Sweetwilliam Farm in Upton, MA is one of the last working 18th century farms to survive into the 21st century.  Its 90 plus picturesque acres is listed on the Blackstone Heritage Corridor maps as a scenic overview and bicycle route.  Currently nine horses, three donkeys and a goat roam the extensive pastures.  Grown on the property are organic vegetables, hay, pumpkins and pears.  Sweetwilliam Farm's name originates from the adoption of an abused MSPCA (MA Society for Prevention Cruelty to Animals) Arabian horse.  "Willie" continues to thrive on the farm!

Sweetwilliam Farm Country Store was founded by Gail Harrington in 2003 and is located on the Farm property.  In 1993 Gail became the farm's third owner.  Historically the land was acquired from Westborough when our town was incorporated and purchased by Ephraim and Thankful (Harrington) Whitney, in 1749.  Legend states that Eli Whitney walked the two miles from Westborough to work on his uncle's farm.  Eli was the inventor of the Cotton Gin.

The farm is the 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 recipient of the "Horse Farm of Distinction" (HFD) award.   There are over 20,000 horses in MA and about 500 licensed stables, this number doesn't include boarding facilities.  This HFD is available to any member of the Farm Bureau who is in good standing.  Members are judged on eleven different subjects and must achieve a certain level of excellence in horse health management, farm management, and public standards and compliance. Sweetwilliam Farm is one of eight farms in Worcester County to win this prestigious award.  

Gail is hoping to preserve the land and keep it forever green and is looking to the government for assistance within its Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program.  This program allows farmers to keep their property with out developing it.  To qualify for this program, the property must be 5 acres and have been used agriculturally for two preceding tax years.  State funding would help Gail to continue farming the land, create more fields and grow more vegetables.  This would also preserve the fantastic view overlooking a portion of the Blackstone Valley National Corridor.  Unfortunately, we didn't receive this grant.  But be sure we are seeking out other options of preservaion.