2009 Award Winner: Farm of Distinction
Dimond Hill Farm would like to thank all of our devoted customers who come regularly for their fresh produce. Without you this farm would not be kept in such great shape. Your support motivates us to strive harder and wake up early everyday to pick the best tasting product New Hampshire can afford. We love what we do and are proud of how we do it. We consider ourselves lucky to have you as our neighbors and friends, we have all worked hard to keep this small New England farm working. Best of wishes and we hope to see you in the spring, summer, and fall.
LINEAGE
1827 to the Present
178 Years
6 Generations on Dimond Hill Farm
Location: 314 Hopkinton Rd Concord NH 03301
1827
Joseph Story Abbott
Isaac Newton Abbott
Joseph Newton Abbott
Marion Chase Abbott Presby
Abbott Austin Presby
Jane Presby (present)
Dimond Hill Farm takes its name from the Ezekiel Dimond who, as one of Concord’s earliest settlers, built his log cabin home on this site over 230 years ago. Together, with other men from this region, Ezekiel Dimond fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1776. He later sold the land (to Joseph Story Abbott), moved to Lee, NH, and became involved in the establishment of the University of New Hampshire, a land grant university. The University named its library in his honor and commemorates his founding role through the prominent presence of his portrait in the library entrance.
Joseph Story Abbott was born May 28th, 1800 in a home near Long Pond. He purchased the 147 acre farm in 1827 for $1,850 and made it his home. Joseph Abbott was a carpenter and builder who hired farm hands to work the farm while he pursued his own career. He constructed many homes and buildings including the old Concord Depot.
Joseph S. Abbott died in 1878 leaving the farm to his son Isaac Newton Abbott who devoted his life to the care and operation of the farm. Through three additional land purchases, Isaac Abbott added another 57 acres to the farm bring the total acreage to 204 acres. He used the land for timber harvesting, pasture land, and open hay fields.
From Isaac Newton Abbott, the farm passed to his son Joseph Newton Abbott, from Joseph to his daughter Marion Chase Abbott Presby, from Marion to her son Abbott Austin Presby, and subsequently from Abbott to his daughter Jane Abbott Presby who operates the family farm today. Sales of various pieces property over the years have reduced the family’s land to approximately 107 acres.
To see pictures and descriptions of all the existing farm structures click here Buildings.
“FARMING” THROUGH THE YEARS
From its inception until the mid-1950’s, Dimond Hill was a living example of the storybook version New England family farm. The family milked a herd of Ayrshire cows, raised pigs and chickens for consumption, kept draft and riding horses, harvested hay and silage, and raised a variety of vegetables. In the mid-1950’s, dairy production took center stage at the farm and the family stopped raising pigs and chickens. The family sold milk and cream, delivering them in farm-labeled glass bottles to homes in the local area. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the farm slowly transitioned from dairy production to vegetables and fruit. The family eventually sold its dairy herd and began to grow and sell raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkins, and several varieties of winter squash.
In 1998, Jane Presby built the first high tunnel at the farm for the purpose of growing tomatoes and began to expand the array of crops raised and sold at the farm to include a variety of fresh spring, summer, and fall vegetables. Jane recently completed construction of a 4th high tunnel and is using the tunnels to get a jump on the growing season for tomatoes, cucumbers, and salad greens. She has broadened the fare at the farm stand to include homemade pies, breads, pancake mix, jams, and pickles; specialty mustards, marinates, and salad dressings; maple syrup, honey, and more. The farm is now home to 5 llamas, 2 geese, 3 horses, 6 pigs, 12 sheep, and 65 chickens. Jane harvests hay to the feed the farm animals and to sell to several regular hay customers.
The efforts of many people have resulted in the successful preservation of Dimond Hill as a farm to be enjoyed by people of all ages today and in the future— “Dimond Hill” a farm forever.