FACes
& PlaceS
LOCAL COLOR 2004
 Debbie and Ed Closson
by Marilyn Bullock
I have interviewed a lot of people over the past four
years and, I must admit, Ed and Debbie Closson, owners
of the Homestead Farm Market on North Main Street in
Lambertville, have to be among the most humble and
reserved residents I have ever met.
Here’s
what two locals have to say about Debbie and Ed:
“Debbie
and Ed are modest, committed servants to the
greater Lambertville community. They provide
us with quality produce, great home cooked
food and pastry and wonderful plantings.
The couple
works very hard and has not been harnessed
by larger chains. Both are deeply active
in environmental
and educational issues. They are parents to
a great active kid who carries the integrity
he
has been raised with like a badge. I personally
admire them greatly and their tenacity at maintaining
a community business against all odds serving
young and old with a smile, modesty, and honor.” - Dr. Mae Sakharov
“
Debbie is one of those amazing people who gives
quietly behind the scenes. She is committed to
community service and to Lambertville and without
a doubt always gives 110%. If you’re looking
for her at an event – check the kitchen-
where she is probably routing food for 200 while
cheering on the volunteer staff – making
it all look effortless and enjoyable. For me, Debbie
truly puts a face on the term “generosity
of spirit” and I feel very fortunate to know
her.” - Robin Larsen of New Hope
Arts, Inc.
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Did
you know that the Farm Market sits on property that
was long ago deeded to Ed’s ancestors – the
Holcombe family - by the King of England? The property
has been passed down the family line for many years
and used as farmland.
 Ed
and Debbie met in 1980 when some mutual friends had
a get-together. Debbie grew up in Glenside, Montgomery
County, and, although Ed grew up on the Main Line,
he was living in Lambertville when they met. Ed’s
father, a retired doctor, had moved the family back
to its roots here in Hunterdon County. Debbie and Ed
got married shortly after they graduated from college – she
studying Business Administration at La Salle University
and he studying Agronomy, the science of crop production,
at Delaware Valley College.
When Debbie and Ed first got married, they moved to
Haddonfield, NJ. Ed worked for the farmers Home Administration
in Berlin, NJ and Debbie worked at SEI Investment firm
in King of Prussia. When they decided to build a new
home, it was natural for them to build on the family
land in Lambertville. About a year after they moved
into their new home, the Clossons investigated the
feasibility of setting up a farm stand so they could
sell the surplus produce from their gardens. After
all the paperwork and requirements were met, it actually
turned out to be more practical to operate a permanent
Farm Market than to set up a temporary produce stand.
That is just what they did 16 years ago!
 At the Homestead Farm Market, Debbie and Ed each have
their own areas of expertise. Debbie is the business
person and also manages the food preparation and the
baked goods (most of their baked goods are prepared
on premises.) Ed takes care of the produce (he drives
to Philadelphia and to local farms several times per
week to ensure that the Homestead Market sells only
the freshest products) and manages everything in the
garden center.
They
have both been an integral part of Lambertville since
moving here. Now that their son, Andrew, is nine,
the couple is active with school activities as well.
Debbie and/or Ed are either involved with or have worked
on committees for:
- Lambertville
Education Foundation
- Lambertville
Fire Dept events
- Recreation
Commission
- Lambertville
Chamber of Commerce
- Holcombe
Jimison Farm Museum
- Kalmia
Club
- Outdoor
Learning Project
Usually
they volunteer to work on the food committee when
there is an event taking place. you will probably
find Ed tending bar and Debbie will be behind the scenes
as the volunteer coordinator – a very demanding
job.
If
you go visit the Homestead Farm Market, you may not
be able to engage Ed or Debbie in a long conversation
(especially if it’s about themselves) but you
are guaranteed great service and superior products
from really nice people!
The
Homestead Market is open 7 days a week Mon – Sat
10 – 6 and Sunday 10-5. They are closed between Christmas
and Easter. Call 609-397-8285 for information.
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