Shelby Hesslein Shelby Hesslein

The Barton History

Barton Family Farm was owned by Alfred and Priscilla Barton for fifty years. Al raised dry beans, corn, string beans and lore has it he tried beets with some local farmers but they didn’t grow well in W. Fryeburg. Eventually he stuck with dry beans, raising; Red Kidney, Soldier, Yellow Eye and Jacob Cattle beans. When he started to downsize Priscilla started to expand and was famous for her pumpkins and 21 varieties of squash that filled the front lawn. A yearly tradition began for many locals and tourists alike, picking out the largest or most interesting pumpkin they could find. They also started a small apple orchard of 70 trees at the time, which has been trimmed down to 50 trees and is still maintained today. The farm was featured in the October 1992 issue of Downeast magazine and on many calendars. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. 

Priscilla was known for her kindness and Al was always good for a chuckle. It was all the great memories that have made the farm so special and created the desire  to keep it special, hence; creating a wedding venue. Now owned by myself and my husband we are looking forward to creating a new future for the farm while maintaining its original beautiful charm.

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