The McElwain Farm was purchased in 1910 by David McElwain after emigrating from Canada with his two brothers, Frank and John. Frank established a blacksmith business in Presque Isle, and John began a farming operation in Caribou on the south side of town. John's farm house is now a historical site and home for the Northern Maine Regional Planning Commission.
David McElwain farmed potatoes, hay, grain, and raised a variety of farm animals. He was very proud of his work horses that he used in the fields. His son, Ralph, got involved in the farming operation while attending the University of Maine in 1942. Over the years, Ralph farmed potatoes, sugar beets, grain, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and turkeys. Ralph and Adrina's daughter, Betty, operated a fruit and vegetable stand to help pay for college from 1971 - 1974, and Frank grew potatoes during college breaks as well.
The farmstand was revived and expanded to include bedding plants and pumpkin sales from 1986 - 1990, as Adrina and Ralph became semi-retired.
In 1985, Ralph and his son Frank, formed a partnership to grow strawberries. They farmed together until Ralph's passing in 1999.
The strawberry venture continued, aslong with pumpkins, squash, and seasonal vegetables, and involved Frank's wife Joan, and their children Diana, Lauren, and Spencer.
Now that the children are grown and both Frank and Joan have retired from their full-time careers, the farm has expanded to include increased production of strawberries and vegetables. Summer produce for sale include lettuce, beet greens, chard, cukes, peas, new potatoes, string beans, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, sweet corn, green peppers, broccoli, carrots, onions, and some raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
The apple orchard has grown to include over a dozen apple varieties, with pick your own available in the fall. Other fall offerings include many sizes, shapes, and colors of pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds, as well as straw, cornstalks, and mums for decorating.
Below: A family affair.....circa 1994
