrounded by some prime farmland soil,” agreed Mr Sibley.

Brendan Ferris expressed gratitude to his parents, Charles III and Shirley Ferris, stating, “Without their perseverance, our farm would not be here today.”

Newtown and Monroe State Representative DebraLee Hovey was pleased to be a part of the celebration. “It is such a wonderful legacy for the community,” she said. “There is nothing stronger than a farm community. They are the life’s blood of the larger community,” said Ms Hovey. Looking out on the serene farm scene across Route 302, Ms Hovey addressed the Ferris family, and added, “We need to ensure this is preserved for future generations. You folks are one piece of making sure future generations have this to enjoy.”

Also present at the dedication ceremony was Newtown State Representative Chris Lyddy. “I want to thank you for all you’ve done for this community,” Mr Lyddy told the Ferris family. “When my dad was sick a few years back, all he wanted was a shake from The Creamery. Thank you, on behalf of myself and the community,” he said.

Mr Rosenthal recalled a time when there were many more working farms in Fairfield County. “I’m pleased that this farm will go on,” he said, “and pleased that the town could protect the 70-plus acres as open space. I appreciate that the Ferrises came forward.”

Following the ceremony, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra reflected that this acquisition struck her on a personal level, having grown up on a family farm. “I thank the Ferris family for their gift to the future,” said Mrs Llodra, “for preserving our heritage and providing future generations the opportunity to interact with a real treasure.”

“We’re very happy this farm will be here forever, so far as the land goes,” said Charles Ferris III, thanking his wife, family, and the town of Newtown. “We’ve had a good time working on this project.”