Ever driven down Town Farm Road in Westford and wondered what the history was behind the that unusual and large brick building at number 35? Perhaps you remember the school and recreation departments using the building, but wondered what this structure seemingly in the middle of nowhere was all about? On Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1-4, you will have a wonderful opportunity to tour this building and learn about Westford’s Town Farm, or poor farm, the building that was built in 1838 to house Westford’s “deservedly” poor and needy. Many times whole families were taken in for short periods of time, others stayed for years. Those that were able, were expected to help with farming and housework. And if you are looking for the sensational, yes, there was a murder at the town farm. Have we got your attention? You won’t want to miss this event…
The Town farm is located at 35 Town farm Rd, lies on a part of the 170 acres of land purchased by the town from John Reed (1775) in 1824. The large two story brick building was completed in 1838 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The town farm has also been referred to as the Almshouse, Poor Farm and Westford Home, Town Home and Infirmary, and it also served as the town jail. The Town Farm closed in 1959 when the last of the residents was transferred to the Tewksbury Hospital. It has been used in recent years for the public school administrations offices and for the recreation dept. (Robert W. Oliphant, The Westford Gazetteer, 2013)
Face Masks Required
Donation $5 per person/ $10 per family