October-November 2001 Edition

Farming in Fair Lawn   By Pat Idone-Vice President and Trustee, Garretson Forge and Farm Restoration    A little jewel sits tucked away on River Road in Fair Lawn, just around the bend from Morlot Avenue.     Maybe you've seen it driving by -- an old stone homestead surrounded by a split rail fence.  Maybe you wondered in passing just what goes on there.  Well, we're here to tell you - plenty!  This modest old farmhouse is the oldest surviving structure in Fair Lawn, as well as being the oldest continually operated farm in Bergen County.    Owned by Bergen County and administered by a group of volunteers called the Garretson Forge & Farm Restoration, Inc., interested members are busy throughout the year conducting tours of the home, gardens and dependency structures, collecting endangered horticultural species for preservation at the homestead and, as one of its most important missions, raising specimen heirloom and garden crops destined for local food pantries.   In addition, festivals are presented three times a year at which hands-on activities are offered to the greater community informing one and all of our common heritage.  The volunteer group is diverse, coming from all walks of life and they bring to the project their own unique blend of skills and information.  Some join as a result of an interest in history, others are garden enthusiasts, still others simply enjoy volunteering at a location both serene and beautiful.   Over the years, countless children and adults have filed through the rooms of the homestead learning about our town and country's history and the people who worked and lived  in the area...not just the ancestors of Fair Lawn, but ancestors from all over the world, who suffered the same hardships, worked with the same technologies of their day and aspired to make a home for themselves and their families.   Today's Garretson volunteers welcome all newcomers.  The location provides a perfect opportunity for scout troops to earn badges and learn at the same time. If you are interested in learning more about Fair Lawn's little jewel, visit them at their upcoming Harvest Festival to be held on Sunday, October 14th or drop them a line at 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. They can also be reached by calling  201-797-7545 or 791-4844, or log onto their web site, www.garretsonfarm.org.       What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.