In 1795, Eleazer Ryder purchased 126 acres in Brewster, New York in order to establish a productive homestead for his family. Ryder Farm, located at 406 Starr Ridge Road, is the continuation of that legacy. Ryder Farm actually pre-dates Putnam County which was founded in 1812.
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Emily Simoness, the Executive Director of SPACE on Ryder Farm and her husband, actor Michael Chernus. Every step I took at this amazing location was a treat to the senses. From the historic house with a spinning wheel sitting in the corner to the artist workspace created out of the old chicken coop, to the theater space transformed from an old barn. The sights and smells inspired the mind, body and spirit.
Since 1978, Ryder Farm has been growing organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. They were pioneers in America's green movement by being one of the first farms to go organic. Ryder Farm sells from its roadside farm stand and at the local Brewster Farmers Market at Wells Park at 98 Oak Street on Wednesdays & Saturdays and at Sunday’s Hudson Valley Regional Farmer’s Market at 15 Mt. Ebo Road in Brewster. In addition, you can “share the harvest” by joining their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Each week a bag of produce will be prepared for you and made available at the farm. There is no labor commitment at Ryder—just drive up at your convenience to pick up your share….drive-by CSA-ing! Read this article for more details or visit their site at www.ryderfarmorganic.com.
But Ryder Farm possesses something extraordinary. Emily saw the potential for a one-of-a-kind residency. She saw the beauty of the farm and knew the atmosphere would be ideal for a place to invigorate artists and innovators. Playwrights, authors, performers, activists and more make SPACE their artistic home away from home. “I came for a visit to the farm that had been in my family for generations,” explains Emily, “ and I knew Ryder Farm was an environment that would inspire creativity.”
Ryder Farm offers some unique opportunities and events to our community, including an upcoming Seasonal Supper on June 25th. They have upcoming events with other community organizations like the Southeast Museum, the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Village of Brewster Film Festival and more. Read this article for more details or visit their events page.
A cow bell was rung to inform residents that lunch was ready. There I met the current residents who discussed their works, their ideas and life in general. Michael (known for his role as Cal Chapman in “Orange is the New Black”) is currently working on a new TV series "The Patriot" and was spending the weekend on the farm to relax and spend time with his wife. Some residents were first-timers others are returning members. You can read more about the past residents and their experience on the farm on their website. After a lovely, delectable lunch, I met the newest member of the farm, Lily, a pony less than 24 hours-old with her mother who was a rescue.
The combination of antique and modern, the creativity to repurpose and recycle and the traditional that has been adapted into innovation, was inspirational. I found this SPACE absolutely enchanting. Brewster is fortunate to have such a historical, unique and inspiring asset in Ryder Farm.
Ryder Farm
406 Starr Ridge Rd.
Brewster, NY 10509
845-279-4161
SPACE on Ryder Farm: