Mrs. Moo’s Corner Tries To Keep The Dream Alive, One Scoop Of Ice Cream At A Time

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Catherine Hamilton started out with a dream 15 years ago: to share the family farm she loved with the world.

Hamilton is the sixth generation of farmers at Spider Hall Farm in Prince Frederick. Agriculture, its benefits, and the lifestyle it offers was a major part of her upbringing. Hamilton’s mother was a sixth grade agricultural education teacher, whose students gave her the name Mrs. Moo – the inspiration for and namesake of the ice cream store she opened on her family’s property.

After years of corn mazes, Easter egg hunts, and family fun, Hamilton is hoping to keep the dream going. Her goal is simply to be able to keep working in the community she loves, and keep the doors open to serve as many people as possible.

“I always wanted to bring the community onto the farm and give people the opportunity to have a farm tradition event where they can feel safe, run around, and have a family fun day,” Hamilton said.

She started with a corn maze and later added an Easter egg hunt, both of which are popular local events each year. She also created Mrs. Moo’s Corner, a farmstand-turned-ice cream shop and lunch spot. Today, Mrs. Moo’s Corner serves ice cream, specialty coffee drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches, all made with local ingredients. The goal was always to highlight agriculture and connect farms and their goods with people in the area.

Mrs. Moo’s Corner ran into some recent financial struggles after attempting to host a recent winter event, “Jingle All the Hay.” Hamilton hoped to create an annual Christmas farm event, similar to one at Flatiron Farms in the past. But the event dealt with challenges like a short Christmas season, poor weather, and coming on the tail end of a government shutdown.

Hamilton admitted to making some mistakes with the event, and that her priority now is making sure everyone who worked on it gets paid. It was not the first mistake she’s made in 15 years of business, but it’s the first that’s threatening to shutter Mrs. Moo’s.

“I’ve made mistakes in these 15 years and I apologize for them. This has been a huge lesson,” Hamilton said. “I don’t want people to think they don’t matter. The community matters, the vendors matter, I’m nothing without them.”

Hamilton posted on Facebook to urge fans of Mrs. Moo’s Corner to come into the store or buy special offer gift cards as she attempts to make up the losses from the winter event. Many supporters urged her to start a GoFundMe – though Hamilton was hesitant, she allowed a family member to set one up.

The GoFundMe has raised just under $7,000. But what Hamilton would like most is to see people come into the store. Knowing that people built connections with the store has made the job special. She’s seen people come in on bad days, for celebrations, and everything in between. She expressed deep gratitude for the GoFundMe and all who have contributed, and hopes it also encourages more people to stop by.

“Just the support of them walking through the door to say you’ve got this or we’re behind you would be the best thing,” Hamilton said. “I’ve loved having everyone who comes in becoming a part of our family,” she said. “Come in for a hug and a piece of pie. Try our coffees.”

Hamilton’s first priority is making sure everyone is paid. The second is keeping the doors open to keep sharing this dream with the community she loves. The last five years have been especially challenging for small businesses who had to deal with COVID-19 shutdowns, economic uncertainty, and shifting politics that trickle down into farm life. The one thing that’s remained constant is the support of the people of Calvert County who have championed her and supported her.

“I love the community. I always have. I’m the sixth generation on the farm and all I want is to share my heritage and love of Calvert with everybody I know.”

Mrs. Moo’s Corner is located at 3915 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick. Operating hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or you can visit the store online.

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