Remembering Raymond “Jamie” Dator
Jamie Dator’s story is inseparable from Mahrapo Farm in Mahwah, NJ, a property with a rich history stretching back to the 18th century.
The farm was originally owned by the Havermeyer family, then passed to the Birches, and eventually came into the Dator family. Over generations, this land has held deep meaning—not just as a farm, but as a place of care, connection, and community.
Jamie’s connection to Mahrapo Farm goes far beyond ownership. Coming from a real estate background, his life changed entirely when he took over the farm. He poured his energy, resources, and heart into caring for the land and the animals, tackling countless challenges along the way. The farm itself, though full of beauty, was in need of repair, and Jamie devoted himself to restoring it, protecting it, and keeping its history alive. He faced uphill battles over the years—from maintaining the property to fighting to preserve the land against development pressures—all while never turning a profit. Every dollar he spent went directly back into the farm and its horses.
My story with Jamie began in 1994, when I was just 14. From the very beginning, it was clear that this farm was something special, and that Jamie was someone extraordinary. Over the years, I became the farm manager—not just by title, but because Jamie trusted me, and because this land seemed to have chosen me to be here alongside him. Through every challenge and every milestone, Jamie’s unwavering love for the farm and the animals has been the driving force behind everything we do.
