Red Apple Farm has become a staple for residents of Massachusetts in the Northeast.
Red Apple Farm, located at 455 Highland Ave, Philipston, MA, has been a go-to spot for multiple families during the fall season. This farm has been in operation for over 113 years, providing produce and memorable apple-picking experiences.
USA TODAY 10 BEST ranks Red Apple Farm as number 2 among the top apple orchards in all of America. They state, “Red Apple Farm offers a true, authentic New England family farm experience. With over 50 varieties of apples, along with sunflowers, pumpkins, berries, and more.”
Red Apple Farm has a rich history, dating back to 1740. It started as a small local farm with cows, horses, and chickens. The farm’s main income came from selling straw and raising various grain crops: wheat, oats, and corn.
1912, however, was a major year for the farm. McIntosh trees were planted, spaced 40’x40’ apart. This marked the beginning of the farm’s apple production. Mr. Warren Tyler, who owned the farm at the time, sold these apples out of an old pickup truck with the name Red Apple Farm on the side in Athol. Tyler expanded the farm by planting many more varieties of apple trees.
Ten years later, in 1922, Spalding and Carolyn took over the farm after Harry and Cora Rose purchased it for their son. Red Apple Farm would be revolutionized by the new owners, Spalding and Carolyn.
On Red Apple farms, “History of Red Apple Farm,” Bill Rose states, “The next year, rural electricity came to the town of Phillipston and down the dirt road to the farm. The dirt road was originally called Royalston Road, but since there were two Royalston Roads, Spaulding suggested in a town meeting to change the farm road to Highland Ave. With electricity, an artesian well was dug. The bathrooms were installed in the house. Plumbing and electric wiring was completed just like in the big city of Worcester, where my folks came from.”
With the changes and improvements of the farm, it only continued to grow in popularity. With time, not only did the farm’s utilities change, but so did the trees. For over 80 years, Red Apple Farm has had large trees. That was until the year 1993, when Bill Rose cut the big trees down, replacing them with “semi-dwarf trees of different varieties.”
Red Apple Farm has grown significantly over the years. It holds a range of activities to indulge in. You could find yourself picking the apples that have ruled the land for years, or exploring their farm store, holding pies, homemade fudge, and cider. Visiting their Brew Barn, where they have BBQ, craft brews, and live music. Even taking a seasonal hayride through the orchard, taking in the beauty of the land.
Red Apple Farm is surrounded by the rich history and hard work that past owners put into it. With the mix of multiple activities and entertainment options, it continues to reign as a fall staple. With more years to come, the farm will continue to grow and win the hearts of visitors.
