From the Pumpkin Patch to Home: History through Food

There are so many different uses for pumpkins!  One of America’s oldest native crops, modern day uses include carving as ornaments for Halloween, prepared as pies, and highlighted as a main attraction in agricultural fairs (largest pumpkin contests) and fall festivals (pumpkin roll & pumpkin games).  Needless to say, pumpkins are an integrated part of our fall traditions in Western Massachusetts. 

Pumpkin Patches

An active way to engage with local agriculture is at farms that offer pick-your-own farms with pumpkin patches.  Learn first-hand how pumpkins are grown while selecting the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween Jack O’Lantern or pumpkin pie.

PYO Pumpkin Farms

• Whitney’s Farm Stand – Cheshire
• McCray’s Farm – South Hadley
• Ioka Valley Farm – Hancock
• Fletcher Farm – Southampton
• Howden Farm – Sheffield
• Randall’s Farm and
• Warner Farm in Sunderland
• Greenhouse – Ludlow
• Westview Farms Creamery – Monson

[Photo credits: (c) Sienna Wildfield]

Excerpt from Learning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western Massachusetts (Seasons: Sept/Oct), a downloadable bimonthly publication produced by Hilltown Families that sheds light on embedded learning opportunities found in cultural resources that exist within the geography, history, and cultural traditions of Western Massachusetts.

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