History of
Bacon Hill Reformed Church
BACON HILL FARM TOUR
Winney
Farm [mile 11.7] Bacon Hill Blueberries
A sign out front reads, "Hudson Valley Farmer since 1652." The Winney
family first settled in the Hudson Valley town of Bethlehem in 1652 where they raised
grain, ran a gristmill, and shipped their goods to armed forces camped along the Hudson
River. The Winneys were granted land in the Schuylerville area for their Revolutionary War
services, so the family moved to Bacon Hill.
In the past, the Winney farm enterprises included a grain operation and a dairy. From 1830 to 1850 a blacksmith shop operated where the current farm retail store sits today. At the time, the farm also boarded mules during the winter months. The mules, shod with cleated shoes, were used on the frozen river to transport cut ice blocks that were then shipped by barge to ports along the Hudson River.
Today, Byron Winney runs the farm as a "pick-your-own blueberries" operation. With around 14,000 bushes on 20 acres, he is currently the largest grower of blueberries in Saratoga County. Byron plans to plant 7,000 more blueberry bushes this year (2000). By marketing 14 varieties as a pick-your-own operation, Winney "keeps overhead down with no shipping and handling expenses." The picking season begins in early July and extends through early September. People come to pick berries from as far north as Canada and from all over New York and New England.
Bacon
Hill Reformed Church [Mile 12.0]
The Bacon Hill Reformed Church, established in 1820, is one of Bacon Hill’s most
cherished landmarks. To many, the church is the social and spiritual center of the
community. Generations have worshipped and celebrated here, gathering for baptisms,
marriages and final tributes. Overlooking farm fields, grazing animals, mountains and
meadows, the church stands as a monument to the rich heritage of the community.
Stone Bridge Road [Mile 12.0] Turn left onto Stone Bridge Road.
Final resting place of Ebenezer Bacon
Bacon Hill Cemetery
[Mile 12.1]
In 1825, land was purchased for this cemetery. Ebenezer Bacon is buried in the southwest
corner. Soldiers from six different wars are buried here – including the
Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Mexican War and World Wars I and II. Many
ancestors of Bacon Hill farm families are buried here.
Map4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
