Hockanum Day 2018

The Hockanum Rural Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, is a rural community encompassing a classically famous landscape along the Connecticut River in Hadley, Massachusetts.  The fertile farmland and quiet village is home to families that have been here for generations. On Hockanum Day, meet, discuss, and learn about the deep history and heritage that is preserved and lives on in this beautiful corner of the world.

Hockanum Village School House

Visit the historic Hockanum Village School House and consider what it was like to go to school with grades K through 6th in a one room school.
Best address: 147 Hockanum Road, Hadley, MA
Best time to go: open to the public noon through 3pm, special presentations at noon and 2pm
Price: Free

Hockanum Village Cemetery

The Hockanum Cemetery was established in 1767. The cemetery is the resting place for people who called Hockanum Village, home.
Best address: 198 Hockanum Road, Hadley, MA
Best time to go: informal tours and scavenger hunt available between noon and 2pm
Price: Free

Barstow’s Longview Farm

Visit a working, innovative dairy farm that has been in the Barstow family for seven generations. Wagon ride farm tours take you through barns, to the anaerobic digester, and visits the robotic milkers.
Best address: 172 Hockanum Road, Hadley, MA
Best time to go: wagon ride farm tours leave the store at 11am and 1pm
Price: Free

J.A. Skinner State Park

Learn about the evolution of the historic Summit House over the years, ranging from a pair of “dueling saloons,” to a small inn, to a grand hotel, to what it is today.
Best address: 10 Skinner State Park Road, Hadley, MA
Best time to go: interpretive rangers will be available between 1pm and 4pm, the auto road is open between 8am and sunset
Price: Entry to the park via vehicle is $5 for MA plates, $10 out of state.Parking is limited. Free to hike!

More about the presentations

Wagon Ride Farm Tours of Barstow’s Longview Farm | 11am and 1pm

Join seventh generation farmer, Denise Barstow, as we travel around her family’s 212 year old dairy farm. First stop is the Anaerobic Digester, a system that takes the energy potential out of cow manure and food waste and turns it into a chemical free fertilizer, heat, and enough green electricity to power 1,600 homes.  The tour will also visit a bunker silo where animal forage from 450 acres is stored through the winter.  See the farm’s robotic milking system and learn how it contributes to a healthy herd, happy cows, increased milk quality, and a more efficient business.  Finally see the youngest generation in our family at the calf barn.  Tour takes approximately 45 minutes. Free and family friendly!  Join us for lunch afterwards or before at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery.

Hockanum Village Cemetery Tours | noon-2pm

Join Hadley Cemetery Committee Chair, Alan Weinberg, for walking tours of this historic resting place.  Still in use today, the Hockanum Cemetery is cared for the by the Hadley Department of Public Works.  In the cemetery you will find farmers, tavern owners, and even a famous sailor.  Complete the scavenger hunt at the cemetery to have it redeemed for a free cookie of your choice at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery!

The Evolution of the Summit House | 1pm-4pm

The first “prospect” or Summit House was a small “refreshment” hut built in a little over a day in 1821. Learn about the evolution of the historic Summit House over the years, ranging from a pair of “dueling saloons,” to a small inn, to a grand hotel, to becoming the featured site—preserved by DCR—anchoring and located within a state park for all to enjoy. Meet on the Summit House deck. Wheelchair accessible.​