Stories From Tinicum: New Conservancy Brochure tells the inspiring ...

A family tree that keeps growing
The Quinbys have had roots deep in Tinicum
for six generations, stretching back to the mid-
1800s. The family has run a building restoration
and construction firm, collected taxes, raised
cattle, and served on the board of supervisors.
Preserving their land for generations to come
seemed only natural. “It was always the intention
never to develop the land,” says Todd Quinby,
who has lived on or near the farm his entire
life. “We never had a
conversation about
developing it.”
That, says Todd’s
older daughter, Patti Lynn, suits her just fine:
“I would like to raise my kids in the same
environment that I had.”
The farm’s expansive acreage of fields and
woods, which went under conservation
easement in 2006, for years has been the
perfect nature center, campground, fishing
spot, and driver’s ed course for young
Quinbys. “The fields were our playground,”
remembers James Quinby, Todd’s son.
“I would like to raise my kids in
the same environment that I had.”
Todd’s great-great-greatgrandfather
Aaron Kohl,
who ran a bakery in
Upper Black Eddy, bought
the original parcel on
Upper Tinicum Church
Road in 1855. The family
gradually added to the acreage as it expanded
its farming operation—and became involved
in the local community.
An uncle helped with
the 1930 census. Todd’s
grandfather, John L.
Quinby, was a Civil
Defense volunteer during World War II. Todd’s
father, John, served as township supervisor in
the 1960s and 1970s, and his mother, Joan,
has been tax collector, auditor, and school
board member.
Even with their busy lives, John and Joan
always had time for their family. “It was nice
knowing their door was always open,” says
Patti Lynn. Echoes Todd: “It was the same
when my grandfather was here.”
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The Quinbys
For the Quinby children—the sixth generation—
the farm’s future as open space is secure. As
they launch into their own careers, they know
the family homestead is something they can
depend on, whether it’s watching bald eagles
soar above the Delaware River or building a
campfire for the annual family campout.