Chase Farms named Portsmouth Grange Agriculturist of 2018

Howard Tighe named Firefighter of the Year

Posted 4/20/18

PORTSMOUTH — “In this ever-changing world of agricultural practices, it takes a special talent to succeed,” says Walter Elwell, a member of the Portsmouth Grange 29 Patrons of …

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Chase Farms named Portsmouth Grange Agriculturist of 2018

Howard Tighe named Firefighter of the Year

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — “In this ever-changing world of agricultural practices, it takes a special talent to succeed,” says Walter Elwell, a member of the Portsmouth Grange 29 Patrons of Husbandry.

More than 300 years after it was first established through a king’s grant to Isaac and Josiah Chase, Chase Farms on West Main Road is thriving. That’s why it was named the Portsmouth Grange Agriculturist of 2018.

The farm’s fertile soil has supported various types of agriculture over the years, including dairy, orchards and “row crop” vegetables. In the 1950s, before interstate highways, the farm shipped trellised tomatoes, broccoli and sweet corn locally and to Boston and New York.

Harry and Sam Chase, distant descendants of the early colonists who first owned the property, founded Chase Farms in 1969. They were both honored by the Portsmouth Grange during a recent awards ceremony held at the Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center.

“We’re honored to accept this proclamation,” said Harry Chase, who pointed out the farm now has two locations — in Portsmouth and Jamestown. 

There are mainly “hay and animals” in Jamestown, he said, while the family grows vegetables and flowers in Portsmouth. The 40-acre Portsmouth site’s greenhouse operation focuses primarily on “controlled environment horticulture,” including ornamental flowering plants with some hydroponic organize vegetables and herbs.

“We have 21 heated greenhouses, full of flowers,” Harry Chase said. “The oil company comes and they empty the whole truck.”

They learned about greenhouse production from their father, Herbert Chase, a landscape architect who was a pioneer in his field. He built the first polyethylene Quonset hut hothouse in the state in 1960. 

“This talent of progressive agricultural practices has been passed on to Herb’s two sons, Sam and Harry, and their wives, Patricia and Gail,” said Mr. Elwell. He praised the farm’s continued success in the face of such a challenging industry. 

“While other farmers are purchasing larger tractors and looking for more land, they have gone in the opposite direction and used what they have more efficiently,” said Mr. Elwell. “From sending their produce by rail to Providence and Boston, they now use a diverse marketing strategy that allows them more control, therefore a better profit margin. From row crop to ornamental plants and hydroponic organic vegetables and herbs, I think we will see Chase Farms’ products on the market for many years to come.”

Other honorees

Also recognized during the awards ceremony was Capt. Howard Tighe of the Portsmouth Fire Department, who was honored as Portsmouth Grange Firefighter of 2018. 

Capt. Tighe began his career with the department in 2004. He’s worked as an instructor with the Rhode Island Fire Academy and has always offered to help with anyone who needs training in any fire service discipline, Fire Chief Michael Cranson wrote in a nomination letter to the Grange.

Capt. Tighe is also an instructor coordinator with the R.I. Department of Health and had been instrumental in re-certifying firefighters in emergency medical technician training. The chief added that Capt. Tighe has stepped up to volunteer his services for the department many times, including filling in during the vacancies of both the deputy chief’s and fire marshal’s positions.

“Capt. Tighe has never requested to be compensated for these roles, nor has he expected anything in return,” said Chief Cranson. “Capt. Tighe is one of the most selfless people that I know. He has never sought recognition for any of his actions to make the department better and he has long deserved recognition.”

The Grange also honored the following people:

• Jeffrey Petrarch was named the Portsmouth Grange Police Officer of the Year. He joined the Jamestown Police Department in 2016 after having previously been a member of the West Warwick Police Department for 21 years.

• Barbara Szepatowski of Jamestown was presented the Portsmouth Grange Citizen of the Year for 2018. Ms. Szepatowski is a wildlife clinic volunteer who also mentors children and advocates for Jamestown seniors. 

Portsmouth Grange, Portsmouth Fire Department, Chase Farms

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