Farm History

Strites' Orchard first started in 1843 by Jacob and Ella Cockley Strite.  Jacob's son Joseph married Mary Baum Strickler and purchased the first farmland to grow fruits and vegetables in 1914, and became a full time farmer in 1928 after quitting his job on the Reading Railroad.  During the depression, most produce was sold door to door and at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg.  In 1940, Joseph's son Earl married Mabel Rebecca Kaylor and purchased the first of many farm expansions, along with the first tractor.  The cider press was built in 1945 after World War II ended.  Joe and Tom were born and Earl purchased the farm from Joseph.  He also stopped attending Broad Street Market and began selling produce from the farm.  Up until then apples were stored off-site in Hershey under the ice arena; but in 1952 Earl built the first cold storage.  By 1966, the farm land totals 265 acres.  In the 1970's the first greenhouses were built, irrigation was installed underground, and a tornado struck the farm.  By the 1980's, Joe and Tom had purchased the farm, along with additional acreage.  In 1993 they were named Master Farmers, and the next year they built the new farm market.  The new millenium brought about many changes, including the beginning of the market bakery, incorporation of a drip irrigation system, high tunnel tomatoes, and the worst hail storm to date, causing damage on 83% of our fruit and vegetable crops.  At present time we are farming nearly 300 acres, and the farm is in it's fourth generation of operations, being run by Tom and Sheryl, Joe and Sharon, Matt, Jon , and Steph.

Growing for you since 1914

Strites' Orchard Farm Market and Bakery

1000 Strites Road Harrisburg, PA  17111    Business: (717) 564-3130    Fax: (717) 564-5770

www.stritesorchard.com