Revolutionary Waters Brothers

By Pat Nedoroscik with Ross Weaver

The Massachusetts Militia was formed on December 13, 1636, by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Responsible for local defense, it was composed of able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60. Every town was expected to maintain at least one company, commanded by a captain. Chosen from members of the local militia, Minutemen were selected by their commanding officers from their militia units, usually for their physical strength, reliability, and enthusiasm, and were ready to march at a moment’s notice. In West Sutton, all four Waters brothers, Ebenezer, Samuel, Abraham, and Stephen, were members of the militia.

Corporal Samuel Waters, born in 1750, the sixth child and fourth son of Richard and Anna Waters, served in Captain John Sibley’s company, Colonel Ebenezer Learned’s regiment, which was based in Oxford and included several individuals who were known to reside in West Sutton. His company answered the alarm of April 19, 1775, to the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first major battle between the British Army and the Patriot Militias. 

Sgt. Abraham Waters was thirty-two and married when he was called as a Minute Man to answer the alarm on April 19, 1775. He served in Captain Andrew Eliot’s company, Col. Ebenezer Learned’s regiment.  His rank indicates that he served in the Militia for some time. Abraham was active in the community, serving on the Committee of Inspection which was established to enforce boycotts on British goods and to monitor compliance to resolutions passed by the Continental Congress. 

Ebenezer Waters, Adjutant in Colonel Learned’s regiment, marched to Roxbury to the alarm of April 19, 1775. He also served as Quartermaster in Colonel Jacob Davis’s 5th Worcester regiment which marched from Providence to Tiverton, R. I. on the alarm of March 29, 1780. In addition to his military service, Ebenezer was chosen to serve on the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety for the Town of Sutton in 1779. Later that year, he was chosen to serve on the committee representing the town at the state convention held in Concord.  He and his cousin Asa Waters were chosen to represent the town at a county convention held in Worcester on August 2nd.

Stephen Waters, who constructed the original portion of the current Waters Farmhouse, began his service in the militia during the French and Indian War. As a Private during the Revolutionary War, he marched in Captain Bartholemew Woodbury’s company from Sutton to Providence, Rhode Island in December of 1776. At the age of forty-one, Stephen left his wife and five children in early winter, wondering if he would ever return, a reality faced by numerous militiamen and their families throughout the conflict. He would go on to build the farmhouse and develop, by grafting, the well-known Sutton Beauty apple. Dorothea Waters Moran, who donated Waters Farm to the Town of Sutton, was accepted into the Daughters of the American Revolution through Stephen and his service.

Rooted in Sutton

By Brian Garrett

A more than 200 year old  Sycamore tree with roots in Sutton has been turned into a pair of stunning conference  tables that were gifted to Waters Farm and the Town of Sutton by Unified  Global Packaging (a.k.a., Unified), a company with roots here in Sutton.  The story of the Sutton Sycamore tree and how it has turned into furniture that will leave a lasting legacy  is fascinating. 

Unified’s Sutton manufacturing business has grown to more than 1,000 employees working around the clock.  More than a dozen warehouses were being rented within a 50 mile radius of Sutton to meet the growing needs of the business. Working closely with the Town of Sutton, Unified got the approval to build a major new warehouse facility off of Boston road near the Market 32 Galaxy Pass complex. Those designs included an access driveway that carefully avoided one of three  giant sycamore trees –  two by the road on town owned property and one on the new warehouse property. Then the lightning struck – literally.

A huge Sycamore branch was struck by lightning and totaled two cars in front of a house across from the Galaxy Pass driveway on Boston Road.  Luckily no-one was hurt.  An examination by a professional arborist determined that all three Sycamore trees were near the end of their life and had become a safety hazard.  

As Unified was exploring what it would cost to have the tree on its property removed, they struck up a conversation with Mill River Millworks. Mill River offered to turn whatever was salvageable from the largest trunk they’ve ever processed into kiln dried slabs and then use those slabs to build furniture including two stunning conference tables: one that resides in the Wally Johnson Selectboard meeting room in Sutton Town Hall and another that was given to Waters Farm for our new Visitor Center.  We at Waters Farm are so thankful to Unified for the stunning conference tables that were milled from an ancient Sycamore tree that was rooted in Sutton – especially Art Mahassel, President/CEO and Alec McAleer, Plant Manager Molded Fiber. 

Captain Cornelius Putnam Blacksmith Shop

By Patricia Nedoroscik with Brian Garrett

A blacksmith shop was a vital part of any self-sustaining New England farm and Waters Farm was no exception. The original shop was operated for the family’s use until the death of Nathan Waters in 1878, creating useful tools and hardware. After Nathan’s death the building fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1890 according to Nathan’s great granddaughter, Dorothea Waters Moran.

The blacksmith shop at Waters farm was dedicated in 1995 to Captain Cornelius Putnam, born in Sutton in 1782. He was a blacksmith by trade and a captain of the Oxford militia. His daughter Ulva was the wife of Nathan Waters. Nathan was the grandson of Stephen Waters, builder of the 1757 farmhouse.

When the blacksmith shop was dedicated in 1995, Russell Sibley Putnam, whose mother was born in the Waters farmhouse and was the 5th generation to own Captain Putnam’s house and blacksmith shop located at the corner of Sutton Avenue and Joe Jenny Road in Oxford, was honored to dedicate the building by pouring a bit of cider brandy on the door sill, that brandy made in the year 1800 by Stephen Waters. He also donated bellows and other tools used by the Putnam family to Waters Farm.

Live demonstrations in the Captain Cornelius Putnam Blacksmith Shop are a popular attraction during Waters Farm events. We’re very grateful to have Dan Soucy, our resident blacksmith, as the Waters Farm volunteer that’s bringing this historic vocation to life and passing it onto the next generation. Blacksmith demonstrations are held throughout the year during Waters Farm events including open houses in the Summer, the Farm Days festival in the Fall, and the Breakfast with Santa and Chain of Lights celebration in December.   Stop by and say hello to Dan (and warm up beside the forge!) at your next Waters Farm event.

Take a Hike

By Brian Garrett with Phil Johanson

Phil Johanson,  a volunteer with the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor, has been leading a series of  trail  hikes on the Farm with a goal of promoting the historical, educational and recreational opportunities here in the Blackstone Valley. We’re pleased to report that Phil’s first hike at Waters Farm was enjoyed by more than 60 hikers and volunteers!

When we asked if he would do a series of shorter hikes during the Farm Days festival in October, Phil said “Yes, me and my team are thrilled at the opportunity.  Waters Farm has a lot of history. Visitors may not know about your granite quarry and especially the Native American Prayer Trail.”

Ten to fifteen visitors joined Phil and his team on eight hikes during the Farm Days festival. The 3/4 mile hike showcased Waters Farm history including the granite quarry where the foundation for the 1757 farmhouse was extracted and the Indian Prayer Trail. The Prayer Trail, discovered in the 1990’s, is a rare indigenous American artifact that’s found in only a few locations in New England. The walk was highlighted with a  traditional Native American prayer at the top of the hill, pouring tobacco on the ground and giving respect to the sky, the land, and the elders. This was a big hit and some people even said that the tour was the highlight of their visit.  We’re looking forward to having Phil and his team lead more Waters Farm hikes in the future and we’re extremely grateful for their generous help with trail maintenance.

Witches @ Waters Farm

By Paul Schaefer

The Witches of Sutton are a Sutton-based volunteer dance group that combines a passion for dress-up and dance with a strong commitment to local charities.  Characterized by their witchy costumes, complete with hats and brooms, the group’s goal is to “spread a little magic across the Blackstone Valley and beyond” while supporting the community. Well attended Witches of Sutton performances at the Farm Days festival brought smiles to the  faces of young and old alike. 

The organization participates in various local events throughout the year, with peak performances in the Fall around Halloween. Their activities are centered on making a positive impact through fundraising and community engagement. For example, they have used contest winnings to support local causes, such as the Sutton Fourth Committee and Waters Farm. They also made a recent donation to the Pawfect Life Rescue, an animal charity.

The group encourages participation and inclusivity, often hosting informal practice sessions where new members can learn simple dances and get to know what the group is about. They frequently collaborate with other New England-based witch dance troupes, attending meetups and performing together at community events. The Witches of Sutton have grown from a small group to a sizable troupe, performing at events like the “Oh My Gourd” Festival and local parades. Their public presence, including an active Facebook page, helps them reach a wider audience and engage more people in their charitable fun.

A Year in Review at Waters Farm

Visitor Center

By Brian Garrett

Waters Memorial Visitor Center is a multi-year project with a goal of a grand opening during the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. This new building that’s located next to the farmhouse on Waters Road is different from most of the 18th and early 19th century era buildings on Waters farm property. It’s a climate controlled state of the art Visitors Center with handicapped accessibility and indoor restrooms. The Visitors Center will be used for educational and community events and the display and preservation of six generations of Waters family artifacts and records. Recent donations from local businesses (bankHometown, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Unibank) and generous local families have provided the funds to complete the rough wiring and the next couple stages of the project (insulation, drywall, plaster, interior painting).

The septic system was funded with ARPA grant money that was allocated to the Town of Sutton. We’re pleased to report that the installation of the septic system was completed in November 2025. Join us as we strengthen our future with a state of the art Visitor Center that ensures the historical preservation and education mission of Waters Farm in perpetuity. Tax deductible donations are appreciated, and no gift is too small.

First Annual Remembrance Day

By Pam Gurney Farnham with Brian Garrett

A new tradition kicked off in June when we invited three families to join us as we dedicated the rose garden, flagpole, and contemplative trail benches at Waters Farm.  The event was held during one of the annual open houses that are held at Waters Farm each summer. Free activities of the day that ran concurrently with the remembrance ceremonies included Coffee with Cows with the Sutton 4H and Lions clubs, an antique tractor pull competition,  1757 era farmhouse tours, and a live blacksmith demonstration. State Senator Ryan Fattman attended the remembrance ceremonies and presented Massachusetts Senate citations  to each of the families. 

The family of Rose Minor, represented by her son Norman Minor and extended family, gathered in the Darling Barn on Saturday June 7th to memorialize Nana Rose and see the beautiful garden that was created in her honor. The family donated two benches and has graciously funded the ongoing planting and maintenance of the rose garden.

On Sunday morning, the family and friends of Bob Kneeland held a memorial dedication in the barn. Bob served as a Selectboard member in town and was instrumental in the ratification of the 99 year lease between Waters Farm Preservation Inc. and the Town of Sutton. In Bob’s memory, his wife Irene worked with Eagle Scout candidate Austin Gaska to create a contemplative trail with six benches. Each of the benches that have been placed alongside the Rattlesnake Hill Indian were inscribed with one of Bob’s favorite sayings.

The family and friends of Ken Ethier, long time board member, historian, trail guide, visionary, antique tractor and engine collector, and all-around handyman for the farm, met to dedicate the flagpole. The concept was the brainchild of Ken and fellow board member and volunteer, Bill Ela. With the efforts of Carol Messier to obtain the supplies and manage the project, the first flag raising ceremony was held during the Farm Days festival in 2024. It is a privilege to dedicate this flagpole with an American flag that proudly waves over the property that Ken and Bill loved so much.

Meet our Volunteers

By Brian Garrett

Conrad  Berthold is a 30+ year veteran of the Waters Farm volunteer corps. Conrad is our quiet  man behind the scenes – photographing our events, documenting our progress and capturing those special moments with his phenomenal talent and keen eye. Conrad, like many of our families, is the patriarch of three generations of Waters Farm volunteers, including his grandson Paul Laderman. We are immensely grateful for his countless hours of dedication and commitment to the success and preservation of Waters Farm.

Norma Bedrosian  is one of the most admired Waters Farm volunteers. When Norma’s not tending to the needs of her beloved herd of cows at her Sutton farm or substituting for colleagues that she has worked with during a 30+ year  tenure at a local dentist office, Norma spends hundreds of hours volunteering at Waters Farm every year.  As a board member, Vice President of Waters Farm Preservation Inc., and the founding leader of our apple crisp business, Norma’s fun and feisty personality lights up the room at nearly every Waters Farm event and planning session. 

Norma handles everything associated with Waters Farm’s famous and profitable apple crisp business.  She shops year round for the best deals on local apples and apple crisp ingredients, leads the annual apple crisp prep volunteer day (we had 65 volunteers in 2025!), researches and celebrates the history of the Sutton Beauty apple, sells a Waters Farm apple recipe book that she edited, and lovingly feeds her amazing crew of volunteers. Over the past 40+ years, it is estimated that Norma’s apple crisp business has generated more than $200,000 in income for the ongoing operation and preservation of Waters Farm. Thank you Norma!

Letter from the President

Dear Members & Friends of Waters Farm, 

Over the years, Waters Farm has received tremendous support from members, friends, benefactors, and the Sutton community at large.  For the year 2025, that level of support continues.  On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the fervor and passion of the organizations, whether they be municipal or private, continuing to make Waters Farm an important part of their mission.

Waters Farm could not be what it is without the generous giving of time, talent, effort, and material from its volunteer corps. Led by the Board of Directors, our volunteers have contributed over 16,000 hours of effort on behalf of the Farm for an in-kind grant value of approximately $509,000. 

Here are a few highlights from some of the special events that occurred at Waters Farm in 2025:

• Tractor Pulls
  Under the supervision of Glen & Kelly Oosterman, the popular tractor pull competitions were held from May -November.  (March 7 April were cancelled due to inclement weather).
• 3rd Annual New England Cross Country Grand Prix
  This USATF sanctioned event continues to be a popular event in August.  More than 150 runners between 13 to 90 years old participated.
• Summer Art Workshop
  We welcomed back Kathy Hehir and her very popular Summer Art Workshop for youth for the month of July.  This workshop runs from 10am-2pm Monday through Friday.  Sutton has some terrific young budding artists.
• Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast with Santa
  Waters Farm would like to thank State Sen. Ryan Fattman & Stephanie, his wife, for continuing the sponsorship of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Back to School Movie Night and the Breakfast with Santa (in conjunction with the Sutton Chain of Lights).
• 45th Annual FARM DAYS (Oct 18-19) was a  huge success. Despite the chilly yet sunny  weather, our biggest event of the year drew more than 5,000 guests supported by more than 250 volunteers. The animal showcase, antique engine & tractor exhibits, tractor pulls, children’s activities, craft vendors, food vendors and community service organizations continue to be very popular with the public.
• Hiking Opportunities
  In partnership with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, we were able to offer supervised hikes of the various trails on the Farm.  I would like to thank our Hike Ambassador, Phil Johanson for his leadership and guide skills.  The hikes provided the opportunity to strengthen and exercise both the body and mind.

As we look forward to the 250th Anniversary celebrations in 2026, the Board will continue to carry out the mission to preserve this historic landmark for future generations. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for a wonderful year.

Paul Schaefer
President
Waters Farm Preservation, Inc.