Two Centuries of Family Farming

The 150 acres that is now the Roberts’ Farm Preserve was historically part of the extensive holdings of Dudley Pike, one of Norway’s founders. By 1787, Pike, for whom the steep hill south of Norway was named, acquired this land from Henry Rust. Between 1820–1830, Dudley’s son Henry built a two-story home and began farming the property. By 1850, the farm included 52 acres of improved land and was producing “Indian” corn, oats, peas, potatoes, hay, milk, butter and cheese. By 1880, 72 acres were under cultivation.

In 1881 Henry gave the farm to his daughter Carrie and her husband John Roberts. Mr. Roberts farmed “scientifically” and was very active in the Maine State Grange; he also served as the State’s Commissioner of Agriculture from 1913 until his death in 1918. Carrie and John’s son Thaddeus continued to farm the land and developed a dairy herd that brought the family modest success. Through the 1940s, local customers purchased Roberts’ Farm milk in the signature “Cop the Cream” milk bottles.

In 2000, after two centuries of stewardship by the Pike-Roberts family, the land was sold for timber harvest and potential development. The Western Foothills Land Trust agreed to purchase the property in the summer of 2007.

“Roberts’ Farm Preserve will be an invaluable community asset for Norway and her visitors, protecting Norway’s rural character while providing four seasons of recreational opportunities within minutes from downtown.”
—Andrea Burns, President of Norway Downtown

“Providing recreational trails, linking existing trails, views, and community resources is essential to a healthy community. Creating a more walkable community is a top priority for our area…”
—Ken Morse, Healthy Oxford Hills