The Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm

05/09/2026

03/25/2026

When you visit the farm to experience the quiet of the countryside you are also supporting many historical sites. We are proud to donate most of our proceeds to the living history site Conococheague Institute, and several other sites near and far. You can call us groupies of Forbes Road Frolic, traveling as far as Sussex Tavern in Lewes Delaware to see them play. See them at the Institute's events on May 9th and October 10th.

Spring is finally here, and that means we can start looking ahead to our 2026 event series!

Each of our 1776 programs will feature a unique theme, with living history, skilled craftspeople, and engaging presenters bringing the past to life.

We’re especially excited to welcome back Shady Spring Farm - The Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm as a sponsor! Their support brings the incredible music of Forbes Road Frolic to two of our biggest events: May 9th - 1776: Hearth, Home and Springtime, and the October 10th - 1776: Harvest on the Homestead.

You may remember Barb and Tony of Shady Spring Farm from their generous support of our Archery Range Eagle Scout project in 2024. They’re also passionate supporters of historic places like Mount Vernon, Poplar Hall, and Fort Loudoun, and we’re grateful their continued support helps us share traditional music like lively jigs, laments, and period ballads with our visitors.

Be sure to mark your calendars! We offer free programs every Saturday, but these special events are truly something you won’t want to miss.

09/02/2022

This is a view most don’t see. Thanks, Bill, for sharing. Early morning light and the dead branch reaching toward it.
Love. Love. Love. 💕

08/22/2022

Sunday afternoon excitement! And 2 hours later, it was gone… 🤯

08/15/2022

One of my fondest and most vivid memories is of a train ride with my family when I was maybe 6 years old. My father bought my sister and I little striped conductor hats, and we got to see the caboose! 💕
Make memories your own family will cherish! Book a stay at The Tenant House and take a ride on the newly re-opened and restored East Broad Top Railroad. An hour north of us, it’s a beautiful and easy drive. Contact us today. The autumn months are booking fast!

We are delighted to announce a brand new event coming this fall to the East Broad Top Railroad. All aboard PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express!

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is a classic American Prime Time Television special from 1966, based on the famous comic strip PEANUTS™ by Charles M. Schulz. You’ll enjoy a train ride to the Sincere Pumpkin Patch, meet Snoopy and Charlie Brown, participate in a variety of fun activities, and every child will take home their very own Perfect Pumpkin. You won't want to miss this incredibly unique family experience!

Tickets will be available on Friday, July 29th at 12pm... reservations are highly recommended. Visit eastbroadtop.com/peanuts for more information!

07/24/2022

Early morning view outside the Tenant House. Farm life is good. 💕

06/02/2022

On April 22nd we celebrated 100 years as a family farm. Purchased first by Pap Pap’s great uncle, Barney Bivens, in 1922 then sold to Pap Pap’s father Cam Mellott in 1933, then to Pap Pap, Harry Mellott, in 1941. Harry and Jean sold the farm to us in 2004 but continued to live in the stone farmhouse, moving only after spending 67 years together in the house. So proud to have the farm accepted into the Pennsylvania Century Farm program!

11/02/2020

Yesterday morning’s light show!