Home | History of Adams Fairacre Farms

Who We Are

History of Adams Fairacre Farms

In 1919 Ralph A. Adams and his wife, Mary Rogers Adams, purchased 50 acres of farmland on Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie, New York. They worked the land, selling fresh produce to area retailers. By 1933 they had four children—Diana, Dorothy, Ralph and Donald—and a successful farmstand. Adams Fairacre Farms was born.

At first they were just selling fruits and vegetables, but soon people were asking for more. “Once you sell the produce, they want cheese, then meats, then a deli. It was a slow, natural progression,” says Donald. “And as we had supplies for the farm, people wanted fertilizer or plants from us, so we added the garden center.”

Eventually, sons Ralph and Donald took over the business and continued the family tradition of providing customers with quality products and first rate service. Today, Donald’s sons Patrick and Steven lead the business forward.

Ralph, Mary and Diana Adams c. 1919

1919

Ralph A. Adams and his wife, Mary Rogers Adams purchase 50 acres on Dutchess Turnpike (Route 44) in the Town of Poughkeepsie. This eventually becomes the first site of the Adams Fairacre Farms chain.

1927

The farm is successful enough to sell produce at a central market in Clinton Square in Poughkeepsie, which was frequented by local grocers.

1940s

Ralph A. builds a farmstand on the front of the property and puts up a wooden sign: Adams’ Market. They also give customers the option to pick their own raspberries and strawberries right from the fields.
By now they have purchased additional farmland in Salt Point that includes apple trees, prompting the first use of the plural Fairacre Farms.

1958

Adams Fairacre Farms—the next generation. Sons Ralph and Donald Adams take over the business, building a small store and began offering milk and eggs in addition to produce.

1960

The Garden Center is Planted. Adams’ first Garden Center is added to the Poughkeepsie operation.

1970s

Adams Fences opens (and is a natural complement to the already established Adams Landscaping) at the Poughkeepsie Adams location. Both are still going strong today.

1977

Poughkeepsie Adams develops new tastes for a new customer base. Poughkeepsie Adams expands with the addition of a deli, imported and domestic cheeses, gourmet foods and groceries.

1981

Kingston gets its own Adams Fairacre Farms. The 80s brought the second link in our "chain" with the launch of the Adams Fairacre Farms store on Route 9W in Kingston, NY.

1986

More power to Adams Poughkeepsie. Adams Power Equipment building opens behind Adams Poughkeepsie.

1998

Now we are three! Adams Fairacre Farms, Newburgh NY opens. The Newburgh store features a Salad Bar, Prepared Foods, Sweet Shop, Gift Shop and a major Gourmet Foods area. Pretty soon the other two Adams stores have those departments, too.

2011

Adams adds Store #4 in Town of Wappinger. On the busy corridor of Route 9, Adams Fairacre Farms Wappinger opens and soon develops a loyal customer base in the new marketplace.

2016 - 2018

Adams Kingston and Poughkeepsie Stores grow again. The Kingston Store expands to increase Adams Kitchen Prepared Foods space. Adams Poughkeepsie renovations include the addition of a Bakery, a revitalized Gift Shop, an expanded Cheese Shop, more space for Adams Kitchen Prepared Foods, and a dining area near the Front End registers.