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, three stall shed, large attached two story sheep shed, later a milk room, 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. Arthur and Mary Mudge were the first nonfamily to to make it their family home for six years Ethel and Andrew Scanlon bought the remaining 130 acres in 1963, restoring the existing buildings and bringing the land back into production. This brings us to 2003 when son David Scanlon and wife Naomi Fifield bought the property; bringing with them 4 daughters, goats, flock of Scottish Blackface sheep, dogs and cats. Two Sisiters’ Garlic, a commercial garlic crop was soon added.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 with humane practices and organic when possible. Choosing an endangered heritage breed of sheep, pyo raspberry patch, some chickens, rotational grazing, hayed pastures and managed forestland was made because each crop or animal complements the others, helps to maintain the genetics of a minor livestock breed, supports the land, supplies the 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. Our daughters now have families and lives of their own. The availability of seasonal help plus our aging bodies has forced many difficult decisions. There are no goats, the large flock of Scottish Blackface sheep have been replaced by a small flock of Teeswaters, the commercial garlic fields are now pasture and the hay fields are pasture and natural pollunator plots. However, our special Two Sisters’ Garlic products are available. The 2015 the family raspberry patch is a small manageable Pick Your Own patch. 2021, Teeswater sheep, a more versatile and marketable breed replaced the Scottish Blackface sheep. 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 have replaced Garlic Day with summertime’s Raspberry and Wool Day and Clough Tavern Farm Christmas wraps up the year.
History tells us that change is inevitable but, our goal remains that the farm is loved, productive and preserved.