Here I sit on the dock next to the 1812 black cottage and across from the even older weathered grey barn and am in absolute awe at the task before me... documenting a remarkably intact piece of Delaware County history. This is not a renovated house made to look original, it is the real deal, a true antique, 100 years in the same family. Earlier I spent the afternoon exploring the property's century old tree farm.... one of the first reforestation projects in New York State and to this day under continuous stewardship by the descendants of Charles DuMond who carry on the tradition their grandparents began in 1913.
First the trees... lots of them... 250+ acres of various softwoods and hardwoods. Spending time in this living forest is magical and a communion with nature so humbling.... from sacred silence to a cacophony of tweaks, bends, creaks and moans from its age-old inhabitants... tiny seedling volunteers to gnarled, weathered faces in giant trunks. If there are arrowheads and fairies anywhere, they must be in these woods. And there certainly are white tailed deer, turkeys, owls, woodpeckers, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, numerous songbirds and most likely the passing bear. From the "Forestry Field Day and Picnic" invitation held at the farm August 14, 1924....
"Spend a day amidst those wonderful trees. Why not become a partner with your youngsters in growing trees? Charlie DuMond's boy at six helped him. Hear the greatest forestry experts in the United States."
That boy of six carried on the tradition as did his children. There have only been 2 owners of Pine Grove Farm in 200 years, both in continuous residence for 100 years each. The black saltbox, inside and out, would be a welcome addition at Sturbridge Village or The Farmers Museum. The authentic provenance and sense of history throughout the property is like nothing I have seen outside of a museum. It is a lovingly preserved family heirloom, a house that time forgot. The widest of boards are everywhere... floor boards and beautiful clad walls with rich, deep patinas that only 200 years can create... early 19th century timber frame construction with hand-hewn pegged rafters... 9 over 6 windows... a massive, central stone fireplace, the heart of the house, is dual-sided to feed both the parlor and living room... original iron hardware - door latches, hinges, and hearth cooking crane... barn, privy, spring-fed pond stocked with bass and trout.... a picture perfect historical and environmental treasure hidden from the world in a secluded clearing surrounded by towering pine groves.
Pine Grove Farm was named by the first owners and remains remarkably as it was in the 19th century. It is a completely preserved homestead with inherent commercial value as an historic working tree farm... a very rare opportunity to assume stewardship and conservation of what is truly a gift of history and a place you won't want to leave...
There are 80+ photos on the website www.twostonesrealty.com (see "view additional photos") documenting the property which will speak volumes more than I can describe here. For this photographer, Pine Grove Farm was the dream photo shoot.
Pine Grove Farm is centrally located between Franklin town center (20mins.), Walton town center and Walton Theater (10 mins.), Unadilla and the Unadilla Drive-in Theatre (15 mins) Delhi and Oneonta (30 mins. both), Hamden and the Lucky Dog Farm Store and Cafe (20 mins.), and Masonville and The Masonville General Store and Crescent Wrench Cafe (15 mins.).
