Tucked between routes 117 and 62 in downtown Stow, Massachusetts, Derby Ridge Farm is a historic apple orchard that has been owned by the same family for five generations.

The Derby family has lived in Stow since the 1700s. In 1910, John and Florence Derby purchased the farm and 1800s post and beam barn from Martha Rich. After the original farmhouse burned down in 1912, it was replaced by the current structure. The renovated post and beam barn still houses the farm store today.

John and Florence passed the farm to their son Jack, who raised poultry while maintaining fruit crops in nearby Bolton and selling feed and stock for the farm bureau. Jack married Emily Priest, a neighboring apple farmer. In 1947, Jack and Emily purchased additional land to bring the total acreage of Derby Ridge Farm to 75 acres. They sold fruit from an outdoor stand on Stow’s Great Road.

Jack and Emily’s daughter Anne Derby Porcella inherited the farm and soon became a staple at the farmstand. Her husband, Ted Porcella, added the farm’s legendary cider press in 1976. In 2008, the farm passed to Anne and Ted’s daughter, Linda, and her husband Gregg Mikoski. The couple renamed the farm “Derby Ridge” to honor the long family legacy.

Today, the orchard produces apples, peaches, pears, nectarines, and plums. The surrounding farmland also grows vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, cranberries, and Christmas trees. Derby’s farm store sells honey, jams, and gift items. Seasonally, on weekends, guests can find homemade baked goods, cider donuts, and fudge.

Photo: derbyridgefarm.com
Sources: derbyridgefarm.com