A History of Kidder Farm
Kidder Farm has been a name associated with southern Chautauqua County for six generations. An original settler, Ezbai Kidder, purchased a section of land south of the Chadakoin River in 1814, establishing a farm on what is now South Main Steet Extension in the Town of Kiantone. The primary farming business was dairy and the business grew along with the growth in Jamestown and the general community. A “Kidder Street” in the City of Jamestown is indicative of the presence that Kidder Farm had on the south side of Jamestown for many years. In 1923, Samuel and Flora Kidder established a Sunday School in their farm home just outside the City limits. This congregation eventually became a Church and today is located on the corner of South Main St. The dairy business developed over time, and Kidder Farm milk was delivered by horse and wagon to city residents. Later, and for many years, milk was sold directly at the farm in an expanded milk house which also served as a milk processing plant and store. Many young people, who grew up on Jamestown’s southside, also have fond memories of going to Kidder Farm to play in the haymow, help out on the farm or to just walk in the woods. Under the leadership of Elliot Kidder and his son, Bruce, the farm expanded into the Town of Busti with new operations being established on Shadyside Road near Nutt Road where farming operations continue today. Elliot Kidder’s granddaughter, Tara, who grew up on that farm, has decided to expand the name now into a new fresh produce business located on Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood. Her plans are to utilize as much as possible locally grown produce in the new Kidder Farm Market located there. Agriculture, farming, milking cows and now fresh produce are part of the Kidder Farm heritage of over 200 years. Tara welcomes you to this new enterprise of continuing to bring farm fresh products to our local community!
