Mainstone Farm: Wayland Hopes to Protect Slice of History

WAYLAND, MA - The gorgeous scenery of Mainstone Farm has been a part of Wayland's identity for over 150 years and now residents have the chance to help preserve it for future generations.

The Hamlen family, who has farmed the land since 1872, decided to sell the property’s development rights to Wayland in 2013. Residents can vote on the issue during the Annual Town Meetings starting April 7.

During the meetings Wayland residents will have the opportunity to ensure the permanent protection of Mainstone Farm by approving the appropriation of funds to purchase a Conservation Restriction (CR), the town reported.

A CR would mean the land could never be sold for development and the rolling pastures would be preserved for many more centuries to come. The farm is the largest remaining piece of undeveloped, unprotected open space left in Wayland.

• See the map of the Mainstone Farm project area >>>

If approved the CR would be sold to Wayland and the Sudbury Valley Trustees for the price of $15 million, which is a discount from the $17 million value determined in an appraisal.

The Sudbury Valley Trustees committed to raising $3.3 million in private funding and Wayland voters would be asked to provide $12 million either from the Community Preservation (CPA) Funds or from a combination of CPA funds and a general bond, according to the Sudbury Valley Trustees.

If the CR is purchased the protected land will continue to be owned and managed by the Hamlen family and the project will not affect Wayland property taxes.

In 1872 William Powell Perkins, known to his family as “Uncle Powell,” purchased Mainstone Farm for $10,000 from John Cushing of Belmont.

• Read a brief history of the farm >>>

After Uncle Powell’s death the farm was passed down to the children and grandchildren of his deceased sister Miriam, who had been married to one Mr. Loring.

The only descendents were the children of the Loring’s daughter, Gertrude, and her husband Nathaniel Perez Hamlen. The land has been in the Hamlen hands ever since.

See why Devens Hamlen believes the property is worthy of preservation in the video below.

Do you think Wayland should help purchase a CR to preserve the historic farmland? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Mainstone Farm