Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouthport, Cape Cod | Captain Freeman Inn

by Donna Cain

Having a few hours to ourselves, we decided to explore the Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouthport. We were greeted by Fiona, a Scottish Highland cow who lives on the farm. I am continually amazed at the good work of so many non-profit and volunteer organizations on Cape Cod as we frequently  enjoy our Brewster Natural History Museum and the Crosby Mansion,   Both have many programs and events for all to enjoy. Taylor- Farm is another perfect example of  local towns and hard working citizens pulling together as the farm is now in the good hands of the  non-profit Taylor–Bray Farm Preservation Association (TBFPA) and the Yarmouth Historical Commission. Both have collaborated  in 2001 to preserve the property for greater public enjoyment. We were so impressed as the farm has many farm animals for all to enjoy, picnic tables, beautiful views of the marsh,  and a boardwalk into Black Flats Marsh.

The Taylor–Bray Farm  was originally owned and settled by Richard Taylor in 1639 and was part of the original Plymouth Colony. Through many generations, it remained in the Taylor family until 1896, when Lucy W. Taylor sold the farm to George and William Bray for $400 which included 50 acres of uplands and adjacent marshlands. The property  was able to produce up to six tons of  salt and fresh hay each year and was a prosperous working farm until 1941.

They continued to harvest salt marsh hay from Black Flat Marsh to feed their farm animals and sold their strawberry and blueberry crops from a wheelbarrow on Old Kings Highway. In 1946 Robert J Williams purchased the farm and 88 acres for the tax due on the property. He moved from New Jersey to work for the Buzzards Bay Gas company until he retired. The Williams family  lived on the farm and restored and improved many of the original buildings.  Robert Williams introduced sheep to the farm and proudly showed his sheep in many Massachusetts county fairs as well as selling the wool.  He also had several large vegetable gardens as well as wild and cultivated blueberries, and raspberries.  The Williams family sold the farm they loved and cared for to a developer in the 1970s when his wife became ill and could not keep up with the demands of the property. The terms stipulated that the farmhouse and barn be preserved. By the late 1980s, ownership changed hands a number of times, and the buildings saw neglect.

In 1987, the prospect of non-farm use of the land prompted the Town of Yarmouth to purchase the property. The specific intent was “to maintain the farm for historic preservation and conservation”. Tenant/managers have lived in the farmhouse, welcoming the public and educating many school groups about the farm’s history and ecologically rich natural beauty.

The farm, noted for it’s historical significance as a north side agricultural landmark, was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1993. The farm consists of approximately 22 acres bordering Chase Garden Creek and the Black Flats marsh and includes four fixed structures, including a  ¹⁄₂ Cape farmhouse, a barn, a caretaker’s cottage, and a small storage building. A small flock of sheep, chickens, and two donkeys are  still kept at the farm.

We hear the Spring Sheep Festival is a hoot, and we have already marked our calendar to go next spring.

Ahhhh, everyone loves a baby sheep:) Consider a Cape Cod  getaway at our lovely Brewster Inn and visit the Taylor-Bray Farm. Your getaway will be complete after picking  up a lobster roll to go from our favorite luncheon spot, Sir Crickets, and have a romantic picnic lunch at the farm where you can overlook the scenic vistas of the bay. Afterwards, come back to our award winning inn and enjoy a refreshing swim in our solar heated pool and then relax in your private sunporch to watch our beautiful Cape Cod sunsets.

Now that’s a perfect day on Cape Cod!