September 23rd, 2011
T.S. Smith & Sons, Oldest Apple Orchard in Delaware, Delaware’s Only Solar Powered Century Farm, Apples, Pumpkins, Bridgeville, Delaware, Hello Autumn!!
I have been so hooked on Gala apples for months. I do love them. But, I was just introduced to an apple called the Jonagold. It is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Jonathan apple. Jonathan apples are known to be tart; the result is that combination of sweet/tart.
So, my post on Friday, on that first day of Autumn, will start with my experience visiting the State of Delaware’s oldest apple orchard. T.S. Smith & Sons is located on Redden Rd., in the town of Bridgeville, Delaware, home of Rappa Scrapple. Another of my favorites.
I got an e-mail from Greer, who works for T.S. Smith & Sons. She invited me to visit this progressive farm that has been in existence since 1907. You can find them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/tssmithandsons, on twitter as tssfarms; their website will be launched very soon.
It was a really scenic drive. From Rehoboth I took off towards Georgetown, DE,and from there north on 113, a left on Redden Rd. If you recognize the name Redden is because Redden State Forest is Delaware’s largest state forest, located right here, in central Sussex County. It is massive and historic.
Greer and Charlie were waiting for me. Then, she sent us off to explore.
It was beautiful at the farm. I was so lucky to have Charlie all to myself. He is Charlie Smith, one of the sons. Only someone who has lived in the farm and knows it inside and out can give you the kind of tour that comes from the heart. As I heard him talk about the farm, all I could think was; if you have a passion you will never work a day in your life.
I think I met my match. He could talk as much as I could. Then, we stopped in front of a tractor. He said this is a 1953. Well, I don’t get that excited about tractors except that this is one of two orchard sprayers and vintage tractors still in use at the farm. For over 50 years helping the farm and still valued and used today.
Let me tell you about T. S. Smith & Sons:
It was established in 1907. It is Delaware’s oldest apple orchard and the only one in Sussex County. I was amazed to find out that in 1938 Delaware had 92 apple producers. Now there are only 2. This farm being one of them.
Some of the apple trees are over 40 years old. Check the trunk on this one.
It is also Delaware’s only solar powered century farm. Conversion of power supply to solar in order to use renewable energy for cold storage, which consumes largest amount of electricity on the farm. The company used? Solair, a Delaware based company who designed and installed Delaware made solar panels.
The farm is also located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. A stream that runs through the farm is a tributary of the headwaters of the Nanticoke River. Many Nanticoke Indian artifacts were found along this stream and are all at Delaware Tech in Georgetown, Delaware.
Charlie's picture
The water was so clear I had to take some pictures.
T.S. Smith & Sons was one of the first broiler producers in the state. It started not long after the poultry industry took hold in Sussex County. Remnants of the poultry industry still exist on the farm. One of the WWII era chicken houses is still standing, and in need of help. In those times the family that tended the chickens lived on the second floor of the chicken house; the feed was kept directly below the family, on the first floor. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures.
The chicken houses were built by German Prisoners of War during WWII with wood from the farm. An effort to save the historic chicken house still standing is underway. After the war ended letters from several POW’s were received by the family. Those letters are still in existence.
The other chicken house is pretty much gone but still on the property. The family is still waiting to see if at some point it can be removed from the farm.
Instead of burning apple trees that have been removed, apple wood is available for sale.
They continue to expand their use of water conservation measures, such as trickle or drip irrigation.
TSS practices farming methods aimed at soil conservation, such as no till farming and crop rotation. Land in critical areas has been taken out of production and allowed to grow naturally.
Baskets, crates and other items are reused rather than sold or thrown out.
This year they are encouraging to use reusable shopping bags.
Much of the farm machinery is kept in service rather than scrapped.
Besides apples, this farm produces sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, squash, zucchini, lima beans, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkins and asparagus. Orchards produce many varieties of peaches, and nectarines.
soybeans
Charlie took me through the fields of asparagus. These and the rest of the crops are picked by hand.
We went all over the place, stopping here or there to pick a certain type of apple, or for me to snap a picture. Then, he took me to the family’s home, which was built in the 1800’s. Unfortunaly, his dad, Walt Smith, passed away just recently leaving a big hole in his heart. The farm house was in perfect shape.
Charlie told me that just 2 years ago he planted honeycrisp apples. You really don’t see them in the grocery stores that much. Honeycrisps were developed at the University of Minnesota in 1974.
We then stopped at the apple packing house. It is over 80 years old and serves as the farm market. Its apple grading equipment is also historic. The equipment itself was produced by a company owned by the family. It is an example of automation in the apple industry for that time.
Some of their employees have over 50 years with the company; six have over 30 years; meet Ashley.
If you are within 45 minutes radius of the farm, you are most likely going to be be able to get their produce. But, the best part is really coming right to the farm in Bridgeville, like I did.
This farm has a unique natural features and offers an authentic working farm experience like no other in the area and possibly the state. Its reputation is for quality and value.
You can find them in at their Lewes store, right on Savannah Rd. The Beach Market is open daily from 9 – 6 p.m.
You can also find them at the Farmers’ Markets in Milton and Seaford.
Right near the farm, on Redden Rd. and Rt. 13 there is a site of you pick pumpkin patch and headquarters for you pick fruit. Pumpkins are ready for picking this week-end.
You can pick your own apples and pumkins through October. June and July are for peaches and nectarines. Mark your calendar for next year’s picking.
A produce market has also been opened in Historic Easton, Maryland in the Easton Market House. It opens Wednesdays – Saturdays.
They participate in farm-to-table events that promote their brand as well as the restaurants who serve their produce. They also participate in Farm to School Programs.
They have also partnered with smaller producers, that have local honey, jams, jellies, gourmet rice pudding, flowers and produce they do not grow. This partnership enhances their offerings and supports smaller businesses.
The farm is open to school tours, group tours, and private picking events. Just call 302-337-8271.
On the Calendar:
October 14th – Apple Dessert Baking Contest. Call for more info.
October 15th – Apple Scrapple on the Farm. Lots of fun stuff. You can enjoy everything they will offer on that day and even take the bus to the festival.
December 3rd – Holiday Open House
I hope I got everything. Charlie gave me donuts made at the farm and Suzie, his sister had apple cakes for sale, as well.
Thanks Ruth for helping me. You were so gracious.
And, I really also want to thank Greer. Anyone out there reading this post that would like more information and would like talks about farming, produce, etc. etc. give her a call.
Note: T. S. Smith & Sons is a member of the Delaware Agritourism Harvest Trail. The purpose of this association is to showcase selected working Delaware Farms that provide an array of authentic farm experiences. For more info. please visit www.delawareagritourism.org.
I can’t explain it, but I did smile all the way home. I know, it was the friendly company, the farm; everything it stands for, and just being outdoors.
“We hope that individuals, groups, and families will visit the farm and make a memory here.” t.s. smith & sons
Tags: Apple Orchard, Apple Scrapple Festival, Bridgeville, Central Sussex County, Delaware, Delaware's Oldest Apple Orchard, Events, Farm, hay rides, hay rides at T.S. Smith & Sons, honeycrisp apples, jonagold apples, Lewes, produce, Sussex County, T.S. Smith & Sons
Like the orchard tractor, they are highly collectible.
I thought you would. Short drive to the farm. Apple and Scrapple? The best!!
Thanks for coming out and exploring the western side of the county, Gloria! We hope you will come back again and again, for our special events and to pick peaches and nectarines next summer! We’ll be looking for you at the farm and at Milton Farmer’s Market.
You have lots of things on the calendar. I hope people take advantage because this is the best time of the year. I have not gone to the Milton’s Market but I have heard, from Maria, that it is very nice. I also want to check the Easton location.
I met Greer at the Delaware State Fair and she invited me over to see the beautiful Century farm where she works. A friend and I went over for their summer festival and we discovered a beautiful, historic farm with modern green practices, great produce and wonderful people living and working there.
Thanks for highlighting a real treasure !
I could not agree with you more. Everyone at the farms was very friendly and generous with their time. I hope more people will read this and get to visit. Thanks for your comments to my site.
Loved this write up. I always stop there for my produce when I come through Bridgeville. They are such nice people!