In 1956, Jim Glazier, Sr.,
held the position of Research Assistant in the Pomology Department at the University of Massachusetts. Under the
direction of Dr. Frank Southwick, Director of Plant & Soil Science, they engaged in the research of malus rootstock testing. As Jim's
interest grew and he foresaw the need to supply young fruit trees to local orchardist, he
began propagating several varieties of apples in the backyard of his Leverett, MA, farmhouse.He gave his fledging nursery the name Roaring Brook Nurseries after the well known brook which ran through the side of his property. As a young boy, Jim Glazier, SR's son known then as "JR", recalls many fond memories of fishing the brook. Over the next 20 years Mr. Glazier accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise in the art of propagation and in distribution of fruit trees throughout New England. In the early years, this training included several summers of traveling to East Coast Nurseries from Virginia to New York with a group known as University of Massachusetts trueness to Name Inspection Service.
In 1977, Roaring Brook Nurseries relocated to Wales, Maine. Jim Glazier, Sr., and his wife Dorothy Glazier greatly expanded production on the 100+ acres of rich farmland. By diversifying it's crops to include ornamental shrubs and shade trees for sale to area garden centers and landscapers, Roaring Brook Nurseries completed the transformation from backyard hobby to a thriving corporation.
In 1992, Jim Glazier, Jr., and his wife Kristen Glazier became the second generation owners of Roaring Brook Nurseries, Inc. "We appreciated the opportunity to continue the family business and strive to maintain a future direction so that one day possibly our children can carry on the family business," comments Kristen.
return to home page