Photo from the Massasoit Historical Association archives

Bradford Mercantile is housed within the barn of the former Bowen-Haile-Nunes Farmstead in Warren, Rhode Island. The farmstead is a rare example of a 17th century saltwater livestock farm on the Narragansett Bay. Circa 1682 the farm’s house (pictured above) is the oldest extant house in Warren. It is a private residence and is protected as such by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.

The original house was one and a half stories and was comprised of 2 small rooms on the first floor separated by a large chimney. By the early 1700’s the house was expanded and a larger second floor created. The roof line as it exists today was added in the mid 1800’s.

Obidiah Bowen was an original proprietor of Swansea and received 10 acres of land on the west side of Market Street in 1679, what was then known as Country Road. The farmstead at its peak was comprised of approximately 100 acres stretching from the Palmer River to the Birch Swamp. The farm was purchased by Richard Haile in 1708 who’s family farmed the land for the longest period of time - over two centuries.

From 1911 to 1988, the Nunes family farmed the land producing dairy, eggs, poultry, and corn and other crops for local markets. Much of the farm was sold for development after 1988.

The property is eligible for the National Register of Historic Sites and Places.

Photo courtesy Jonathan Stone

Shown above, the barn of the original farmstead welcomes customers to Bradford Mercantile. The barn is now an important part of the shop’s image.

Source: Warren 250th Anniversary Committee.  Warren 250th Anniversary Commemorative Book.  Warren, RI: Town of Warren, 1998.