Tolland County Agricultural Center, Inc.

In 1956 Tolland County leaders in 4-H, homemaking and agriculture founded and incorporated the Tolland County Agricultural Center. With 10 farmers using their farms as collateral, this group purchased a 32 acre tract of land from the Town of Vernon upon which to develop a permanent home for agricultural and homemaking programs in Tolland County.

Gunther Family Farm The Gunther dairy farm and milk delivery service business was operated by the Gunther family for four generations spanning approximately 100 years beginning in the late 1880s. The farm was operated by Frederick and Mary Gunther. The first barn on the property was built around 1892 on approximately the same location as the present barn. The cows were housed on the lowest level and the hay loft was above. The 2nd barn-pictured below-was constructed in 1900 after a lightning strike destroyed the original barn.

Close-the-Gap Campaign
Our Goal: To save this historic piece of open space farmland in Tolland County. Our mission is to expand the programs now offered at TAC, to increase the size and use of the nature area at the rear of the property, to encourage continued agricultural use of the land and to provide educational programs for citizens of Tolland County, Connecticut and the Northeast.

Why be a Sponsor?
While state and federal grants have allowed us to purchase the property your support is crucial. Donations will pay for surveys, legal work, and immediate maintenance and improvement of the property.

Sponsorship Levels
____ $5000 & above ____ $2500-$4999 ____ $1000-$2499 ____ $500-$999 ____ $100-$499 ____ $1-$99 Fall Harvest Summer Sun Spring Showers Cultivator Little Sprouts Seeds

During the summer of 1959 a local carpenter with volunteer labor constructed the Activities Building on the property. Since then six more buildings have been constructed, along with two horse show rings. Trails within a carefully laid out nature area as well as several demonstration gardens have been developed.

By 1962 the dairy operation and milk delivery service - operated by Russell and Harriet Gunther - was discontinued due to a proliferation of local retail stores. The cow barn was converted into a horse barn and the farm continued as a horse boarding facility until 1983. Local farmers have hayed the expansive field behind the barn ever since.

At what level can you help us grow?

All donations are tax deductible.
Tolland County Agricultural Center, Inc. is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Please send your check made out to TAC to:

TAC has become a premier venue for educational programs in agriculture, family studies, and other related activities of local and regional appeal including livestock shows and demonstrations and the annual Tolland County 4-H Fair. The office building is home to several agricultural and environmental service agencies.

Tolland County Agricultural Center, Inc. 24 Hyde Avenue, Route 30 Vernon, CT 06066 or Use your credit card at www.tollandcountyagriculturalcenter.com
Close-the-Gap Campaign Co-Chairs Linda Palmer Becky Person Email: TAC_Secretary.@yahoo.com