"We, the Haymakers" presentation
The Waterford Historical Society presents “We, the Haymakers,” a talk and slide show on haymaking with farmers Tim Conderino and Rich Morgan, the third in a series of “We, the People” talks inviting town residents to speak of the Town’s agricultural and marine past as it celebrates the 225th anniversary of its founding and the United States of America's 250th birthday.
Farmers Conderino, a retired state employee and excavation company owner and Morgan, a third-generation farmer of the longest-running, fifth-generation Morgan Farm on Douglas Lane, will discuss the traditions for harvesting hay over the centuries in Waterford.
Conderino hayed a first-cut at the Old Barrett Farm near Crossroads in mid-May, to be followed by a second cut in mid-summer. He hopes for a third cut, but fears the dry weather will not allow for it. The majority of the hay harvested is for livestock feed, and a portion for landscape/soil and erosion control in construction areas.
Originally known as the West Farms section of New London until its incorporation in 1801, the Town of Waterford once had more than 100 dairy farms. Conderino and Morgan are trying to keep Waterford’s farmland open. Much town land is now occupied by chain and big box stores, housing developments, industrial complexes, and apartments, with plans for more development on the drawing board.
The final two programs in the series are “We, the Fishermen” on September 14 and “We, the Kitchen Gardeners” on October 5, same time and location.
