WOODSTOCK, Vt. -
Normal operations are continuing at the Bassett Farm in Woodstock less than a week after fire ripped through the farmhouse. Owner Ann Bassett says it started near a wood furnace out back.
"And I went through. The pantry goes through to the mud room. And by the time I got to the mud room there was heavy smoke in the mud room and I tried to open the door and there was just so much smoke," Bassett said.
The 200 cows were not affected by the blaze, but a family cat is believed to have died inside house. The structure is said to be one of the oldest-- if not the oldest-- residential structures in town.
"I'm told that it was built in 1780," Bassett said. "And that the front part of it, the original part of it, used to be a tavern and a stage coach inn."
The fire is just another blow to the Bassett Farm. Tropical Storm Irene wiped out most of the farm's hay crop. And now they say the future is very much uncertain.
"It is really discouraging. It is really discouraging because between Hurricane Irene ruining the fields and poor milk prices. And now milk prices have been halfway decent. All the other expenses have gone up; I mean grain and diesel fuel. So, he's working at it, but it is discouraging," Bassett said.
However through the ash and debris, there is a bright spot: They have insurance and local community members have provided much need support for the family.
"I would just like to thank everybody," Bassett said. "There has been such an outpouring of goodwill that it makes you humble."
And the fire makes them ponder what's next for a historic farm that will never be the same.
The Bassett Farm has been in the family since 1945. It's currently run by Ann's son Robert.
