A Bit of History

Named for the three brothers who settled here in the late 1700's, this historic neighborhood on Whitney Hill was once a self-sufficient community of dairy and sheep farmers. The unique landscape still maintains its original character and tells the story of its past and present residents. Large parcels of undeveloped forest, hayfields and pastures are being kept in agricultural use and streams continue to carve out the valleys of the hilly terrain. Along the roadside, one can view the one-room schoolhouse which served the farmer's children until 1962, an Octagonal Barn built in 1907 and the original homesteads of ten settlers including the three Whitney brothers, David, Abel and Benjamin.

Now home to New Acadia Farm, David Whitney's farm had remained in the Whitney family from 1791 to 1971. Since that time, it has changed hands several times, but has been in continuous agricultural use producing maple syrup, hay, beef, horses and sheep. It was purchased by the current owner in 1994. The Corn Crib, Sheep Barn and old Sugarhouse still stand, and far back into the hills one can follow the old town road to a cellar-hole known to local folks as "The Joe Place" where Joe Whitney made his home.
Whitney Hill itself, an open knoll rising to 1600 feet is visible from several places on the farm and can be reached by a system of walking and hiking trails.

The Octagonal Barn was built by Lester Whitney, and is currently registered as a Vermont Historical Landmark, eligible to be listed on the National Historic Register. Round a polygonal shaped barns are a unique design which became popular at the turn of the century as a convenient way to store and feed out hay from the deep hay bay in the center with stanchions located around the perimeter of the second level. Hay was brought in by horse and wagon through a ramp leading to the third-level haymow, unloaded in the center, and the driver could safely continue around and exit without the danger of backing up. The invention of the gas-powered tractor in the early '40's made this design unnecessary. Currently there are only seven similarly shaped barns left in Vermont

This barn has had the great fortune of being well cared for with the financial assistance of the Vermont Preservation Trust that funds projects to protect historic buildings. Over the years the barn has received a new concrete foundation, new standing-seam roof, and most recently, a fresh coat of highly protective paint and repaired windows. In the restoration process, the original ramps have been removed, but some of the second-floor cow stanchions are still in place, and much of the original construction is easily seen.

The Smith Farm was the farm adjacent to David Whitney's land, and though the brick homestead by the road was divided out in the 1970's, New Acadia Farm now combines the diverse features of the Smith's back pastures & fields with the Whitney farm, sharing a winter horse barn and modern sugarhouse with the generous Smith Farm owners, Pat & Joy Gallagher.

In the summer of 1995, Happy Hearts Camp was founded and began welcoming children to enjoy the rich heritage of this setting in renewed harmony with the natural plant and animal communities. This summer will celebrate the fifth season for returning Day Campers who share the experience with our resident horses and sheep.

In 1998, an overnight youth camp program was established, and became known as "Ash Tree Knoll", named for the stately ash tree which watches over the surrounding pastures where the camper's reside in their villages. With each successive year, the camp evolves through the imaginations and spirited efforts of those who join in and contribute to this playful, outdoor community.

The Retreat House, which was originally built in the '70's as the residence for the staff of an Equestrian School, and for the first four years served as our camp's central building. It was re-modeled in 1999 and furnished for vacationing guests to enjoy its private and peaceful setting throughout the four seasons.

Combining the two farm properties, the entire farm was re-named New Acadia Farm because for several reasons. First, the derivation of the term "Acadia" is a French root word which translates to mean "heaven on earth", an appropriate identifier for this Vermont farm. Second, the culture of the people known as "Acadian" is one that holds historical significance for us personally and regionally. The qualifier "New" speaks to the pioneering spirit which we share with all kinds of people who have pulled away from the traditional limitations of their lives and moved on to establish a place to live out their ideals.

Having left France to escape religious persecution, these particular pioneers settled on the southeastern coast of Canada, only to be overtaken by the English in 1755. Choosing their religious life over submission to the King of England, they were deported and scattered in settlements along the east coast of America, the majority eventually finding a home in southwest Louisiana.

The abrupt and painful disconnection the Acadian culture suffered created a tradition of spirited music, dance and folklore that has significantly influenced our New England heritage and is experiencing more public popularity and awareness in recent years. In this northern climate, its brightness and simplicity refreshes us continuously.

Our proximity to the Canadian border affords us the opportunity to experience the essence of this culture first-hand through the musicians, step-dancers and callers who frequent our area of Vermont to exchange and share their gifts. Folk Artists familiar with the European French and Irish roots of the music and dance are also drawn to or emerge from this area, as well as those from the southern styles of Cajun and Zydeco. We find that experiencing and understanding our non-tangible roots through our own New England folk dances and music deepens our connection to our American heritage, builds community and enriches our everyday lives.

The story of New Acadia Farm continues to unfold with each season, with each chapter of our own personal lives, and with each person who experiences what there is to offer here. There is always more to discover and wonder at with each new encounter. Our sights remain on the horizon, with many ideas yet unfulfilled!