OUR LEGACY
As the years passed, each generation of our family grew up alongside the farm, learning the ways of the land and contributing to the ongoing work. The chores of caring for the animals, tending to the crops, and running the sawmill became a tradition that was passed down from one generation to the next.
In the 1960s, the original family home was dismantled to make way for a shop, but we preserved pieces of that history. The hemlock wood from the ceiling boards of the old house now graces the front door of our market, a subtle yet meaningful reminder of our roots. The barn, though altered over the years, remained a central part of our operations until it too began to show signs of age. We took it upon ourselves to dismantle the barn, salvaging as much of the original materials as we could. These materials now make up the interior of our market, a living tribute to the past. And the very same doors that our great-grandfather used to lead his horse and carriage back into the barn, after a long days work, are now proudly displayed within the market walls.
Our journey in Paradise began over 130 years ago, when our great-grandparents, Robert Clarke and Susanna Janes, both from local families in the Conception Bay North area, moved here to build a life and a legacy. They settled on the land, where Robert, a hardworking farmer, and Susanna, a dedicated homemaker, started a family. Together, they built a two-story house and a barn, setting the foundation for a thriving farm that would shape the generations to come.
In those early years, the farm was a bustling hub, with Robert and Susanna not only growing crops and raising livestock but also operating a butcher shop and sawmill. They cleared the land by hand, cutting logs and preparing the soil using horses—a testament to their grit and resourcefulness. Their hard work was the backbone of a growing community, as they sold their products to locals and delivered them to St. John's.
The lumber and siding used in these structures were cut and milled by our great-grandfather himself, adding another layer of connection to the history we are so proud of. Today, we continue some of the farming traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Our market is a place where the stories of those who came before us are honored, and where local products and produce are celebrated.
As we open the doors to our cafe and farm market, we are truly honored to welcome you to a space that celebrates our family's history, our land, and our community. It is with pride and gratitude that we share this legacy with visitors like you, and we look forward to being a part of your journey, whether you're enjoying a meal, picking up fresh local produce, or simply enjoying a coffee while taking in the stories that have shaped our farm and market. Our hope is that every visit brings a little piece of Paradise into your day, and that you feel the same sense of connection to this place that we hold so dear.