Clough Tavern Farm is one of the oldest and historically significant properties in Canterbury, NH. 1734 Thomas Clough received a land grant from King George III of England in exchange for building and operating a saw and grist mill on the grant’s property’s brook. The ell was built first in 1743 and the big house circa 1777.
The homestead stayed in the Clough family until 1957. It was built as a tavern yet no records have been found to substantiate this. We do know that there were mills, a large barn, attached small barn and 2 large attached sheds, an orchard, sheep, horses, cattle, pastures and forest. By the mid 20th century, it had become a summer place, loved and enjoyed by 3 generations. Ethel and Andrew Scanlon, only the third family to own the property, bought the remaining 130 acres in 1964, restoring the existing buildings and bringing the land back into production. That brings us to 2003 when son David Scanlon and wife Naomi Fifield bought the property; bringing their 4 daughters, goats, flock of Scottish Blackface sheep, dogs and cats. Two Sisiters’ Garlic, a commercial garlic crop was soon added and operated along with animals and hay fields. Today, it is home to Clough Tavern Farm, Two Sisters’ Garlic, registered Teeswater Sheep, Raspberries, pastures and managed forestland.
Operating as a sustainable agriculture business, the crops and animals are raised using organic and humane practices. The diverse choice of garlic, an endangered heritage breed of sheep, some chickens, rotational grazing, hayed pastures and managed forestland was first made because each crop or animal complements the others, supports the land, kitchen and the family’s well-being while providing the highest quality products to our families and customers.
The nature of farming is change and much has occurred here over the years. The younger generation, our daughters, have families and lives of their own now. The availability of seasonal help plus our aging bodies has forced many difficult decisions. There are no more meat goats, the commercial garlic fields are now pasture. However, dried garlic is now purchased from other reliable USA farmers and still made into our special recipes blending garlic, herbs and spices. In 2015 the family raspberry patch grew into a Pick Your Own patch, a more manageable crop. Teeswater sheep, a more versatile and marketable breed replaced the Scottish Blackface sheep in 2021. In the process of downsizing we have been able to spend more time sharing with our customers and friends our story. The whys and hows of raising animals, crops, open space, natural habitates and forestry. We have replaced Garlic Day with, Raspberry and Wool Day and end the year with\our annual Clough Tavern Farm Christmas.
History tells us that change is inevitable but, our goal remains that the farm is loved, productive and preserved.