The History And Times Of Blue Jay Orchards.

Blue Jay Orchards is a picturesque 140 acre farm nestled in the quaint
New England town of Bethel, Connecticut.  It is one of the very few remaining commercial orchards in Fairfield County, and is approximately 1 1/4 hours from Manhattan.

The farm's history as a modern orchard dates back to 1934 when Mr. Josephy brought a farm house and 50 acres from Elizabeth Weed.  The Weed family had owned the farm for many years.  When her husband died, Elizabeth Weed kept a few cows and sold butter that she churned from their milk.  She also opened her home to New York City vacationers during the summer months, becoming one of the Danbury area's first Bed & Breakfasts.

Over the next 50 years  the farm expanded from 50 acres  to it's current size, when Josephy acquired the dairy farm across the street and a vegetable farm adjacent to his property.  The farm houses of both farms remain in use today.

Josephy also sold the land development rights to the State of Connecticut.  It was the first farm to be preserved as farm land in the State.  This was a part of the Patterson's enjoyment of  purchasing Blue Jay Orchards when they bought Blue Jay in 1985.  They were playing a part in saving some of New England's heritage for future generations to enjoy.  At the writing the Pattersons have 17 grandchildren.

Since the Patterson's purchase, the farm is open for pick-your-own fun from August thru October.  Our Farm Market Store and Gift Shop is open August thru December, offering baked goods, apple iems, produce, baskets and gifts.

In the autunm as many as 10,000 people of all ages come to enjoy a day in the country.  The educational tours brought an additional 7000 children and adults to the orchard last year.

A great man of faith once sent a basket of fruit from his orchard to a loved friend.  With it he sent this message:  "Would that the peace of heaven might reach you through these things of the earth."

Come to Blue Jay Orchards for a visit, and you'll see what he meant!