Franklin Farm
Historic Farm and Homestead in Cumberland, RI
Preservation Fund
By donating to the Franklin Farm Preservation Fund you will be preserving the farm for many years to come. Any size donation is appreciated. To find out more about the farm and the community garden please call Carrie Mitzel at 333.1123.
Mail donations to:
Franklin Farm Preservation Fund
P.O. Box 7943
Cumberland, RI 02864
The following letter was published in The Valley Breeze on September 24, 2009.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As many of you know, the town-owned Metcalf-Franklin Farm is located on Abbott Run Valley Road in Cumberland. In 2005, a group of local volunteers created an organization called Friends of the Franklin Farm with the mission of preserving a piece of Cumberland's rich agricultural history, educating kids about the importance of being environmental stewards, and helping those in need through the donation of fresh organically grown produce to local food pantries and soup kitchens. Since 2006, the farm and its 64 acres have yielded over 30,000 pounds of fresh produce for those in need, with over 11,000 pounds grown this summer alone (and still counting!). Over the past four summers, hundreds of volunteers have donated thousands of hours to nurture our community garden, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that the legacy of the farm and all of its important work stand the test of time.
To continue our work, we must repair the Franklin Farm Homestead which is in desperate need of restoration. Without this restoration, the house and barn are in jeopardy of being lost. We are hoping that once this restoration is completed, these historic structures will serve as a focal point for our community, providing classes and programs to both children and adults in conservation, farming, gardening, husbandry, environmental science, ecology and more.
Fortunately, the Gilbane Corporation has generously agreed to manage the restoration of the Franklin farmhouse on a pro bono basis. Their generosity and altruistic spirit will benefit all Cumberland residents as well as those in need throughout Rhode Island. Gilbane will begin work this fall on the farmhouse roof, which is in the direst need of repair. From there they will work to eventually repair the siding and front porch. The Friends of the Franklin Farm cannot begin to thank Gilbane for all the time and effort they will be investing into this project.
What the association needs from all of you are donations of any size towards materials for these ongoing renovations. If everyone chips in just a little, it can make a very big difference for many in the years to come. The farm is not only a truly beautiful piece of property, but it is also an important source of hope for those with very limited resources throughout Rhode Island. We realize these are very trying economic times, but if it is possible for you to contribute to the renovations, your generosity will help ensure the farm's preservation for future generations.
Wishing you all the best,
Carrie M. Mitzel
Fundraising Coordinator
