Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.
1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078
Call us: (860) 758-0668
Mail Support: info@fofah.org
Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm
Explore Our Farm Activities
Situated high above the Connecticut River in Suffield, Hilltop Farm has a history deeply connected to two prominent men and a legacy of preservation that rescued the iconic property for future generations. Established by Indian Motorcycle co-founder George M. Hendee as a grand gentleman's farm, the estate was later owned by prominent attorney Charles Stroh before being saved from development by a dedicated local nonprofit group. Today, it remains a beloved recreational and educational resource and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1913, motorcycle pioneer George M. Hendee began purchasing farmland in Suffield's northeast corner, eventually amassing 470 acres to create Hilltop Farm. Having made his fortune with the Indian Motorcycle Company, Hendee created a grand, modern country estate to pursue his interest in agriculture.
"Connecticut's Agricultural Cathedral": The centerpiece of Hendee's estate was the magnificent 18,700-square-foot Colonial Revival dairy barn, completed in 1914. The "Big White Barn," as it is known, was equipped with the latest technology for sanitary, modern dairy operations and housed a prize-winning herd of dairy cows.
A retreat from industry: Hendee had fully retired from the Indian Motorcycle Company by 1915 and poured his time and wealth into making Hilltop a showpiece farm. The property featured state-of-the-art outbuildings, designed landscaping, and a large manor house that once stood on the property.
After Hendee's health began to fail, he sold the farm in 1940 to Charles Stroh, a prominent Connecticut attorney and public servant.
Farm operations continue: Stroh continued operating the farm, maintaining its reputation for prize-winning dairy and poultry. Over the decades, however, he gradually downsized the agricultural operations and subdivided parts of the land.
The threat of development: After Stroh's death in 1992, the remaining 250 acres of Hilltop Farm ceased operation. In 2001, the land was divided, with the Town of Suffield acquiring 127 acres and a home developer acquiring the rest. This signaled an uncertain future for the historic farm buildings.
In 2004, a turning point came for the farm when the all-volunteer nonprofit Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH) stepped in.
Securing a future:The organization began managing the farm's historic core, leasing land from both the private owner and the Town of Suffield. In 2005, FOFAH successfully had the Hilltop Farm Historic District placed on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting the main barn and other structures.
Restoration and rebirth: Through grants, donations, and countless volunteer hours, FOFAH undertook extensive rehabilitation efforts. They purchased the 7.9-acre farmstead in 2013, including the Big White Barn and outbuildings, and later bought the adjacent Stroh house.
A community hub: Today, Hilltop Farm has been repurposed as a public space for community enjoyment and education. It offers hiking trails along the Connecticut River, beautiful scenery for photography, and educational programs. The restored Big White Barn hosts events, and the property now includes a creamery. The story of Hilltop Farm's transition from a Gilded Age marvel to a community treasure highlights the power of preservation and local initiative.
We are so excited to work with you! Volunteers are at the heart of our work with a wide range of opportunities from Saturday farm workdays, to serving on a committee, to sharing your expertise in helping with our various projects. People who make time in their day and in their lives to support us with their talent create a deep impact and we appreciate you.
During the height of the great depression, over 100 men were employed at Hilltop.
At one point, eleven families lived and worked on the farm.
Stroh never lived in Hendee's 17 room mansion, Hilltop Manor, saying it was "too much house" for him.
The original Hilltop Farm & manor consisted of 470 acres.
The large white dairy barn was built in 1914. It is approximately 20,000 square feet.
At one point, Hilltop had 10,000 laying hens and 50-60 colony houses for 2,000 broiler hens.
Hilltop had a herd of 75 Prize-winning Guernsey & Holstein milking cows
Charles "Charlie" Stroh bought the 470-acre Hilltop Farm from George Hendee for $75,000 in 1940.
Hilltop was designated an historic and architectural resource for the town of Suffield in 1979 by the Capitol Region Council of Governments.
