Outline for Restoration & Operation

Outline for Restoration and Operation

Successful preservation projects are comprised of a nonprofit formed for such purpose and are supported by the Community and beyond in the form of donations, patronizing of goods for sale (organic produce) and volunteerism. Nonprofit stewardship is strictly regulated by both Federal and State agencies.

We would enlist the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, civic organizations in and around the school district to voice their opinions and have immediate involvement with the farm and going forward.

There are numerous organic agricultural startup grants available to us as a nonprofit. Restoration of structures and objects would be funded by the many historic grants the farm qualifies for under a nonprofit. We have highly qualified conservators and restoration experts awaiting access to assess all and refine our strategies.

Upon Acquisition

Immediate basic stabilization of the house and it's contents.
A community involved cleanup of overgrown brush, and yard waste involving local youth and civic groups.
Clean-up and preparation of the schoolhouse to accept the house contents room-by-room for repair/restoration/documentation and archiving. Resolution of mold, mildew and other issues to be conducted.
Preparation of the fields so as to return to production for sale at the farm stand and to Harbor Harvest of Norwalk, Ct. Smaller, tighter areas will be prepared with raised beds for grown-to-order herbs/varieties for the 5 star restaurants of NYC and L.I.
Stabilization and assessment of all outbuildings prioritized by their needs.
The launch of the You-Tube channel.
Formal announcements seeking corporate sponsorship of individual room restorations in the house.
Outreach to major/upscale NYC and Long Island restaurants to discuss growing of herbs and heirloom produce varieties tailored to their needs in additiona
Ongoing repairs, restoration, fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

Sustainability:

We have a standing commitment from Harbor Harvest of Norwalk, Ct to purchase all our organic produce not sold locally at our farmstand.
Flower production for the commercial florist market.
Sales of organic eggs and honey.
A month-long fall festival each October featuring a corn maze and attractions which concludes with the "Harvest Finale Weekend" with food, music, dancing, hayrides, tractor-pull contests and more.
Our corn maze will "multi-task" by producing Marion Carll organic popping corn for sale.
Hosting of private events at the rear of the farm May - November...allowing the community to still have access to the farm stand, schoolhouse and most of the property at the same time. The event tent will also host educational events/programs.
Special outdoor dining events hosted by top chefs and featuring our produce. Attend one or buy some/all of a season subscription.
Film/TV location work.
A used book store in one of the smaller accessory barns. Our own "Barns R Noble".
By year 6 we will launch an annual fund raising summer gala for adults, the "Sunflower Ball".
A "Fix-it/Thrift Store" with quality used furniture, small appliances and more...repaired by seniors and volunteers. Our plan has been met with enthusiasm by the Director of The Bristol Assisted Living facility nearby.

Things we're considering...

Sunset concerts for jazz, folk and progressive music.
Book clubs, family movie night picnic style on the lawn, sunrise Tai-Chi, yoga and more.

We will listen to suggestions and input from the community and residents of both Huntington and Smithtown Townships; however, all proposed activities must not negatively impact the farm's historical /agricultural integrity.

How We Honor The Conditions of Marion Carll's Will

" That the premise on which I reside, upon which are erected the Carll residence and numerous farm outbuildings, be perpetuated as an historic site within the Town of Huntington and to this end, I give, and devise said real property herein described and give and bequeath the furniture, furnishings, farm equipment and appurtenances to Union Free School District #10....for the following purposes:

a. To maintain the buildings thereon as historical museums.

The house and it's furnishings and all outbuildings and their contents to be correctly restored.

The above will be available to all in an age-appropriate capacity via field trips and tours, aside from programs.

b.To utilize the land area as a type of farm school, school or camp for the benefit of the children of Union Free S. D #10.

The return to farming and working with 4H chapters, Cornell cooperative extension, youth organizations and educational programs to be expanded to include ALL area school districts. Ongoing participation by Scout troops to earn their various merit badges. We will endeavor to become chartered by the state for school field trips, and will have an Educational Coordinator to work with educator's curriculum.

c. ...and the general public generally if it is so desired, access to said premises...

Public access to the farm as close to 365 days a year as is practical. In addition to the farm stand, adult education and lectures with guest speakers on a variety of topics would be held at the schoolhouse. Cooperative Extension garden clubs/programs for children, adults and seniors are among other activities in development.

d. to erect...if so desired, a building to be used as a library....

As the library was later built up the road, we will have "Barns R Noble"...a used bookstore for young and old with programs and readings held in the schoolhouse.

After use as our initial offices and restoration studio, the schoolhouse will become a community house for a variety of programs and interests...from book clubs... to lectures and beyond.