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This site, like much of the farm, is currently under construction! |
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Welcome To The
Captain Elisha Steere Farm
Using History’s Lessons To Preserve The Future...
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This site, like much of the farm, is currently under construction! |
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What is the Steere Farm Project?
The surname "Steere" is relatively familiar within Rhode Island, as the family was instrumental in founding both the state and the town of Smithfield. John Steere—formerly of Ockley (Surrey), England—first settled in Providence, Rhode Island in 1660. When the Indians destroyed his home in 1676, he confided to his friend Roger Williams (founder of the state then known as Rhode Island and Providence Plantations) that he was moving to the "outlands" west of the settlement. There, in 1686, he built his "mansion house" on Wionkhiege Hill (now within Smithfield) and established one of the early American fruit orchards. He remained on the farm until his death in 1724 and his descendents remained residents of northwestern Rhode Island, without migrating, until after the Revolutionary War. Today, thousands of Steeres can be found across the United States, Australia, and Europe...especially in native England. And high concentrations of family members still remain in the towns of northwestern Rhode Island: Smithfield, North Smithfield, Glocester, Foster, and Burrillville.
| It was in the village of Greenville, within the town of Smithfield, that Captain Elisha Steere purchased two large tracts of land from Thomas Waterman in 1817. Thomas, while living in his brother’s tavern located in the village center, had painstakingly built a large timber-framed farmhouse and an assortment of outbuildings in 1810. The farm then consisted of hundreds of acres of timber, pasture, gardens, and orchards. Elisha, the consummate businessman, also promptly established a sawmill operation and other proprietary endeavors. He, with his children and |
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 Photo Courtesy Of Ms. Dale Wilson |
grandchildren, then built a large, early cotton finishing mill on the site of the sawmill and created the beautiful Waterman’s Reservoir to provide a greater source of controllable hydropower to fuel the mill. Likewise, future generations each made their own mark on improving the self-sufficiency of the farm and broadening the extent of the family’s industrial involvement. A private beach club was established, complete with store, restaurant, and dance floor. Carnival grounds were formed. Orchards were expanded. And a legacy was born. |
The farm today...
And the Steere family has owned and operated the farm ever since. During the time span between 1950 and 1990, the family has been faced with the same difficulties and issues that have affected all farms, whether they are large or small. A changing society, inheritance/capitol gains taxes, urban development, drastic increases in property taxes, escalation of material costs, and more…all resulting in the gradual selling of family property and businesses.
In 1994, a family member purchased the estate and became the eighth generation to live on the property. A historically-conscience restoration of the house and the outbuildings was immediately embarked upon. Today, while much smaller than in 1817, the farm represents one of the most complete representations of the early 19th century agrarian lifestyle in southern New England. In addition to the house, outbuildings include an outhouse, corncrib, carriage barn, milk house/workshop, equipment barn, icehouse, and produce stand. And plans are being now drawn to resurrect an 8,000 square foot timberframe barn that burned down in 1938. (Compare to a photo of the farmscape from the late 1800's.)
Mission Statement…
The mission of the Captain Elisha Steere Farm may be summed up in three words—preservation, conservation, and education. It is:
| To preserve the properties,
buildings, and artifacts of the Captain Elisha Steere farm as a monument to the historic
New England agrarian lifestyle, the Steere family heritage, and the family’s impact
upon town and state development; To conserve the properties through responsible land use and environmentally safe agricultural practices in crop production, and by combating urban sprawl and development; And, to educate all aspects of the community regarding the region’s agricultural history, safe farming techniques, general environmental awareness, and the enjoyment and necessity of rural open spaces. |
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Be sure to check in with us at this website in the months to come. Features currently under construction include:
* In-depth history of the farm, mill, and reservoir
* Genealogy page related to the descendents of John Steere (1634-1724)
* Index of services and memberships
* Calendar of special events and programs
* Summary of current and future education opportunities
* Listing of currently available produce and nursery items
* Online product ordering capabilities
* Food preparation ideas from the Chef at the farm's kitchen
* Important links to Federal, State, and Non-profit Agencies dedicated to historic
education, conservation through responsible agricultural methods, and the
preservation of American farmlands.
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This website is
developed and maintained by BCG Consulting. To provide feedback
on the technical
aspects of this site, or for more information about available services, contact our
WebMaster.
All photographs
included in this website are property of the Captain Elisha Steere Farm.
Unauthorized usage is strictly forbidden.
Copyright © 2001
