Waters Farm

Where History Comes Alive!

Owned by six generations of a single family, Waters Farm spans three centuries of incredible progress and change. In this same house one family ate, slept, worked, played, loved, laughed, grieved, worshiped and celebrated for more than 250 years - experiencing first-hand the challenges of Colonial rule, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, World Wars 1 and II, the Great Depression and much, much more.

At Waters Farm, it's as if time stopped. You can see how the family really lived - how they cooked on the open hearth, baked in beehive ovens, made candles, preserved apples, spun yarn, wove cloth, churned butter, made soap and washed clothes. You will see the home's original furnishings - whale oil lamps, early china, pewter plates, paintings, books, tables, cradles and chairs. Everything is just as it was left by the Waters family.

The Main house, built in 1757, is typical of the solid construction of its period and evidence indicates that it was built in two sections. The east side of the is timber frame construction while the west side is plank. Additionally, the cellars under each half were dug at different levels. The timbers were undoubtedly hand hewn and the planks are set on a lip in the sill and go all the way to the roof. A huge chimney occupies the center of the house and 5 fireplaces open into some of the 16 rooms. To forever preserve her Farm, the Waters family's last descendant, Dorothea Waters Moran. (1895-1987). donated the land, the house and all of its "contents - furnishings, diaries, documents, letters and photographs - to the town of Sutton in 1974. The result is a rare view of early American life in a wonderful house that will be kept intact for future generations. Waters Farm Preservation, Inc. was formed to ensure the continued preservation of this historic landmark. The farm is maintained by a corps of dedicated volunteers working in conjunction with the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. Special events are held at the farm each year. Tours are given year-round by appointment.

Come and see the way life used to be. Waters Farm; a hilltop homestead built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and now a living history museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a stunning view overlooking Lake Manchaug, barns, outbuildings and 120 acres of pristine farmland, Waters Farm gives visitors a rare glimpse of 19th century New England farm life at its best. For information about events or to schedule a tour, call (508) 865-0101 or visit www.watersfarm.com