Pillwillop Therapeutic Farm, as it is now known, started as a family farm in 1860 when the founders started clearing the land and constructing the buildings, some of which still survive to today. The farm stayed in the family from 1860 until it was purchased by Community Counseling Centers of Central CT Inc. in 2013. The farm has been known as a supplier of firewood and once serviced factories and municipalities as well as local homes. Much of the locally produced products in the area were directly or indirectly linked to the power and heat generated by firewood from this farm and or the lands that the family bought to harvest the wood. At the time wooded acres were purchased for $5 an acre, the wood harvested and then sold for $2 to those that wanted to homestead or otherwise use it. The farm was never a major producer of produce though it did have fruit orchards, grew crops and had an assortment of farm and work animals. In the 1940’s or so the farm started growing Christmas trees and making wreaths that were sold both wholesale and retail. The Christmas tree tradition, though on a smaller scale remains to this day in the form of cut your own Christmas trees. Tree sales start the Friday after Thanksgiving and continue every weekend until Christmas day. Handmade wreaths are still a big part of the farm. The farm had a few family names though it was always owned by the same family. Whereas the tradition of many family farms was to go from father to son, this farm went from mother to daughter until the final generation found the grandmother leaving it to grandsons. One grandson ran the farm until he neared retirement. Having no family that wished to continue the tradition, he found Doc Warren (Dr. Warren Corson III) and the charity he founded with his wife Lisa. He saw an opportunity to continue the farm’s legacy as Doc had been a volunteer at the farm for some time and had been looking for a new location for his therapeutic program. A sales agreement was negotiated in the west field and sealed with a handshake: lawyers drew up the documents and Walter the farmer began to train Doc about the inner workings of the farm and more of its history. Upon the purchase, the word “therapeutic” was added to the farm name and with it came a clinical team that provides comprehensive mental health outpatient care. Sessions take place in formal offices, natures offices, in fields, trails, brook side and with the animals. Greenhouses have been added and with it an emphasis on community gardening and trainings. A “take what you need, leave what you can” farm stand named “Deep Roots” was built. The farm aspect of the program helps provide chicken and duck eggs, fresh vegetables, flowers, and some limited fruits. Production should be expanding because of replanting of fruit trees on the farm. The farm and grounds are open to the community during daytime hours. Folks can walk the grounds, hike the trails, volunteer in the gardens and greenhouses, relax near the pond or the brook or even enjoy the stone labyrinth. The farm is open year-round. Tours are available but appointments are required.