Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 10 : Fall 2011 | Page 37

rest from the morning’s work. She smiles as she thinks out loud, “Summers require many hands with big appetites.” Richards Tree Farm has been in existence for nearly 30 years now. Progress has made working on the tree farm much easier over the years since its inception. Gary Richards explains, “A motorized shearing machine, developed by Jim Bouchard, has replaced many days of shearing with shearing knives. Frank built a tractor-driven, hydraulically-operated saw that has replaced the need for a chain saw and has made the cutting of trees much safer and faster.” N OYES F LORIST & G REENHOUSE 11 F R A N K L I N S T R E E T C A R I B O U , M A I N E 0 47 36 2 07 49 8-2 296 www.n oye sf lo wers.com But, It’s Not All Work Although hard work plays a significant role in the lives of the Richards family, hard play is just as important. During any given weekend, you can find the family getting together for a meal around the well-used family table at the residence of the senior Richardses. They may play board or card games together, or just sit and talk. Conversation is never lacking! On weekends in the winter, you will often see the entire family sliding on the hill near their home. This includes grandparents, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They treasure each others’ company and have exciting family times. And they still love spending time around their own Christmas tree together. “Now, that farmer and his wife live on the tree farm. They still love Christmas season best of all, and so does their growing family. Even though their kids have grown up, every year they pick out a real Christmas tree, decorate it, and spend time with their family. Just like the farmer and his wife did years before.” It would appear that Gary and Mary Etta’s dream for a family tree farm worked out perfectly. After all, the third generation of Richardses is now an active part of the operation and the third generation of customers is coming to pick out their Christmas tree here. As Christmases progress, perhaps Gary’s and Mary Etta’s three and a half great-grandchildren (the fourth is due in September, 2011) will be the next generation to work the farm. Please visit them on the Web at www.mainechristmastree.com/farm or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Richards-Christmas-Tree-Farm Firearms new, used, trade ins, Hunting, Fishing, and more. Come see us! 54 North Street Houlton, Maine 04730 207.532.9700 207.498.2100 207.408.3100 24 Water Street Caribou, Me 04736 Federal Firearms Licensed We Buy Sell & Trade New & Used Guns Open Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM, Sat: 9AM - 3PM [email protected]