BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The historic Valley Farm Stand at the Oscar Kincaid Home of History in Boonton Township has officially reopened following a rehabilitation project, continuing the legacy of a farmstand that served the community for nearly a century.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw joined Boonton Township Mayor Bill Klingener for a ribbon cutting at the today at the farmstand’s Powerville Road site. Also attending were Historical Society of Boonton Township President Bill Rixon, Township Administrator Doug Cabana, members of the township committee, residents, and Jeff and Colleen Dowling — who rehabilitated the farmstand and will operate it.
View More Photos from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for “The Farmstand”
“While this is a modest farmstand, it has been part of the life of this community for nearly a century,” said Director Shaw. “As we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is worth remembering that America’s story wasn’t written only in statehouses or on battlefields. It was also written on farms like this one, in communities like Boonton Township and by families like the Kincaids, whose hard work, stewardship and commitment to the land helped shape Morris County. Congratulations to the Dowling family and everyone who helped make today’s ribbon-cutting possible.”
Built in the mid-1920s by Oscar A. Kincaid Sr., the roadside stand initially served as a refreshment stand and gathering place for local residents. Neighbors met there over root beer, while local town leaders sometimes used the setting to discuss and resolve community disputes.
In 1938, Kincaid entered the dairy business, expanded the building and installed a large walk-in cooler. The stand became known as the “milk house” and was used in connection with his Hillside Dairy milk route.
During World War II, the Kincaid family returned to general farming, and the building became known as “Valley Farm.” The stand sold seasonal products from the farm and surrounding area, including sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, apples, cider, Christmas trees and firewood.
In later years, the stand sold heirloom apples grown by nearby Lyonsville pomologist Harold W. Schroeder. Varieties included Golden Russet, Fall Pippin, Black Gilliflower and New Jersey’s own Maiden Blush.
“Today would not be possible without Jeff and Colleen’s vision and commitment to restoring this farmstand. They approached the township about giving this iconic part of our community a new life, and we were pleased to work with them and our historic preservation partners to make it happen. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time and effort to bringing this beautiful restoration to completion,” said Doug Cabana, a Morris County commissioner as well as Boonton Township administrator.
“This has been a dream of ours that started ten years ago, and we’re grateful to finally see it come to fruition with the support of Boonton Township, the Historical Society of Boonton Township, Morris County and so many others. We wanted to create a place where our family could work and spend time together, and where our children and their families can carry on that tradition in the years ahead. We’re honored to continue the legacy of this farmstand and become part of its next chapter,” said Jeff Dowling.
The Valley Farm Stand remained in operation until the final harvest in 2000, shortly before the death of Kincaid’s son, Oscar A. Kincaid Jr., who had carried on his family’s farming tradition. The stand was frequently operated on the honor system, with customers selecting produce and leaving payment in an unlocked cash box.
“After the final harvest in 2000 and Oscar Kincaid’s passing, the farmstand sat idle for 26 years. Seeing it reopen today is truly remarkable. Jeff approached every detail with craftsmanship and respect for the building’s history. He didn’t cut corners — he restored it the right way. We’re excited to see this historic landmark begin its next chapter,” said Historical Society President Bill Rixon.
The younger Kincaid was also a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. During the 17 years he served, the board helped preserve 41 farms and more than 3,100 acres in Morris County.
“Those who knew Oscar Kincaid knew how much he loved Boonton Township and Morris County,” Mayor Klingener said of Oscar Kincaid, Jr. “He devoted many years on the township committee, including four years as mayor in the mid-1970s, and was a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. I know Oscar would be proud of this moment.”
The Farmstand is part of the Oscar Kincaid Home of History, a property with more than two centuries of history. The earliest portion of the home dates to about 1785, making it one of the oldest surviving frame buildings in Boonton Township. Before the Kincaids, the property was associated with the Decker family, including John Decker, who expanded the house in 1837.
The home contains remarkable examples of 19th-century folk art, including an unusual plaster portrait on the north wall and a decorative technique known as “spooning.” Using a pewter spoon, the artisan heated and ran the spoon over barely damp plaster in continuous curlicue sections, creating a black-and-white swirling pattern.
The property is individually listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
Morris County has supported the preservation of the property through both farmland and historic preservation programs. In 2001, the Morris County Agricultural Development Board purchased the 75-acre Kincaid farm for open space and farmland preservation. Since 2003, the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund has awarded nearly $730,000 to the Historical Society of Boonton Township for the acquisition, stabilization and restoration of the Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History and Valley Farm Stand.
In 2010, the county Board of County Freeholders, now called County Commissioners, presented the Historical Society a Morris County Historic Preservation plaque recognizing restoration efforts at the Kincaid home. The Morris County Park Commission maintains a portion of the property, which has been named Kincaid Woods in recognition of the Kincaid family’s legacy.
The Historical Society of Boonton Township owns the Oscar Kincaid Home of History and continues to oversee its restoration and preservation. The Dowling family will operate the rehabilitated farmstand, continuing its tradition as a local gathering place and destination for farm-fresh products.
