Tasty Fruit and a Great Family Experience
Barden Story
Hazel and John Barden Founders of Barden Orchard Copyright 1993 Observer publications
Four generations of Barden's have been involved with the farm beginning in 1931. Soon after the marriage of John and Hazel Barden, Gilbert Barden, Jr's grandparent's, the first apple trees were planted as more of a hobby for John. The wholesale market was brisk then and provided enough extra income for them to live comfortably. John always kept his primary job as an engraver. Tentatively, they began to invite the public onto the farm for pick your own in 1970. It was this kind of forward thinking and direct marketing to the customer that allowed them to make the orchard profitable in their senior years. After John retired, he began to farm fulltime with his grandson’s help. They attracted many customers that have come for generations with their families.
Gilbert Barden, Jr began leasing the business in 1989. He began to replant the orchard with newer dwarf rootstocks that produce a larger number of high quality apples. He also began to add more apple and peach varieties and began to grow pumpkins. His family has always been involved in the orchard. Currently, his three children attend farmers markets and participate in all of the farm activities.