The owners of the iconic Alderbrook Farm Stand in Russells Mills Village have announced to customers that the stand will be closing by the end of this year.

Nancy Manley and her husband Allen have run the stand for the past 20 years. 

But she said that once all of their current products are sold, they will close up shop, most likely by December 31.

“It depends on what I have left,” Nancy said with a laugh. “I just want to let people know quietly.”

She and her husband ⁠— whose family has owned the farm for 121 years ⁠— are looking forward to their retirement.

“I work 16 to 17 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Nancy said. “I’m just tired.” 

She noted that she’d rather close the shop while she’s still healthy and can enjoy the time off.

As for what she has planned for her retirement, Nancy joked, “I will reacquaint myself with my house.” 

She added, “I will do what I feel like doing, when I feel like it.”

The Manleys plan on keeping the farm as well as all of their animals, but will only open the stand for special events like the Grange fair and to sell trees and wreaths for Christmas.

“It’ll just be here for us to use as we need it,” Nancy said. 

The farm and the land will stay in the family, and according to Nancy, may be used to grow flowers to sell wholesale.

And although the couple has three children and eight grandkids who will continue to help work the farm, Nancy noted, they don’t want to run the stand. “They’re too smart!”