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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 (27), Rusty (22) and Stephen (21). Carolyn has since remarried to Scott McQuiston and now has three stepchildren: John (21), Lindsay (19) and Casey (17).

Karen married in May 2009 and works at the orchard along with their two children, Darren (6) and Emme (4). 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.

800-EAT-APPL