A Sweetser Family Farm Since 1812.
In 1812 the original house that still stands today
was built; it wasn’t until 1850 that the ell of the
house was built. The first Apple trees were planted
by Samuel Sweetser around 1840. Some of the varieties
he planted such as Benoni, Jewett’s Fine Red and Mother
are no longer available; but the orchard still grows
some of the original varieties planted, such as Northern
Spy, Rolfe and Wealthy apples. Currently, 37 varieties
of apples are growing in the orchard.
Fredrick Sweetser continued with the orchard, but
also was a partner in Sweetser & Osgood: Butchers
and Provisioners. He established a meat business,
both raising as well processing meat products such
as sausage, lard and smoked meats. The meat business
met its demise when the Food & Drug laws required
refrigeration during transportation, and as all of
their available means of transportation was by horse
and wagon or sled to Portland stores, they were unable
to continue. During this era they also grew produce
such as corn and melons for market.
The Orchard flourished under the stewardship of Herman
Sweetser, and expanded to include two 20 acre orchards
on Orchard Hill road. In 1930 he planted 350 McIntosh
and 550 Cortland trees (cost $0.35 apiece). It took
seven years for the trees to mature and become fruit
bearing. Those orchards were later sold to the Terrison
brothers. Some of those trees are still producing
today. Herman also cultivated strawberry plants to
sell to garden supply stores.
Currently the Orchard is being run by Connie &
Dick Sweetser and their son Greg. They maintain about
15 acres of apples supporting just over 1,000 trees
and gardens. They continue to plant new trees for
the future, so the next generations can continue the
family tradition of farming.
