When the McKeown family first bought a modest 12-acre plot of land along Narcissa Road in 1916, suburban development was still far away. Today, 110 years and four generations later, Maple Acres Farm covers 30 acres in Plymouth Meeting and has a unique place in the area: it is the last working farm in Plymouth Township. Located just behind the busy Plymouth Meeting Mall and nearby commercial developments, the farm remains a reminder of Montgomery County’s agricultural past. While nearby farms were gradually sold during the 20th century to make way for housing, shops and highways, the McKeown family chose to expand and preserve its land.
Four generations on Narcissa Road
The farm began as a small agricultural operation during the First World War era. Over the years, it grew in size and became an important part of the local community. The property was named Maple Acres by Millie McKeown, whose descendants still live in and maintain the original 18th-century farmhouse on the property. Gary McKeown, who grew up in the historic home and now runs the farm’s daily operations, has helped expand the property from its original 12 acres to its current 30 acres. “Farming is my life,” McKeown stated in an official profile published on the farm’s digital portal, Maple Acres Farm Market. “It is my life’s mission to keep this farm alive to preserve this loved land of open space and with all the new construction happening in this county it is more important than ever.” The family history on the farm includes mothers, fathers, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents who have worked the land along Narcissa Road. Family member Brian McCracken reflected on the property’s long history in public statements on the farm’s official site: “There’s something to be said for staying in one spot for so long.”
Adapting to a suburban landscape
Keeping a working farm alive in the middle of a densely developed suburban township required the family to change its business model over time. Instead of depending only on wholesale produce, Maple Acres expanded into a community market and pick-your-own destination. The farm grows a variety of seasonal crops, including corn, pumpkins and strawberries, along with large flower fields. Visitors come to the Narcissa Road property during the spring, summer and autumn to pick sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, cockscomb, Gomphrena and cosmos. In a historical report on agricultural preservation in the region, local publication Montco Today highlighted how the farm remained financially viable despite rising land prices in Montgomery County. By combining direct sales with custom floral design and seasonal family events, the McKeown family was able to keep the land profitable without selling it to commercial property buyers.
The struggle against commercial encroachment
The survival of Maple Acres stands out against the wider changes seen across Montgomery County over the past century. As roads, businesses and other infrastructure expanded across eastern Pennsylvania, farmland became increasingly valuable for industrial parks and housing developments. In statements shared through the farm’s official documentation, McKeown said support from the local community has been a major reason the property has survived growing commercial pressure. “This farm has been a part of our family for 100 years and it is very important to me to continue to share this space and all its offerings with our community,” McKeown noted. “Maple Acres is the last working farm in Plymouth Township and its preservation is created by the love and support of our family and community members.”
Preserving open space for the future
As suburban development continues across the region, the 30 acres on Narcissa Road remain the final active agricultural property within Plymouth Township’s borders. For the fourth generation of the McKeown family, the daily work of planting, harvesting and running the farm market continues. “I love waking up every morning working to preserve these natural grounds and provide farm fresh offerings for my community,” McKeown expressed on the farm’s public platform. “Farming is my life and I thank you all for supporting Maple Acres Farm since 1916 and being a part of our community.”
