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April was a trying month for growers around the country. With so many cold nights the threat of losing our crops was almost constant. Thankfully we made it through with minimal loss. Above are some of the pictures from the past few weeks. You can watch the blossoms grow and see the heaters working at night to keep the temperature above freezing.
Looking for a quality CSA to join? Try Penn's Corner Farm Alliance.
Their 2012 CSA sign up is now open.
Visit www.pennscorner.com to join.
Dawson’s Orchards has always been a family owned business and it is our mission to provide you with the highest quality produce as well as outstanding service.
The Dawson Story
Located in rural Enon Valley, PA, it was established back in 1946 when George and Janet Dawson purchased around 45 acres of land from George’s parents and planted some of the first fruit trees. Throughout the 1960’s, George and Janet raised both fruit and chickens. Eventually, the “chicken house” became the “packing house”, which is where all the fruit is packed today.
In July of 1981, George and Janet’s youngest daughter, Carolyn, and her husband Kevin (both Penn State graduates) began farming along side Carolyn’s parents, eventually purchasing the farm from them. George passed away in December 1994 and in July of 2000, Kevin died of a heart attack, leaving Carolyn the farm… which thanks to the grace of God, is still in business today!
At present, about 30 of the acres owned are actually farmed. Most of that acreage is taken up by apples, with about 2 acres of pear trees, 5 of peaches and nectarines, and an assortment of berries and prune plums. Dawson’s Orchards also brokers watermelon and packs apples for wholesale trade.
Janet still constantly works outside during spring, summer and fall. Having spent most of her life on the farm, growing and selling fruit, she’s well aware of what needs done and very willing to do it.
When Kevin passed, Carolyn was left with three children, Karen (26), Rusty (22) and Stephen (20). Carolyn has since remarried to Scott McQuiston and now has three stepchildren: John (21), Lindsay (19) and Casey (17).
Karen married Darren Druschel in May 2009 and works at the orchard along with their two children, Darren (6) and Emme (3). Rusty and Stephen also help out when not away at college, and Scott left his position at a steel company to come work along side his wife.
Carolyn looks forward to continuing to grow fruit. Along with enjoying the daily challenge of running the business and educating herself to improve fruit quality and production, she likes doing what she does because it provides food that is both delicious and healthy.
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122 Petersburg Road
Enon Valley, PA 16120
Orchard Hours
Monday thru Saturday
9am - 4pm
Closed Sundays
Can't visit us at the Orchard? Find us at the following markets:
*Note: Due to the warmer weather early this spring, expect to find us at these markets as early as mid-June this year!
The Original Farmers Market
Come discover the real meaning of fresh local produce!
May thru November
Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights - 5:30pm
Route 50 - McDonald, PA 3 miles south off the Bridgeville exit (#54) off I-79
June thru October
Saturdays 8am - 1pm
St. James Parking Lot, Sweickley, PA
New Castle Farmer's Market
Unfortunately we will not be attending the New Castle Farmer's Market this year. We thank you for your patronage over our past few years here and hope that you will continue to purchase our produce at the orchard or the nearby Ellwood City Farmer's Market.
Ellwood City Farmer's Market
July thru October
Saturdays 8am - 12pm
Temporary 2011 location at Cirrelli Way & 6th St. (behind Vinny's restaurant)