All about Bay Hay and Feed
Howard Block and Ce-Ann Parker fell in love with the old building in 1979 and bought it. Fresh from the sale of their natural food store in New Hampshire, Howard & Ce-Ann pictured a New England general store that sold hay and grain, tools and farm supplies. Soon their horticultural backgrounds led them to add a greenhouse, plants and organic garden supplies. All the while they were 
repairing, repainting, and renewing the old Rodal Building circa 1912 that they named Bay Hay and Feed. With the helping hands of friends and family, the steady support of Island customers and the constant encouragement of the Rolling Bay neighborhood, Bay Hay began to grow and grow. A strong community spirit already existed, but a destination to walk or bike, a place to meet, greet, get coffee or a bite to eat, are important in a community.
The Bay Hay Shirt (rows of farm animals in a multitude of color combos) took on a life of its own in the early eighties. They made their way around the world and back to Rolling Bay in the form of photos snapped in the wildest places, sweet family reunions and class trips. A sense of home grew out of the Bay Hay shirt, nostalgic to high school seniors, college freshman and out-of town relatives. Abbie and Teague were raised in the store, working and playing alongside neighbors, staff and customers. Like a beehive, Bay Hay has always been the center of continuous activity dawn to dusk – new projects built out of old projects, merchandise coming in and going out, plans devised and revised, new staff and customers arriving, old staff and customers returning. Spring chicks and greenhouse starts, harvest fairs and storm preparations, dogs sniffing for treats, gardeners looking for advice, all add up to the buzz of Bay Hay.
In January of 2022 Howard and Ce-Ann made the difficult decision to retire. More than forty years ago they built this iconic Bainbridge Island business from the ground up and it has grown into an integral part of the Bainbridge business community as well as the Rollingbay neighborhood. We are so thankful for everything they have done for this island and they will be missed! Bay Hay and Feed is now owned by another long-time island family whose friendship with Howard and Ce-Ann began in the early 70’s at the University of New Hampshire. Els, Jeff, Devin, and Nick are taking over from Howard and Ce-Ann.
Els has worked as Bay Hay’s managing director for the last 15 years. Jeff and Els were the previous owners of Classic Cycle on Bainbridge Island and Sacks Feed in Kingston. Their daughter Devin had her first job at Bay Hay and has been coming in since she was a little girl. Devin's husband Nick has been an arborist on Bainbridge Island for the past 6 years. Their daughter Isidora is the latest addition to the family. We are thrilled to be the new owners of Bay Hay and Feed, and are excited to see the business continue to play a part in the Bainbridge Island and Rollingbay communities and thrive thanks to all of you!
