News Spotlight
Springdell Farm's Local Roots: a reprint from their website
Note: Marea Theodoros and Domenick Cusolito were cousins. Today, the third and fourth generations of both families are working together with the sale of Tower Root Beer at the farm stand.
"Springdell Farm is located on land that has been family owned and operated in the historic town of Littleton, Massachusetts since the 1700s. The farm sits on one of the oldest agricultural grounds in the area.
In the Spring of 1931, James and Marea Theodoros purchased the land during the heart of the Depression. They were Greek immigrants who had a passion for farming and a love of the land.
In the first few years, it was a constant struggle to keep the farm, and for a while it was actually up for sale. During each of those tough, early years, James and Marea sold everything they produced from a piece of plywood on top of two milk crates outside the big, white farmhouse. At that time, Great Road was just a small, dirt path. Every once in a while a potential buyer for the farm would show up and each time James made sure they knew the soil was way too rocky to farm. By saying awful things about this great farmland, he successfully discouraged them from buying it. Doing everything they could to save the farm, they successfully rode out the Depression and kept their land.
Located in what was then the “Heart of Apple Country”, the land was originally a dairy farm and apple orchard. James and Marea worked together to convert the land into a fruit and vegetable farm. In the mid-1940s, James’ brother Tasso joined the family business. They added corn, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, watermelons, and many other vegetables. As the output grew, they added the white farmstand that we operate out of today.
In 1981, with James' health failing, his granddaughter Paula who had always worked by his side, took on a larger role in running the farm. Later that year when “Grampa Jimmy” passed away, Paula became the next generation to continue the family tradition as head operator. Along with Tasso, Marea, her father Gerry, and her mother Helen, they worked the land as a wholesale farm and sold to many supermarkets, other roadside stands, and sold only strawberries at the farmstand.
In the late 1980's, Paula persuaded the family reduce the wholesale business and open up the farmstand for the entire growing season. It proved to be the right decision, and they quickly developed a large and loyal customer base Today, our number one priority is selling to our customers directly.
Marea worked the farmstand up until she passed away in 1996. Uncle Tasso, known to many as“The Corn Boss”, would drive by the field on his old 8N tractor, and from the seat he could tell you the exact day of when the corn would be ready to pick. He worked the land until 2005, when he passed away at he age of 101.
Bob's passion lies in our beef cattle business In 2003, he began developing our closed herd of Black Angus beef cattle, which in only 6 years has evolved into something we only dreamed of. Keeping the animal's welfare number one on his list of priorities, Bob has produced some of the best tasting, grass-fed cattle around. Paula's youngest daughter Jodee works alongside Bob as his“right hand man”, helping in every aspect of herd management .
In 2006, Paula was joined by her daughter Jamie. Having worked with her grandparents, Uncle Tas, and her Mother from childhood, Jamie developed an early passion for the farm, ensuring her place as the next generation to work these fields. She was only 8 year old when she started her own flower garden, selling her zinnias at the stand. After graduating from high school, she quickly followed in her Mother's footsteps and started working alongside the family. “I have always enjoyed planting a field, helping it grow, and putting a smile on the customer's face”.
Today, the family farm has both the third and fourth generations all working together to continue a true family tradition. Paula's son, David, works as the farm mechanic, and with Jodee's interest in the animals, we're all sure that she'll realize her dream of someday taking over the cattle business and becoming the head herdswoman.
Our farm has changed a lot over the last 80 years, and every year brings new growth and improvement. We take great pride in our land, our animals, and all the work that we have done to provide our customers with local food raised with care and respect. We invite you to come and experience a true New England roadside stand, and meet the family that grows your food."
Prospect Hill Beverages, LLC is proud to announce the partnership with the Halfway Cafe restaurant chain. Tower Root Beer is served at all seven locations. Please check the store locator for a convenient restaurant near you.
Six Packs are here for Spring!
