Desiderata Farm, once known as the "Aldrich - Scott House" is an antique farmhouse built in the 1830's in Mendon MA.  It was first owned by Scott Aldrich, a member of one of the first families to settle in the area.

It is historically siginficant as the farmstead for the Aldrich and Scott families. It may have had a 19th century sawmill located to the rear of the house. The first known owner was S Aldrich, who was a farmer. It abuts the old Quaker burial ground. The Aldriches were one of Mendon's Quaker families. 

George Aldrich was the partriarch of one of Mendon's seven original families settling in the area in 1663. 9 George St remained under Aldrich ownership until the 1870's. By 1898 Newman H Scott, toolmaker for the Draper Woolen Machinery COm in Hopedale owned the house.  For more infromation, please visit the NRHP Historic website.

So many names... but true to Harkins fashion, we thought up "Desiderata Farm" late at night while the wheels were turning in bed. 

For those not familiar, "Desiderata" comes from Ashley's favorite poem by Max Ehrmann.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Desiderata Farm is our place of peace in a hectic world.