With a Side of History

If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or TikTok, you may be familiar with the newest local viral sensation: The Farmstand in Boonton Township. Located on the grounds of the Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History on Powerville Road, the refurbished Farmstand boasts delicious coffee drinks, baked treats, and ice cream.  

Operated by Jeff and Colleen Dowling, the pair restored the Farmstand with a dedication to quality. Colleen, a nurse practitioner and cottage baker, makes cookies, oatmeal cream pies, and sourdough cinnamon rolls to name a few. If you happen upon the Farmstand on a Saturday morning, sourdough bread is available. 

“This was always a dream of ours to bring the Farmstand back to what it once was,” says Jeff. “We wanted to create a gathering place for good coffee, baked goods, ice cream, and fresh produce.” Keep an eye out for a future sourdough toast menu and fall-themed treats, even Christmas trees as holiday time nears. Locals love the charming stand and the dog-friendly vibes, complete with pup cups. The beautiful and historic outdoor space is the perfect place to unwind.  

Bill Rixon, Vice President of the Historical Society of Boonton Township Board of Trustees, and David W. Panasik, trustee, helped shed light on the history of the Farmstand and the current excitement. 

Tell us a bit about the new Farmstand at Kincaid House. 

“The Farmstand at the Kincaid House has reopened after being closed for the past 25 years. The grand reopening was on Friday, July 31 at 11 a.m. Following the opening, the Farmstand is open 6 days a week for coffee in the mornings and ice cream in the evenings. Morris County is even interested in adding a crosswalk for customers to utilize the county’s pavilion across the street; stay tuned for those updates,” says Panasik.  

Let’s dive into the history of the Farmstand and Kincaid House.  

“For nearly 80 years, generations of Boonton Township residents stopped at the Valley Farm road stand for fresh produce, cider, Christmas trees, and a chance to catch up with their neighbors. This summer, that tradition begins again,” says Rixon. 

“Originally built by Oscar A. Kincaid, Sr. in the mid-1920s, the building first served as a neighborhood refreshment stand where residents gathered to socialize and discuss local issues over a bottle of Krueger’s Root Beer. As the Kincaid farm evolved, so did the building. In 1938, after the family began operating a Holstein dairy herd, it became the farm’s milk house. During and after World War II, it was transformed into the “Valley Farm” road stand, where generations of local residents purchased fresh sweet corn, peaches, apples, cider, Christmas trees, firewood, and other products grown right on the farm.” 

“For decades, the Valley Farm road stand became a familiar landmark and a symbol of Boonton Township’s agricultural heritage. It remained in operation until the final harvest in 2000 following the passing of Oscar A. Kincaid, Jr. Today, both the road stand and the historic farmhouse are listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and are owned and preserved by the Historical Society of Boonton Township,” says Rixon.

What does the reopening of the Farmstand mean to the Historical Society? 

“The reopening of the Farmstand perfectly reflects our vision for the Historical Society. Preservation isn’t just about maintaining old buildings—it’s about keeping history alive and creating opportunities for people to experience it,” says Rixon. 

“The Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History has been part of Boonton Township for nearly 250 years, and the Farmstand has welcomed generations of residents for nearly a century. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our members, volunteers, donors, local businesses, and community partners. We’d especially like to recognize Jeff and Colleen Dowling, whose vision, hard work, and dedication made the reopening of the Farmstand possible. They not only restored the historic Farmstand with great care and respect for its history, but they will also serve as its operators, bringing it back to life for a new generation. Simply put, this project would not have happened without their commitment, and we are sincerely thankful for everything they have done.” 

Tell us a little bit about the Boonton Township Historical Society and how locals can get involved.

“The Historical Society of Boonton Township is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the rich history of Boonton Township and its surrounding communities. Our headquarters is the Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History, a historic farmhouse that dates back to 1785 and serves as the centerpiece of many of our preservation and educational efforts,” says Rixon. 

“The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds but a shared passion for local history. Our mission is not only to preserve historic buildings and artifacts, but to make local history meaningful and accessible for future generations. We encourage everyone to visit our website to stay informed about upcoming events, preservation projects, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the Historical Society or become a member.”