1880
FARMHOUSE CONSTRUCTION
It all starts here. Constructed by xyz as a working x farm. This is what the farm was up to during the late 1800 and early 1900s. PICTURE OF THE ORIGINAL FAMILY IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE.
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PASTOR BARRETT
Parson X and his family Barrett operate PICTURE OF THE ORIGINAL FAMILY IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE.
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FRIENDLY CROSSWAYS BEGINS
Owner X begins a hostel called Friendly Crossways. It attracts youth groups, church retreats, travelers, and cyclists passing through the area. The property hosts its first wedding in 1947 and begins its long history of hosting weddings. PICTURE OF OLD DOOR
1950
MARTIN VASENKA FINDS FC
Martin Vasenka participates in a biking trip in Harvard, MA and his group lodges at Friendly Crossways. He falls in love with the property and decides to purchase it.
Mary Helan Born
THE HEY-DAY OF FRIENDLY CROSSWAYS
The Vasenkas renovate the farmhouse and barn to allow for more hostel guests, and create this and that. The family grows and Mary Helan is born.
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MARY HELAN & KEITH TURNER
Martin's children decide to purchase the property. Daughter Mary Helan and her husband Keith move into the same farmhouse that Mary Helan grew up in, with the goal of breathing new life into the property and the business. A master gardener, Mary Helan revitalizes the property's landscaping, establishes garden beds and a blueberry orchard. And they invest heavily into the wedding and events business, while operating the youth hostel. PICTURE OF MH & KEITH DOING SOMETHING.
1880
PASSES THE TORCH TO FERENCES
After x years and an incredible amount to show for it, the Turners pass the torch to the Ference family. PICTURE OF FERENCE FAMILY SITTING IN FRONT
2023 -
A NEW LIFE: THE FARMSTEAD
Planting new gardens, expanding orchard, upgrading the property's systems, full renovation and modernization of the interiors. Restoring corn field to organic pasture through regenerative agriculture. Despite being recognized as America's oldest operating youth hostel, we stop that use. Investing heavily into the weddings and events business. PICTURE OF THE FARM FIELDS OR LIVING ROOM