I had planned to begin this post with lots of fun images of valentines crafts, farm treats, nutrition education, and seed ordering tips. Instead, I find myself stunned, shocked, and downright sad. All the beauty that seemed relevant just days ago doesn't feel important now. On Friday night, February 12th, 2021, our 100+ year old barn burned to the ground in a freak fire. We are devastated both emotionally and physically. Losing the barn is like losing a loved family member, a pillar of our community, the historic soul of the farm. Frank and I operate the pumpkin patch and sunflower field on the opposite side of the farm from the historic barn, and were in the midst of putting the two babes to sleep when the fire started. As Farmer Frank took the frantic call from his mom, Miss Terry, my phone began exploding with worried messages from friends, family, and neighbors all looking on in horror as our landmark barn stand became engulfed in flames. Photos and videos came streaming in of the burning barn, and tears began to flow. The fire team response was quick and amazing, and they were able to isolate the burn to the barn structure, protecting the two houses that flank the barn, as well as all our family, animals, and neighbors. Quite a feet considering the blaze.
Farmer Frank's family has been on this same land farming for 3 generations, since 1926, and we are beginning to raise the 4th here as well. We all live here on the farm. The wood in that barn held stories of home made wine, countless pounds of artichokes, the blood, sweat, tears, and joy of generations. While we know and trust that the future is bright, and full of the support of our amazing community, this is a deep loss which will forever change the landscape of our town, on and off the farm. While we have insurance, it will fall far short of what was lost (think heirloom seed collections, tractors, specialty tractor parts which are no longer made, forklift, produce boxes, farmer's market display booths, tools, vintage truck, family heirlooms, historic photos, tools, tubers and bulbs, and the list goes on) and we are going to need help to rebuild our buildings and produce sales operation.
We are uplifted and awed by the outpouring of support from all of you. We appreciate everyone who has already made contact and offered support, and we ask for your continued prayers as we navigate toward a barn raiser.
If you are interested in supporting us you may do so in the following ways:
Frequent the Ocean View Driving Range, which will serve as the only source of income for Frank's parents, Terry & Dino Andreotti, during this time. They are open 7 days a week, and its a great and Covid safe outdoor family activity.
Please support Farmer Frank at the Farmer's Market in Sunnyvale on Saturdays, and Montclair on Sundays.
Please actively support the fast tracking of building permits at the city level by contacting the city in writing with your support for rebuilding the landmark with expediency and community support.
If you are able to donate some of your skills and or your products for our fundraising and/or barn raising efforts, please contact us by email: andreottifamilyfarms@gmail.com
You can donate directly to Terry & Dino Andreotti by stopping by the driving range.
Please subscribe to our blog and follow us on our social media channels for opportunities to join us on the farm and roll up your sleeves as we cleanup and rebuild. (Find us on Instagram @andreottifamilyfarms and on Facebook @andreottipumpkins )
You can contribute to our GoFundMe campaign
Once again we are just so thankful and appreciative for everyone's kind words, and sharing of their own memories the barn held for them. We know that with the help of our special community we will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. This barn burner will become a barn raiser, with your help and support.
We will plan to host the pumpkin patch and you pick sunflower field despite this major setback, and we hope you will mark your fall calendars to share another amazing year here with us on the farm.
Thank you so much for your support!
With love and dirt, Dawn
The Farmer's Wife Andreotti Family Farms