In 1870 Ivan
Iverson, a Swedish immigrant from Chicago, bought 160 acres from the
Pacific Railroad Company. Because the property was near the
stage-coach route and also because of the artesian spring (between
Denver and Cheyenne) the railroad took great interest in the land. As
other railways were being developed the need for property slowly
ceased. Iverson eventually started farming and built his home a
massard-roofed Dutch cottage. This historic structure is now the main
dwelling at Sunflower Farm. In 1951, Iverson's daughter sold the farm
to their neighboróthe Swanson family. Unfortunately, due to
low crop prices and droughts, the home site was neglected and served
as a mere feed lot for the last half of the century. In the year
2000, Boulder County took over the Swanson farm. At that time the
Frisch-Roberts family were able to purchase a portion of the farm
from Boulder County. Frisch-Roberts restored the property to the
condition it is today. It was then that it took on the name Sunflower
Farm.
Sunflower Farm, the farm
within the city, is a 50-acre working farm,with century-old
trees, barns, a silo, outbuildings, and plenty of animals and horses.
In 2003, Sunflower Farm purchased Loverís
Lane Carriage Company. This seemed a good match to the
vision of an agricultural heritage for people
to gather.
Hay wagons, carriages, petting zoo (the only
USDA licensed
agricultural petting zoo in Boulder County) and ponies
are just a few of the offerings. Hire these services
for on-site events at Sunflower Farm or for your own
needs off-site.
Sunflower Farm is located at
11150 Prospect
Road in Southeast Longmont.
303-774-8001.