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Solomon Ferry in the early 1800's and Augustus Patterson in the later 1800's operated a general farm in Chester Twp. Augustus had married Solomon's daughter Vandora. Their son NC continued general farming in the early 1900's but, increasingly, moved to truck farming with apples, peaches, chickens and eggs. He and wife Mabel had a delivery route to families in the eastern Cleveland area.
It was NC's son Sam and wife Iona who began specializing more and more in fruit crops in the mid-1900's following their graduation from The Ohio State University. They helped found the East Cleveland Farmers' Market.
It was also Sam and wife Iona who purchased the Caves Road property, moved from a roadside market at the corner of Ferry and Mulberry and developed a permanent Farm Market in 1956. Their son Jim and wife Nancy, returned from OSU to join the family's fruit farm operation in 1964.
Gradually they developed pick-your-own apples and strawberries which brought more customers to the farm. Later they gave families an opportunity to even more thoroughly enjoy the farm by creating a Family Fun Fest.
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Farm ownership is now in the hands of the sixth generation with their parents' active participation. Bill, along with wife Mindy, manages the market and social events at Orchard Hills Center. Dave, along with wife Pam, operates the farm and Family Fun Fest.
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Both graduates of OSU,the boys returned in 1992 and 1993 and began to expand the market offerings as well add their creative touches to the Family Fun Fest, experiment with new apple varieties and fine tune the integrated pest management program.
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Now the young children of the seventh generation (Johnny, Heather, Sam and Jack) are a daily part of this busy family farm and join in welcoming you to this wonderful part of northeastern Ohio. In fact you may even see James, the little son of daughter Susan and husband Mike, since they live close by.
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Customers continue to gather from near and far to savor harvest time by picking apples and enjoying natural, creative activities in the Family Fun Fest area. While the busy farm market provides a bountiful supply of crisp and tasty apples into the spring, sweet apple cider, maple syrup, fresh bakery and unique gifts are available year round. Come summer, strawberries lead the parade of fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.
Orchard Hills Golf Course, developed by Sam and Iona in the early '60s, has now been purchased by the Geauga Park District and named Orchard Hills Park. Now all who come to visit Pattersons can forever enjoy the scenic wonders of the glacial age rock formations and deposits over-looking Lake Erie.
While hiking trails replace cart paths, the snack bar and Orchard Hills Center for weddings, receptions and conferences still stay busy and very much a part of the whole Patterson experience
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440-729-1963
Orchard Hills Center
11414 Caves Road
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Special Events, retreats, conferences, weddings, and receptions.
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Click here for map
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Copyright 2010 Patterson Fruit Farm
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