The farmhouse, which operated as a beloved restaurant for decades, is more than 200 years old.
CHESTER, NJ — An iconic farm in Chester is getting a makeover, according to town and farm officials.
Larison’s Turkey Farm, established in 1945, is becoming completely revitalized with the help of Alstede Farms. The site operated as a farm and restaurant for decades before it finally closed in 2009.
Co-owned by the Alstede Family, the structure on the 14-acre property will become a “bustling country farm store, where community members can find fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal products,” according to Alstede Farms’ plans.
“This revitalization also includes reactivating the 14 acres of farmland behind the farmhouse, where crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers will be grown,” a statement read. “These efforts will not only provide fresh food for the community but will also support pollinators, fostering a more biodiverse and sustainable local ecosystem. Alstede Farms has long been committed to sustainability and regenerative farming practices, ensuring that future generations will benefit from both the land and the local food system.”
The site was originally intended to feature a CVS, a medical office building, a 36-unit affordable housing complex, and more. That plan was scrapped in 2018, and Chester Borough announced the country farm plan as an option earlier this year.
A key component of the revitalization, according to Alstede Farms, is outdoor dining. Many people, including Alstede Farm owners, have fond memories of eating outside Larison’s Turkey Farm, and the new plan hopes to bring those memories back, while providing a “fresh experience for new visitors.”
“The Alstede family’s vision for the revitalization of Larison’s Turkey Farm is about much more than restoring a building,” a statement read. “It’s about preserving a beloved piece of Chester’s history, creating a gathering place where the community can once again come together to enjoy fresh food and connect with the area’s agricultural roots. The project is a testament to the Alstede family’s deep commitment to the sustainability of both the land and the community, blending the past with the future to ensure the farm continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Larison’s Turkey Farms’ History
The farmhouse was built in 1800 by Isaac Corwin, who moved from Long Island to Morris County during the Revolutionary War.
The property changed hands over the next few years, until mine-owner James Topping purchased it, turning the site into a "stately home.”
More than 100 years later, in 1945, the site was purchased by Willis Larison, who transformed it into Larison’s Turkey Farm. For the next several decades, the site offered fresh turkey dinners and as an iconic restaurant in the community.
One of the site’s biggest draws, other than its famous food, was its tulip tree. According to Alstede Farms, the tree will remain an integral part of the site’s revitalization.
“The iconic tulip tree will continue to stand at the heart of this revitalization, symbolizing the lasting connection between nature, community, and history,” a statement read. “It’s a living testament to the farm’s legacy, offering shade to future generations while reminding everyone of the farm’s timeless place in the landscape of Chester.”
Check back with Patch for updates regarding the revitalization of the iconic farm and farmhouse.