Norwell-Based Hornstra Farm Buys Whitman’s Peaceful Meadows

WHITMAN (WBSM) — Whitman’s iconic Peaceful Meadows ice cream stand and its surrounding farmland was purchased at auction today by Hornstra Farm, a Norwell-based dairy farm and ice cream stand.

According to a Facebook post from the Whitman Police Department, which was on the scene during the auction, Hornstra purchased the Peaceful Meadows stand, its dairy store, and the 55 acres of land behind the store for $1.75 million.

The sale puts the legendary farm in the hands of a family with a history not unlike that of the family that founded Peaceful Meadows Farm.

It was announced back in early July that after 61 years of operation, Peaceful Meadows would be put up for auction on August 29, with JJManning Auctioneers noting that the family was “voluntarily selling” the Whitman location and property.

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Peaceful Meadows Farm began on the property along Route 18 in Whitman in 1920. William and Nellia Hogg opened the family’s first ice cream stand on the farm in 1962.

Two more locations followed, with Middleboro opening in 1977 and Plymouth opening in 1981.However, Middleboro closed in December 2021, and Tom & Jimmy’s took over that space in September 2022.

Hornstra Farm has been in business for over 100 years itself, according to the farm’s website.

It was started by Dutch immigrants Anske and Agnes Hornstra in 1915, and has now been in the family for four generations.

Current owner John Hornstra moved the farm to Norwell in 2009, taking over the former Loring Farm and returning to producing its own local milk and dairy products.

His family has been operating its ice cream bar since 2014.

WBSM reached out to John Hornstra for comment and will update this story if and when one becomes available.

In addition to the Peaceful Meadows ice cream stand, store and farm property being auctioned off, two family homes were also up for auction today.