Hollywood Farm

Frederick Spencer Stimson, of the Stimson Lumber Company, built the home as a weekend and summer retreat for his family.^[3] He also established a dairy farm with purebred Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle,^[4] intended as a demonstration of modern agricultural practices, and eventually expanded the property to 600 acres. The state-of-the-art operations included laboratory testing for contaminants and measuring butterfat content, as well as strict sanitation controls.^[2]

His wife, Nellie, managed the gardens and nine greenhouses, and was known for her carnations and roses.^[4][5] Enterprises associated with the property included Hollywood Gardens and Hollywood Poultry Farm.^[6] A railroad spur was built to an ice cream parlor on the farm, where passengers could purchase ice cream, eggs, butter, cream, and sausages.^[7]

The Stimson family moved permanently to Hollywood Farm in 1918, on the advice of Frederick's physician. Frederick and his wife Nellie sponsored "Hollywood Fresh Air Farm", a two-week program for undernourished children from the city, allowing them to enjoy the country air and fresh dairy foods.^[8]

Hollywood Farm was sold to the Macbride family in 1944, who restored the gardens and main residence, which had fallen into disrepair, and added a greenhouse. The Macbrides raised beef cows and exotic birds.^[8] Ste. Michelle Vintners, Inc. purchased the property in 1975.^[9]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hollywood Farm.

• Chateau Ste. Michelle, official site