PREPARING THE FIELDS — Bill Winslow of High View Farm in Harrison helped out at Narramissic in South Bridgton with his team of workhorses last month.

Bridgton Historical Society has entered into an agreement with a local man to return farming to the fields at Narramissic.

Heath Enright of Naples will be working to rejuvenate three of the four fields at the South Bridgton farm. Heath is excited about combining modern organic and sustainable farming practices with animal-powered machinery and historic methods, to the extent practicable. He started working on the project in November, clearing trees that were growing out from the stone walls, which also exposed the walls, adding to the property’s scenic and historic attraction, and providing the Society with a supply of firewood for a tentatively-planned Civil War event next summer.

Heath has been learning everything he can by working with local farmers, particularly Bill Winslow of High View Farm in Harrison, whom he considers to be his mentor.

High View has been in the Winslow family since 1810. The Winslows work with draft horses and milk Guernsey cows, selling sustainably produced dairy products and cage-free eggs. During the winter, they provide horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Heath has also consulted and worked with some of Narramissic’s South Bridgton neighbors, learning about the work that Paul Field did in the past to help restore the fields, and working with Tom Gyger of Five Fields Farm to mow them in preparation for the plowing and seeding to come next spring.

Heath plans to start with grain products to support a few head of livestock, which will probably be housed elsewhere for the time being. Eventually, the public may see cows, sheep and other livestock grazing the fields at the historic farm.

Narramissic, located near the end of Ingalls Road, off route 107 in South Bridgton, is an historic house museum and a venue for events and workshops that further an appreciation of early American life. With over 20 acres of fields, it sits on one of the highest points of land in town, with spectacular views to the north and west, and is open for tours during the summer.

The public is invited to enjoy the grounds any time during daylight hours. The society also operates an archives and museum in the former fire station on Gibbs Avenue in downtown Bridgton, open in the winter for research by appointment.

For further information, contact the Bridgton Historical Society at PO Box 44, Bridgton, ME 04009; 647-3699; visit www.bridgtonhistory.org or e-mail info@bridgtonhistory.org