Re-invigorating Elm Hill

By Taryn Plumb
Turley Publications Reporter

BROOKFIELD – If all goes as planned, the Elm Hill historic property will finally become what its late benefactor long envisioned: A flourishing, all-purpose resource for people of all interests and abilities.
With the recent acquisition of the Blanchard Means Foundation by Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (RRI), of Sturbridge, Elm Hill Farm is poised for such a reinvigoration.
“The property is very much a community property,” said Bonnie Keefe-Layden, chief executive officer of RRI and, now, the Blanchard Means Foundation, a charitable entity that operates Elm Hill Center. “It’s not just a farm in the Brookfields, it is a very historic site.”
The late philanthropist Louise Chandler Means set aside the Elm Hill property as an historic farm and wildlife sanctuary in the 1990s. The history-studded farm had been in her husband Blanchard Means’s family since the 18th century, and it has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, more than 1,000 acres of the original property is in wildlife preservation. On the roughly 30 acres comprising the farm’s buildings and stables, meanwhile, the foundation has established horticulture, horsemanship and arts programs catered to all people, but especially those with special needs.
Serving this community was of particular importance to Means, whose daughter, Louise Blanchard “Weesie” Means, is disabled. Weesie, as dictated by her mother, now lives in a home with other special needs individuals on the property.
RRI, which took over operation of the foundation and the center Jan. 17, plans to carry on and enhance Means’ mission to emphasize nature, history and tolerance for all people. With more than 400 employees, the Sturbridge-based non-profit specializes in care for people with special needs through both residential and day programs.
“Finally, there are the resources to add to this gift to make it the unique place that we envisioned,” said Mississippian Karlyn Stephens, foundation chairman.
The first order of business? Establishing an operations plan and developing strategies to replenish the foundation’s “dwindled” endowment, Keefe-Layden said.
Already, the RRI-led foundation has formed several committees and is seeking volunteers. It has also established a $500 scholarship for a graduating Brookfield senior at Tantasqua Regional High School who has an interest in history and preservation.
It will hold its first fundraiser, a pasta dinner, at the Brookfield Congregational Church Friday, May 1.
Right now, programs such as Saturday riding lessons and summer riding are being rolled out, Keefe-Layden said. Groups have also started to visit the property to interact with animals and clean the grounds.
“We’re already moving,” she said.
The eventual goal is to have on-site staff manage programs, but that development is about a year away.
For RRI’s community, in particular, the farm opens up the opportunity for animal therapy — goats, donkeys, miniature ponies, horses and chickens now roam its grounds. The non-profit would eventually like to implement animal husbandry programs and perhaps an adopt-an-animal initiative that would instill discipline and responsibility, Keefe-Layden said.
Simple interaction with the animal kingdom, she said, is beneficial for people of all ages, and particularly for those with special needs.
“People sometimes relate better to nature than they do to human beings,” she said.
Beyond this, the property has opportunities with raised garden beds, a campfire pit, a swimming pool and walking trails.
Then there’s the historical aspect: At its peak, Elm Hill was one of the largest working farms in the region; it comprised 1,300 acres, eight houses, apple orchards, horse stables and was home to a purebred cattle operation.
All told, it represents the original re-settlement of Brookfield, and, most famously, it bred Borden’s first mascot, Elsie the Cow — one of the most recognizable bovine faces of the 20th century, gracing milk and cheese containers everywhere.
In all aspects, RRI is eager to see the center flourish.
“Mrs. Means had a vision for this property, and we are going to ensure that it is realized,” Keefe-Layden said. “It is treasured property in our region, and we intend to make sure that it is a place that can be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of age or disability.”
For more, visit www.rehabresourcesinc.org.