Hello everyone. Recently, there was a fire on our parent’s property that engulfed their barn in flames. Unfortunately, nearly everything was lost in this fire including tools and equipment, animals, sentimental mementos, and a variety of additional items that were accumulated over the years. With all of these losses, we are incredibly grateful that nobody was physically harmed, which is truly the most important factor to consider.

Our father’s name is Robert Townes. You might buy eggs from him, maybe you’ve seen him in the village (he loves visiting the farmers market), or maybe you’ve known him for years through work. Robert was a union pipe-fitter/welder for Local 131 in NH. In 2020, he suffered a massive heart attack, causing him to be unable to work, disabled. In 2024, he became eligible for, and received, a heart transplant. He hoped to return to work, something he was passionate about, but unfortunately it’s been determined that he will never be able to do so. Following his successful heart transplant, he has continued to pour his heart and soul into the farm. Being able to spend time building this passion has given him a sense of drive that was lost after learning he would never be able to return to the job that he truly loved doing. With the loss of the barn itself, and the contents inside, most of what he’s built has been lost. One of our father’s most cherished tools, his welding machine with his personal logo on the side, was lost. His tractor he loved working with was significantly damaged. A new lawn mower he finally bought this year was destroyed. His forge was lost. Sadly, his quail didn’t survive, along with younger chickens, turkeys and rescued kittens living inside the barn. A pastime he could continue pursing in the aftermath of his years long health battle has been halted.

In order to revive our family’s farm, there is a vast amount of coordination that must happen to rebuild and replace items. Some of the major losses include; the welding machines that my father has used to help support our family for decades, his tractor and lawnmowers, nearly all of his tools, as well as many of my grandmother’s belongings from when she was still with us. Some of these items are irreplaceable, although we would deeply appreciate any help to replace the items that are possible to have once again.

There is absolutely no pressure to donate, however please consider sharing this message as it would be incredibly helpful and appreciated. We are immensely grateful to everyone that has reached out with their support, showed up to help clear out the rubble, and has supported our family through this devastating loss. Thank you.