CHAPIN BROOK FARM LODGING

“Salmon H. Chapin Homestead Farm”

“Spencer Farm” -

“Wm Chapin Home Farm” - 1922

Chapin Brook itself runs through the Town of Unadilla, Otsego County, New York, adjoining the famous F.T. VanCott Lumber Company, consisting of several thousands of acres heavily wooded land. The VanCott Family managed, harvested, and milled lumber upon their land for nearly all of the local development in the Susquehanna River Basin.

Chapin Brook Farm has been called many different names over it's long life, beginning in it's Founding in the early 1840's. In 1842 Mr. William Chapin purchased the first acreage, and continued toadd to it in the years that followed. Mr. William Chapin passed away on August 27th, 1874, by which time the “Wm Chapin Farm” encompassed over 400 acres. He was survived by six children, and his wife, Adelia Chapin. His Last Will and Testament record specific details of his Estate. In order; Pay off any, and all Debts, and Funeral Expenses. Monies to support his wife, Adelia, specifically leaving her the Townhouse in the Village of Unadilla, and all the goods contained therein. “Wm. Chapin Farm” was left to his six children, to be shared amongst them, equally. His youngest son, Salmon Horace Chapin, who was 17 years old, at the time of his father's passing, quickly gained control of the entire Homestead Farm. S. Horace Chapin passed upon November 3rd, 1916, and his wife, Mary Trask Chapin, continued to manage the Steading, now called the. “Salmon H. Chapin Homestead Farm”. Salmon Horace Chapin's Last Will and Testament bequeathed to his wife, Mary, “the use, income, rents, profits, management, and control of all the rest, residue, and remainder of my property, real and personal, or the avails thereof, for and during the terms of her natural life, with the right to use as much of the Principal as may, in her judgment be necessary for her comfortable support, and maintenance.

”Over the years of S. Horace Chapin's Stewardship of the Homestead Farm a number of lots, or parcels of land were sold off, most likely to pay bills, in trade for services, or for timber, and livestock.

In 1946 the “Salmon H. Chapin Homestead Farm” was sold to the Conner Family. Between 1946, and 1952 the Farm would change hands a total of five times (There is a very good story behind this, do ask your host to tell it), until sold to Frederick W. Braun & Margaret A Braun on November 30th, 1952.The Braun family maintained the Homestead Farm, now encompassing 220 acres, with their two children. The Braun's owned, and raised a variety of animals upon the Homestead. Fred Braun, Sr.,as he was known locally, passed away on January 11th, 1986. Margaret continued on at the Farm, with her flowers and Raspberry Bushes, until she could no longer stay on by herself. On July 15th, 2004 the Farm was sold to Rodney D. Frazier & Stacey M. Frazier. Stacey then renamed the Homestead. “Chapin Brook Farm”, and here I am today, inviting you to experience the natural, and tamed paradise over which the Sun rises, and sets. I am here, as many Chapin women have been before me, in flesh, and in spirit, upon my Dirt, loving the land, and I invite you to come and enjoy it with me.