Holcomb Farm (113 Simsbury Road, Granby (Central Valley))

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Building Name (Common)

Holcomb Farm

Building Name (Historic)

Broad Hill Farm

Address

113 Simsbury Road, Granby

Typology

Unknown

Overview

Designations

National Register

Historic Significance

n/a

Field Notes

History - http://www.holcombfarm.com/HolcombFarm-WhoWeAre-History.htm Seven generations of Holcomb's cared for this spectacular 367-acre property in West Granby, Connecticutl The first Holcomb broke ground in 1719. His heirs continued to work the land and acquire surrounding property. In the early 19th century "Broad Hill Farm" as it was then known-- enjoyed a period of prosperity. In the 1860's, however, Granby and the Farm settled into a long period of decline. In the 20th century, Holcomb siblings Tudor and Laura transformed the family's failing farm into a modern agricultural enterprise. Their success is legendary. Tudor helped lead Connecticut's transition from broadleaf to shade-grown tobacco farming; he used advanced irrigation and fertilizing methods for his crops; and he started the state's first milking operation run completely on electricity. Tudor and Laura willed the Farm to the University of Connecticut in 1976. Their goal was to preserve the property's natural beauty and, through their donation, make it accessible to the public for agricultural education and experimentation. In 1990, the Town of Granby obtained title to the property and determined that the best way to honor the Holcomb's legacy was to keep the Farm intact as a public resource. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, today Holcomb Farm is a non-profit center dedicated to environmental and agricultural programs that explore and celebrate the natural world.

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