The Welton Farm, now operated as Greenfield Berry Farm, stands on Major Road, just north of Oak Hill Road. In addition to a house, barn, and other structures associated with life on the farm, a remarkable cheese factory once operated on the property. By the end of the 19th century, the dominant agricultural products in the Cuyahoga Valley shifted from corn and wheat to dairy. Following this trend, Allen Welton built the first and second cheese factories in Summit County, amassing considerable wealth and fame in the process. Click to learn more about cheese factories in the Cuyahoga Valley. ©Denny Reiser Dairy Farming and the Oak Hill Factory Although the dairy business prospered for many years, the Weltons faced many of the hardships associated with 19th century life. For example, during the Civil War, Allen spent an entire summer searching and later caring for his son John, who was dangerously ill in an army camp. While Allen was away, his wife attended to all the farm and cheese factory work on her own. Sadly, in 1878, Allen Welton took his own life at age 69. The Welton Farm eventually passed to Allen's daughter Cora, and her husband Walter Hunt. After Walter's death, Cora and her son Elwin continued to live on and work the land until they died tragically in 1948. ![]() Courtesy/Tricia Ann Provost The Welton Farmhouse
NPS/Ted Toth The Farm Today Click to learn more and plan your visit to the Greenfield Berry Farm.
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Welton Farm
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Last updated: November 7, 2021