photo by Jen Clement
Last night we had a fire at the Hamlet Organic Garden…like we have so many times, we gathered at the barn to eat a potluck dinner with friends. We started a fire in the wood stove, played some ping-pong, and called it a night around 8:30. Unfortunately, we think that creosote buildup in the stovepipe caught fire, and by 9pm the whole building was engulfed in flames. It collapsed and had to be bulldozed by the fire department. Luckily, no one was hurt. Our electric tractor was in the barn, as well as some personal belonging, and of course many items from the Puleston family’s travels.
The Red Barn had been most recently used by the HOG as a meeting space and pickup site, but many in the hamlet remember going there to watch community theatre and improv performances starring their children (one of whom was Farmer Sean). The barn has always been a community space, and its loss has left a real hole in Brookhaven.
Thanks must go out to the Brookhaven, Mastic, and Bellport Fire Departments, who responded incredibly quickly and were so professional, as well as to all the thoughtful neighbors who called our home to keep us updated. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and condolences. We’ll keep you all updated as we decide what the farm’s next step is. Jill, Sean, and the HOG
