Q: Why did you start this site?
A: I intended this site to be a historical repository for information, data, pictures and stories about the farmhouse and surrounding buildings and land at 19 Lyman Road, Berlin, Massachusetts, which was demolished in 1999.

Q: Is this just a family project, or can anyone participate?
A: While most of the info about the farm comes from sources within the McGrail family, I welcome anyone with information about the property to submit pictures, stories or other information about the farm. Just email me at either the "contact us" link or at my personal email, luvscully1@aol.com. I will be happy to include any relevant information in the site.

Q: Did President John F. Kennedy visit the farm?
A: In the early 1950's, then Senator John F. Kennedy did visit the farm at the invitation of my grandfather, John P. McGrail. According to him, he laughed and joked a good deal, and my grandfather and he spent a long time talking in the large living room on the side of the house. He sat in a wooden rocking chair, which we still have, and he conversed intesely about education. Another detail my grandfather remembered was that his back seemed to hurt him. His back condition has recently been documented elsewhere. As soon as I can provide some more evidence on JFK's visit, I will upload it to the site.

Q: Who were some other famous people who visited the farm when your grandparents owned it?
A: Many influential people came to the farm during the years that my grandfather was active in the Massachusetts Department of Education. In addition to Congressman Phillip J. Philbin, I remember Cardinal Spellman of the Archdiocese of New York visiting in a black car with a driver; William Sullivan, Assistant Director of the FBI often visited, I believe that the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland visited, but I am not sure of that. Many others who I don't know surely visited, and I welcome any information anyone might have.

Q: What if I want to add a comment to the site?
A: Any information about the site is welcome. Just click on the "contact us" link on the home page, or email me at: luvscully1@aol.com.


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