Farm Records

Since its founding, the farm has been a central component of the landscape and life at Holy Cross. In 1836, Father James Fitton purchased land from the Parch family farm on Packachoag hill, or Mount Saint James, on which to build his boarding school. He continued to operate a farm on the land, using it to feed and fund the school. When the Founder of Holy Cross, Rev. Benedict Joseph Fenwick, purchased the school from Fitton, he continued the farm's operations, and expanded the farm's size and capacity over the course of the 19th century. Beginning at 60 acres, the farm grew to 150 acres by the early 20th century under the supervision of Brother Francis X. Horwedel. The farm was also expanded during World War I under President Joseph Dinand, S.J. to support the countrty's war efforts and need for agricultural resources. However, by 1933, the farm no longer remained a vital or neccessary operation for the College, thus leading to much of the farm and the barn to be converted into new sports fields and a gymnasium.