In 1919, Ralph and Mary Adams purchased 50 acres of farmland in Poughkeepsie, New York. They worked the land, selling fresh produce to area retailers from a farmstand. By 1933 they had four children and a successful farmstand. Adams Fairacre Farms was born. At first, they were selling fruits and vegetables, but soon their customers requested cheese, meats and then deli. It was a slow, natural progression. Because they grew their own produce and had access to farm supplies, people started asking for fertilizer and plants from Adams, leading to the addition of a garden center. Today, all Adams stores offer a Garden Center and grocery shopping.