Historic Buildings

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A Love for Historic Buildings and their Preservation

Above: Lydia Clemmons, a UVM medical student, and Jack Clemmons stand near the Clemmons family main residence (c. 1980's).

The Clemmons Family Farm showcases six historic buildings that date back to the late 1700's and the mid-1800's. Beginning in 1962, Jack and Lydia Clemmons improved each building, one by one, through careful restorations over the span of five decades. Much of the restoration work was done by Jack himself, working with a small team of local carpenters. Jack's grandfather was a carpenter and taught him the skills of the trade. Jack and Lydia gradually transformed a run-down farm into a stunning historic estate.

Jack and Lydia Clemmons never had a large income nor great family wealth, inheritances, stocks or bonds from which they could draw. Their major investments have always been in their children, in their education, and in the home and land that they love. Through hard work and frugal living, they have managed to hang onto their farm for nearly six decades. Since 2020, the majority of the farm has been under the stewardship of Clemmons Family Farm, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission includes preserving and protecting the farm as an African-American owned land asset and cultural heritage site. The Clemmonses sold their beloved farm to the nonprofit in 2023. The farm is now preserved as an African American cultural heritage asset for future generations in Vermont and the nation.