2021-02-17

Indian Garden Farms sticking to its name

The iconic farmers market business in Lunenburg County, Indian Garden Farms, is sticking to its name.

"Lucy and Abraham Hebb who established Indian Garden Farms in 1856 can rest easy, we have decided to leave the name as is," the Hebbville family that owns the business announced on social media February 5.

Celebrating 165 years in operation, last month the sixth-generation family-owned business was considering a name change and reached out to customers for their thoughts. More than 300 comments came in on its Facebook page following the announcement on January 26.

"Our online comments seem to indicate that the name should remain and also after speaking with some family the same conclusion was made," the business subsequently reported earlier this month.

It also announced on Facebook that it had registered another name - Hebb Family Farm - "if the need should arise to change the name in the future."

Many of the commentators on Facebook had indicated they never or rarely use the name Indian Garden Farms, and tend to call it Hebb's Farm. "In fact, some customers didn't even know of the other name," the family suggested.

The business thanked its customers for their name suggestions and helping with the decision. "It truly was a difficult decision that warranted a lot of discussion."

Indian Garden Farms on Highway 3, just outside of Bridgewater, sells a variety of its produce in an enclosed farm market store, as well as online. It offers u-pick options, a small petting zoo and walking trails.

Owner Glen Hebb insisted the motivation to change the name is not the result of any pressure.

"We're not being ordered to do this at all," he told LighthouseNOW in January, adding there had been no suggestions that "it's not proper to use that [name] in that particular way."

Rather, said Hebb, "It's the middle of winter. It's boring. That's the only reason why I'm doing this ...This is just a fun thing."

Nonetheless, he admitted, "I was getting a little tired of explaining what Indian Garden Farms meant."

As well, he recalled that last summer the business had "a couple of inquiries" whether the family is First Nation and why it's using the name. Moreover, he described an incident where one person got into "quite an argument" with him in the farm market.

"I said, 'Look, we're not using it like a sports team, in an offensive way, at all... It's just an old name," recalled Hebb. "I usually have to explain to most everybody why it's Indian Garden Farms," he added.

With winter the usual time to take stock of the previous year's business, and as a direct marketer dealing with customers, Hebb said, "I have to listen to my customers."

His ancestor, Abraham Hebb, built a house on the property in 1856. He began subsistence farming there and selling any extra produce he could.

According to historians, First Nation artefacts and campsites were found on the property when the family started farming there. The farm, which was called Indian Garden Farm, has been passed down from generation to generation. Hebb, his wife Marilyn and their children have since taken over operations.

Hebb went on to explain that the business name the family would prefer "would be fun, it would be self-explanatory - that I don't have to explain to anybody - and more to bring us up-to-speed to modern times."

The family had discussed a possible new name, but since the business sells directly to customers the members determined they want their customers to be involved in the decision regarding a name.

The exercise would have two telling components, Hebb suggested at the time, with one of them being what might be a good alternative name.

"The other thing this is going to tell us is do they want us to change it?"

Following the confirmation that the name will remain unchanged, more than 160 respondents registered their opinions on Facebook.

A number of customers disagreed with the decision.

"This is disappointing in the light of the times," wrote Elizabeth Andrews. "If most people call it Hebb's farm why not follow through and change it officially. I was heartened when I saw your post on the name change originally and thought you were doing your best to be culturally sensitive."

For Grace McQueen, the decision rendered a big, "BOO! I was just singing your praises. I'm disappointed in your sense of what is right and that were so easily swayed. I think you have opened a box that will not so easily be closed. You could have gotten out in front of it, before it became a problem. Bummer," she wrote.

However, the majority approved the decision to keep the status quo. Derrick Langille said: "It is all about perception and those who want to perceive the name in a negative way will do so no matter what the true meaning is behind it. Personally I am all about preserving history not taking it away. Congratulations on a true community farm and a family that I will continue to support."

Mary Weston agreed. "A name means nothing, however history does matter. The farm is important as to how it came to be and it's [sic] evolution and that needs to be respected. I am proud of you all."

While Charlene Sheppard opined, "It will always be Hebbs Farm to me. Love the Farm no matter the name."