The Town Of Cumberland's Public Water Well Treatment Building & Well Head Development on the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm has completed. For information regarding this project please contact the Town of Cumberland's Water Department at (401) 658-0666.
PRESERVATION
Preserving for the Future
Preservation Efforts
The Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm preservation efforts are on-going. From the 1857 Franklin Homestead, the 1810s Barn Complex to the open, picturesque fields and stone walls our vision for the future is to see this farm continue in its 217 year old purpose of farming.
Preservation efforts are on going. Check out what we are working on below.
*Thank you BJCLARKE41 for the incredible drone views of the farm!
The Barn Complex (circa 1810, 1865, 1890, 1930)
In 2008 the barn received a new roof and much needed structural support, thanks to a generous grant from the RI Preservation & Heritage Commission and the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm.
The HMFFPA completed a Master Plan (2022) for this unique historic barn complex and is currently seeking grants and raising funds for future work.
Past Work Includes:
- The East, North and West End sides were re-shingled using traditional shingling methods by Woonsocket Vocation School
- The 1890 Sliding Barn Door Was Rebuilt by Woonsocket Vocational School
- The 1810 Sliding Door was rebuilt with new hardware (2016) by Michael Turcone.
- The 4 People Doors were rebuilt and hardware replaced by Eagle Scout Nick Petrich, Troop 1 Arnold Mills
- The 1930 Waldo Franklin Cow Stable Sliding "Cow" Door and Sliding People Door were rebuilt with new hardware (2017) by Michael Turcone.
The Franklin Homestead circa 1857
Phase 1: Due to the generous matching grants from the RI Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission and Town of Cumberland, the exterior restoration of the homestead began in was completed in June 2018 by Haynes De Boer Associates and Martone Corporation.
Phase 2: The interior preservation is currently in the fundraising phase.
The Grounds
In 1803, Liberty Metcalf purchased 65 acres of land from his father, Ebenezer, to continue farming and living in the beautiful Arnold Mills area. The HMFFPA would like to honor his hard work and the Franklin's by preserving this land as it has been used for the past 200 + years, as a farm.
Mowing the Fields
The mix of grasses and forbs in old fields are an interesting array of plants that provide habitat for a number of grassland animals. Without regular mowing old fields naturally revert to forest land through a process known as "succession". Within a few years, woody shrubs and tree seedlings take over much of an old field. Given 15- 20 years, the former fields become dominated by 10 to 20 foot tall trees. Bi-annual mowing of Franklin Farm fields continues to preserve the contours and openness of the land.
The Rock Walls
Early - mid 19th Century dry-laid farm walls surround Franklin Farm with the highest stone wall found in the northeaster corner of the Franklin Farm. HMFFPA is continually seeking volunteers to help maintain these historic walls.
