The Farms ~ Part II

The YMCA’s interest in the Bertram Chain of Lakes land first came from donations/purchases by the Lehigh Cement company which owned land on the east side of the lakes, including First Lake.

During the next 15 years (from 1952-1967) neighboring farms were bought up as they began to cease operations.  Most of these farms were small one-family operations of dairy, small grain, sheep and cattle and provided a life for these families for almost 100+ years (from 1850-1950+).

These farms were purchased one at a time until the current land area of the Bertram Chain of Lakes was created.  All together there are nine (9) farmsteads that can be located on the land, several of which have old foundations and other remains to show where they were.

In the future when all of the land has been purchased and the entire natural area of the park is open to the public, these farmsteads will be marked showing the last two farmers/owners of the land.

Several of these farms produced some specialty crops:

• The corner of Briarwood & 90th Street (horse pasture) was originally a field where sheep were raised for many years.  They produced wool, mutton & chops.

• Inside the south entrance and just southeast of the parking lot was the site of a very specific crop; this was the site of a mink farm.  The pelts of the mink were used for coats and stoles.  Changing attitudes led to its demise.

• Rumor has it that there was a celery farm located near Long Lake but the specific location has not been found.

• Of course,m the YMCA used the land to farm Christmas trees for sale in the cities.  Several of the areas are still in existence today but will be redone in the future.

We must be sure to remember and celebrate these early stewards of the land!