Historic Valley Farm Stand reopens at Oscar Kincaid Home of History in Boonton Township
BOONTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The historic Valley Farm Stand at the Oscar Kincaid Home of History has reopened following a rehabilitation project, preserving a piece of Morris County’s agricultural heritage while reviving a farmstand that served the community for nearly a century.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw joined Boonton Township Mayor Bill Klingener and other local officials, residents and members of the Historical Society of Boonton Township for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the farmstand on Powerville Road. Jeff and Colleen Dowling, who rehabilitated the structure, will operate 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 originally operated as a refreshment stand where neighbors gathered over root beer and local leaders occasionally met to discuss community issues.
After entering the dairy business in 1938, Kincaid expanded the building into a “milk house” supporting his Hillside Dairy milk route. During World War II, the family returned to general farming, and the stand became known as Valley Farm, selling locally grown sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, apples, cider, Christmas trees and firewood. In later years, it also featured heirloom apples grown by nearby pomologist Harold W. Schroeder.
“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 Oscar A. Kincaid Jr., who continued the family’s farming tradition. The stand often operated on the honor system, allowing customers to select produce and leave 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.
Kincaid Jr. also was a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board, which helped preserve 41 farms encompassing more than 3,100 acres during his 17 years of service.
“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, whose oldest section dates to about 1785, making it one of Boonton Township’s oldest surviving frame buildings. The property is listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
Morris County has supported preservation of the site through farmland and historic preservation programs. In 2001, the Morris County Agricultural Development Board preserved the 75-acre Kincaid farm, and since 2003 the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund has awarded nearly $730,000 for acquisition, stabilization and restoration of the property.
The Historical Society of Boonton Township owns and continues to preserve the Oscar Kincaid Home of History, while the Dowling family will operate the restored Valley Farm Stand, continuing its tradition as a destination for farm-fresh products and a gathering place for the community.
