From being one of the oldest working farms in the region to drawing many thousands of people to their holiday attractions each year, Shady Brook Farm has played a big role in Bucks County. Four generations and 100 years later, it's time to celebrate this local landmark's 100th Birthday! Locals are invited on June 8, 2013 (rain date June 15) from 4pm to 10 pm to enjoy a day of FREE family fun. Festivities will include jumping pillows, wagon rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks at 9:30 pm sponsored by The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown.
The History of Shady Brook Farm:
1913: Founded by T. Herman Fleming in 1913 in Andalusia, PA, Shady Brook was originally a wholesale farm growing crops like radishes, celery, spinach, and beets for markets in the Philadelphia area.
1946: After Herman’s death in 1946, the farm was taken over by his eldest son Edward (Bud) Fleming. Bud’s wife’s salary as a teacher and principal helped keep the farm in operation through some lean years. Bud’s two sons, Ed and Dave, worked part time on the farm until they graduated from college and began working full time. In 1960, the Flemings purchased 90 acres in Shady Brook Farm’s present location in Lower Makefield. The farm operated in both Yardley and Andalusia until 1969. The main crops grown were radishes, parsley, spinach and other greens, turnips, and parsnips packaged under the BudMar label, and sold to wholesalers in Philadelphia, Vineland, NJ, and Washington, DC.
1968: In 1968, the Flemings purchased the neighboring Heston Farm in Middletown Twp., PA, bringing the total acreage to 180. In 1982, another adjoining farm of 98 acres was purchased.
1984: In June, Shady Brook Farm opened its first retail market with pick-your-own strawberries. The following year the market was open through September selling corn, tomatoes, and other summer favorites. In 1992, Shady Brook presented its first “agritainment” attraction–The Hayride of Horror™. Over the next decade the haunted attractions grew and other seasonal events were added–the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, the aMAIZEing Corn Maze, and the Holiday Light Show.
2013: Shady Brook Farm is being run by the fourth generation of Flemings. They recently expanded into Doylestown, where they collaborate with Del Val College to bring fresh produce, prepared foods, homemade ice cream, and more to The Market at Del Val. The Fleming family is proud of its heritage and is committed to preserving farming as a way of life through education, entertainment, and its retail market.
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