Welcome to the MARS Members Newsletter

March 3, 2007

William W. Hamilton of Hamilton Orchards

NEW SALEM- William W. Hamilton, 81, of 22 West Street, died on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the University of Massachusetts/ Memorial Healthcare-Campus, Worcester, following an illness. Born on October 28, 1925 in Orange, he was a son of Dayle and Hazel (Whittier) Hamilton. Bill grew up in the former Quabbin town of Millington. He graduated from New Salem Academy in 1943. His family was the last to leave Millington before it was flooded.

At age 15 and during the Great Depression, he bought his uncle’s farm which is known today as Hamilton Orchards, which Bill cherished and where he could be found working continuously. On September 29, 1943, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. He was Honorably discharged on May 3, 1946 as a Corporal.

His first wife was Phyllis (Stevens). His current wife is Barbara (Darling) Hamilton, whom he married June 11, 1977 and had enjoyed 30 years together.

Besides the apple orchard, Bill expanded into blueberries and raspberries and produced maple syrup. After he could no longer do the heavy lifting required to gather maple sap for sugaring, he researched and developed greenhouse raspberries, becoming the first grower of greenhouse raspberries in New England.

Bill served as a Selectman for the Town of New Salem and belonged to Massachusetts Association Roadside Stands (MARS), Federation of Massachusetts Farmers, New England Vegetable Growers' Association, Berries and Small Fruit Association, Apple Growers of Massachusetts, past member of Massachusetts Maple Syrup Producers, National Bramble Association, Orange Lodge of Masons, and many Farmers’ Markets, including Copley Farmers' Market in Boston.

Besides his enjoyment of running the orchard, he had learned basket weaving from his dad, enjoyed camping, traveling to farm conferences around the country, and reading Harry Potter books. He and Barbara had also done square dancing for a number of years.

Besides his wife, Barbara Hamilton, of New Salem, he is survived by daughter, Susan Hamilton of West Newbury; son, Lloyd Hamilton of Rhinebeck, NY; daughter, Ruth French, of Phillipston; son, Andy Hamilton of Wendell; step-sons, Bruce Darling of Deland, FL, and Scott Liberty of Orange; thirteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Dayle Hamilton of Virginia; sisters, Phyllis Ferchette of Hudson, Esther Ditmars of FL, and Mary Homer of NY; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 11:00AM at the New Salem Central Congregational Church, 22 South Main Street, New Salem. Internment will be private in North New Salem Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Marine Corp League- Pequiog Detachment, c/o Earl King, 53 Oakland Avenue, Athol, MA 01331

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

Guest register available at www.wittyfuneralhome.com
 

Brookfield Orchards Tony Lincoln

Brookfield Orchards' Hamilton "Tony" Lincoln, Jr., 66, of Ward St., died Monday, February 26, 2007 at his home.

Tony was the third generation owner of Brookfield Orchards and was an active participant in the Integrated Pest Management Program in association with the Co-operative Extension of the University of Massachusetts. He was a United States Navy Aviator serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association and a Corporator of the North Brookfield Savings Bank. He enjoyed skiing, boating, classical and country music. He most enjoyed spending time with his family.

He leaves a son, Hamilton Lincoln, III and his wife Valerie of Methuen; two daughters: Laurie L. Lincoln and her husband John Goodell of Shaftsbury, VT and Kimberly K. Freund and her husband Tom of Winchester, MA; one sister, Louise Woodard and her husband George of East Brookfield; seven grandchildren and four nieces. He was born in Worcester, son of the late Hamilton and Elizabeth S. (Coes) Lincoln, Sr. and was a lifelong resident of North Brookfield. He was a graduate of North Brookfield High School and the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors of Science in Food Technology. He was a competitive swimmer as a member of the Worcester Boys Club in high school and also competed at the collegiate level.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Following cremation, Tony's ashes will be scattered in the spring amongst the blossoming apple trees he devoted his life to. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608. Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield is directing arrangement.

First New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show
Successful Strategies for Growing Your Farm Business
February 28 - March 1, 2007 Sturbridge, Mass.

Growers will convene at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center in scenic Sturbridge Massachusetts on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1, 2007 for the first New England Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference and Trade Show.

The marketing conference targets New England farmers interested in learning new marketing ideas or fine-tuning strategies for business success. Over the course of two days, there will be more than 20 workshops covering a range of marketing and business planning topics. Agritourism, farmers' markets, internet marketing, value added and testing feasibility are just some of the workshops planned. A half-day workshop especially designed for farmers' market managers is also planned for February 28.

A full trade show will provide farmers with information on the latest products and services. Specialty food producers from across the Northeast have also been invited to take part in the trade show to showcase unique local products perfect for roadside stands.

The conference is sponsored by all six New England State Departments of Agriculture and Harvest New England. http://www.harvestnewengland.org

Roadside Farm Stands Pick Your Own Garden Centers Ag-Tourism