In conjunction with Massachusetts Preservation Month, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on May 1 sponsored a free guided tour of historic Spectacle Pond Farm (formerly the Rowley Bros. Farm) on Cold Spring Road.

About 40 residents of Sandisfield and interested others learned about one of Sandisfield’s earliest and longest continuously operating farm under the same family. A collection of early photos of the farm and its sawmill, some not previously seen, enhanced the talk.

DCR Preservation Planner Kevin Allen from Boston and Otis State Forest DCR caretaker Alex Gilman spoke and entertained many questions from a curious audience. A member of the Sandisfield Historical Commission also participated in the Q&A.

Kevin Allen and Alex Gilman described why the Rowley farm buildings except one were removed and explained remediation plans for the site.
(Photo: Sandisfield Times.)

Mr. Allen also explained in detail why the surviving buildings including a house and an impressive barn, both dating to the 18th century, were demolished this winter. Some beams from the barn were salvaged to be used in other DCR restoration projects. The foundation outlines (“ghosts”) of the barn and houses remain.

The highlight of the event was a tour of the only surviving original structure, an early-19th century abattoir (slaughterhouse), believed to be one of only a few of its kind remaining in New England. The fully restored building was opened for the first time. Billed as a two-hour program, many stayed on past the scheduled ending time.

The DCR is evaluating possible heritage educational programs for the site, which is in the vicinity of the historic Knox Trail, also in Otis Sate Forest.