The Bomba Bros. Farm
79 Great Hill Rd, Seymour, CT 06483
This article will take you on a short snippet of a family’s century long journey. What you will read encapsulates why I’ve spent years traveling around Southern CT photographing barns and farms. To me it represents a simpler time, a less cluttered time. A time when the work at hand was tackled by strong, disciplined families, with a work ethic that can only be emulated. A time when days were long, smiles were heartfelt and a someones “word” was their bond. There is a lot to learn and respect about this culture of American farmers. I will continue to hold the past in high esteem and be grateful for those farmers, (like the Bomba family), that still carry on.
History of a long standing CT Dairy Farm – as told by Ed and Beverly Bomba.
Having a great interest in old barns and having a website of photos of barns that I have photographed throughout the state, the Bomba Barn was on my “Shot List” of barns I wished to photograph in Seymour.
As I was traveling through the country area of Seymour I saw a large Bomba Farm sign posted (on two sides) and knew I was in for a real treat when I viewed the barn. It looked like a real beauty! If they were open. The sign at the entrance to the driveway said ‘OPEN”. Obviously they were selling produce and open to the public. I pulled into the driveway and parked in front of the “Country Store”, (formerly their pasteurizing plant). I saw a large display of pumpkins. Colorful mums would be arriving soon for fall decorating, as well. Two cute scarecrows were “standing” against the corn stalks. Hay bales and Corn Stalks are also available for sale.
The “Country Store” was formerly used as a pasteurizing plant when a large herd of Holstein cattle were milked, two times a day, seven days a week, originally by hand until milk machines were purchased, making the milking process a bit easier. Milk and by-products were delivered to the Bomba Dairy customers throughout Valley towns from the early 50’s to the mid 70’s. They included homogenized, skim, chocolate and buttermilk, heavy cream, sour cream, cottage cheese and eggs. Sour cream and cottage cheese were made by Ed (Bomba). Photos of the process can be seen in a newspaper article displayed on the wall of the Country Store.
The first milk license was issued by the State of Connecticut in 1912 to Mr. Joseph Bomba, (father), allowing him to deliver “raw milk”. The milk was delivered in a “pick-up truck” He used ice chunks in the summer to keep the milk cold. Bomba Bros. Dairy, Inc. was incorporated in 1974. Milk customers continued to request delivery of raw milk, approximately 100 quarts a day.
I usually attempt to take my photographs quickly and without notice but after I introduced myself and speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Bomba ~ Ed, 91 and wife, Bev, 81, they were kind enough to allow me to take whatever photographs I wanted. I took a little more time, focusing on the tractors, knowing how many years the family toiled, sitting on them, hours at a time, preparing their fields by plowing, harrowing, planting corn and vegetables, fertilizing the crops, cutting corn and baling hay! Tractors are so important to farmers! Ed’s “Pa” owned a FARMALL tractor, still on the farm! I wanted to capture a photo of one of their tractors, knowing this image would be very special for them!
Mrs. Bomba was quite talkative and energetic. Coupled with her outward and friendly personality she was a joy to meet. When I told her I was 62 she said I was “still a kid”. That made me chuckle on the inside. What struck me was that two people in their 80’s and 90’s were still enjoying working at the farm, loving their customers! Other family members are involved with the farm as well. Mrs. Bomba brought me into the store where the products for sale were displayed: Sweet corn, fresh vegetables, eggs, honey, etc. (See photos).
Mr. Bomba, (Ed) came into the store and showed me the photos displayed on the walls of special family memories ~ so many milestones throughout the years! He was particularly proud to show me the framed photo of his prized pair of oxen, Duke and Diamond. Each ox weighed approximately 2,000 pounds and pulled a weight of 9,600 pounds at the Danbury State Fair in 1955! Blue Ribbon Winners! The Danbury State Fair was in existence from 1869 thru 1981.
HISTORY OF THE BOMBA FARM:
Ed’s parents, Joseph and Mary Bomba arrived in this country in the early 1900’s, settling in Derby, CT, married in 1905. Shortly thereafter, purchased the land, home and buildings on Great Hill Road in Seymour, CT, raised eleven children in the farmhouse ~ seven boys and four girls. Ed and older sister, Freda are the remaining siblings.
The farmhouse was built in 1788 for Priest Abner Smith. He and his family resided in the home for 43 years. The communion set, as pictured in the book, “Seymour, Past and Present” was in the farmhouse. Priest Smith delivered communion to his parishioners (on horseback), sometimes returning home ~ a bit tipsy. The Communion Set was on display at The Oxford Historical Society’s Twichell House in March 2010. The communion cups are inscribed at the bottom with the date of 1788, the year Priest Smith moved into “the parsonage”. Four cups were originally in the set. (two, missing). It is owned by Peter Ely, a former resident of Seymour and is presently in his possession.
THE BOMBA FARM was preserved with the State of Connecticut in July 2010, forever remaining a farm. It is located at the highest elevation in Seymour, 640 feet above sea level. On a clear day you can see Long Island Sound!
The pride Ed and Bev feel when they speak of the farm are the memories they’ve cherished throughout the years ~ remembering special family gatherings in the farmhouse ~ happy times, sad times, the loss of family members and the challenging times! They told me they continue to work on the farm because it’s in their heart and soul!
Ed said: “If you love what you are doing you will never get tired”! He said he and his wife Bev will continue, (along with other family members), to carry on ~ cherishing this beautiful land and farmhouse, in loving memory of his parents, Joseph and Mary Bomba and the Bomba Family!
I’ve been mostly a photo guy in the past. Despite being a full time road salesman I’m rather shy at heart and it’s difficult for me to reach out to people. However, after having this very rich experience with Mr. and Mrs. Bomba it’s made me feel differently going forward. I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to farmers I encounter during my travels. These are life journeys worth hearing.
Photographed with a Nikon D7100 and Nikon 18-55 at various settings.
My father was Ed bombas brother and he delivered milk for many yrs.(he passed away in 1998 ) I remember going to the farm as a child and also picking vegetables (from ahuge vegetable garden) with my father and also playing in the hay barn with my siblings and cousins.on hot summer days all is kids would have cold chocalte milk ( the best around)
I love hearing stories like this Marcia. Isn’t it wonderful how these joyful times from our youth are so deeply etched in our minds. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a few words.
I grew up on Tibbets Road right near the farm and spent many summer days in the late 1960s and early 1970s wandering around the farm, jumping over cow droppings, fishing in ponds and encountering cows everywhere. Happy memories indeed!
Hi Jim,
Those were the days. Sounds like we’re about the same age too. I hope you were able to successfully clear each dropping you jumped. (laughing)
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad this brought back fond memories for you.
Jay
My dad, Walter, was one of the seven brothers. He was the superintendent of Seymour Paper Mills and also worked the farm after his day job and on weekends. My dad was also the one who kept track of the record keeping and finances of the business until he retired. I was one of 3 daughters he had and was at the farm the most. I earned my Girl Scout Dairy badge by raising my own Holstein calf. As my cousin Marsha wrote, we all enjoyed playing in the fields, the barn and with all the cats and dogs who seemed to appear on the property. When I was older, I also helped with the business end by issuing paychecks and basic secretarial duties. I admired all my uncles and aunts and loved to spend time on the farm. One time my Girl Scout troop planned a visit to see how milk was made and processed. I was never so proud! My uncles were always eager to show everyone their pride and joy. Even though they are gone now, I know their spirit lives on . I’ll always remember my uncles Gene and Teddy driving the delivery trucks, my uncle John and my dad milking and feeding the cows, my uncle Steve repairing the equipment , and my Uncle Ed doing a little of everything and raising his prize oxen. I can truthfully say I had the best childhood anyone could want and the farm life was the best to raise a family. God Bless them all.
Hi Glorialee,
What a terrific commentary! Your story is exactly what I would hope and expect for young people growing up and around the farming lifestyle. I glad it left you with such wonderful memories. Thank you for dropping by.
Jay
Awesome pictures and a wonderful write-up!
Thank you Eunice, your kind remarks are very much appreciated.
My brother and I grew up in Seymour, graduated from Seymour High School and had a wonderful childhood in this wonderful small town. Our paternal grandparents settled in Seymour coming from Webster, PA. They had a farm on Old Ansonia Rd. where we spent many holidays, Christmas and at summer picnics. My maternal grandparents lived on North State St. in Ansonia. The Bomba name is so familiar to me, some classmates from previous years and also in my graduating class. On our way to my niece’s home off Great Hill Rd. we always pass by the Bomba Farm. Thank you for this amazing history and photos of this special family!!!!!
Hi James and Nancy,
Thank you for your kind remarks about the Bomba’s and the farm. I’m glad it brought back good memories for you. Ed Bomba, unfortunately, passed away a few months ago at nearly 92 years of age.
Happy Holidays to you both!
Jay