My Brother's Fruit

Snow Bird Farmers

2012-02-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Snow Bird Farmers

From 1900 to 1906 Grandpa Bill spent winters at the Palma Sola Hotel on the Manatee River between Bradenton and the Intracoastal Waterway. His parents owned and operated the Hotel in the winters. Bill's parents (William Albert and Daisy) welcomed many of their Michigan relatives and farming neighbors to stay at the hotel. As a result, for decades Casco Township farmers have been wintering in FL. (For more info about the hotel see lower left blog archives 2009 April and May).

In the late 1940s Bill got reconnected to Florida. He and Edna started taking short trips south with their youngest son Billy (William Douglas 5Feb1936/30May2009). As Billy got older he would stay with relatives and Bill and Edna would stay in FL for a couple of months. Driving south they very seldom stopped at restaurants as Edna would pack road food. While in FL they found cheap housing near fishing rivers. They would eat lots of apples and canned goods from the farm, FL oranges, clams, oysters and fried fresh caught fish. Many of their close friends would visit or travel with them. Most times their FL base was in the Sebastian area along the Sebastian or Indian Rivers on the East Coast. Some years they rented at Victory Court Cabins. From an old photo album we know they took side trips to Silver Springs, Cypress Gardens, Spook Hill, Fort Meyers, Venice, Punta Gorda, Arcadia's Plaza Hotel, down the keys to Marathon, and the Palma Sola - Bradenton - Cortez area where the former family hotel was located.

Two couples that were very close friends with B and E were Ethel-Nelson Ransom and Eunice-Wilsee Osman. The women had lots in common - Garden Club, raising kids, running a farm house, making their own house dresses, and assisting farm CEOs. The men were in lodge, attended farm meetings together, competed at raising fruit, and worked their butts off on the farm especially during harvest. When these couples were in FL they would take side trips, fish, cook and eat meals together, squeeze orange juice, and play shuffleboard. Bill even built a shuffleboard court at the farm. The drive to FL or Loon Lake was always in a Mercury with Bill's boat, motor and luggage towed behind. It was a good life made possible by not being tied daily to a dairy farm.

In the 1950s and 60s Bill and Edna were handing over more of the farm operations to my dad Albert as he scaled back his truck driving. During that time B and E spent more winter time in FL and summer time at Look Lake. Bill acquired his love for fishing in FL while he was just a kid (ages 4 to 10). That fishing love lasted until the day he died at age 73. On Dec 27, 1969 he and Edna had fished the Indian River. That night while watching the 11:00 o'clock news Grandpa Bill suffered a fatal heart attack while seated in a recliner - RIP!

At The Farm - February 5, 2012

Q - How is this mild MI winter going to impact the fruit? Allan - We are always concerned that an early warm spring can bring on the blossoms and then get killed by freezing temperatures. With a warm winter, like we are having, the fruit can deactivate and loose its cold hardness. Peaches will not reactivate so might not develop fruit. The other fruits can reactivate and produce fruit.
Q - Are you planning anything changes at the farm that customers will notice? Allan - We will be adding some changes to the petting barn area so its easier for the kids to interact with the animals and may have more animals this year.
Q - Is it true that you are speaking to the Marshall Area Garden Club on Feb 21? Allan - Yes, I am looking forward to that meeting.
Q - Are you and the family taking any get away trips this winter? Kim - Nothing planned but sure would like one. The Quads are going on the 8th grade school trip to DC in April.
Q - Do you think your basketball team is improving? Aaron - Yes we are. Our so so records would be great if we had won more or all of our close games. (Aaron is a freshman starter on the Fennville Varsity Basketball Team 5-10 record).

Q - How can you fend off cabin fever? Martin -Think about what you most look forward to this coming spring.

Social Life -1950s

2012-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:00

Social Life - 1950s

Leisure crossroads or corners was the social gathering place (107th Ave and 64th St) for East Casco Township. It included the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB), Riley's Handy Store, the Community Hall, and the Fire Station. A great deal of informal socializing or "loafing" was carried on at the store. Men sit on the benches in front of the store after dinner and chores were done. On occasion Riley would show free movies on the north side of his store building and softball games where played north of the store.

Most everyone in the area attended the EUB Church led by Rev. Crosby and then Rev. Litchfield in the 50s. Opal Barden was the organist and her son Richard frequently played his marimba. Richard is still playing at the new Casco United Methodist Church. One of his favorite hymns is "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". Fund raising dinners by the Ladies Aid Society of the EUB Church were don't-miss social gatherings. Dinners were in the small Church basement until the new Community Hall was built across the street in 1953. This new community hall with large basement and kitchen replaced the Knights of the Maccabees Hall. The Grange members also used the hall for their Saturday meetings and noon meal.

Many men belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) benevolent fraternal organization. The Rebekah Lodge was a branch/auxiliary of the IOOF open to all women. Both groups used the community hall and supported a summer camping program for youth. Some women of the community belonged to the East Casco Garden Study Club. Membership was limited in number because the club meetings were held at member homes. If you were hosting the club meeting your garden was on tour. Many of these same women (and couples) would meet on occasion to play cards and would take winter trips to the same area in Florida.

Another "social club" for men was the Township Fire Dept. Fire Chief Harry Overhiser lived within a long stones throw of the station. Riley Overhiser ran the store, never went anywhere, and lived a short stones throw from the one truck station. Riley (the dispatcher) would take fire calls and push a button to activate the siren. The first volunteer to arrive drove the truck and others follow along. In the 1960s a second truck was purchased and the Dept became much more organized and connected with the South Haven Fire Dept. The men also had a softball team and dear hunting groups.

The all men Casco Band of the 50s was formed in 1928. It practiced Monday nights and performed in and around the community. Brothers Riley (trombone), Ward (clarinet), and Ray (cornet) Overhiser were members and at one time there were 7 Adkins in the band. The Casco Band is still practicing and performing today and has allowed some women to join.

The Casco - South Haven Pomological Society was made up of fruit growers from SW Michigan. The members from the Casco area helped organize an annual Parade of Peaches with dinner at the Community Hall. The well attended annual farm machinery show was also hosted by the East Casco farmers for farmers from all over the state. The equipment was set up on Arlie Overhiser's field across from Riley's store and Rankin Lyman was in charge of a dinner at the hall.

For the youth of the community there were school activities, EUB Youth Fellowship, movies in South Haven, dances and roller skating in Allegan. Family gatherings were also super social events. Living on the farm was hard work but there were many opportunities for fun.

At The Farm January 6, 2012

Allan survived his birthday on the 4th and has been attending lots of meetings to start the year. Aaron, the freshman, is having fun playing on the Fennville varsity basketball team. The family has been kept busy and entertained attending the games. The fruit trees are resting and getting their annual trims so they will be ready to produce this next summer.

Fruit Farm Fragrance - 1950s

2011-12-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

Fruit Farm Fragrance - 1950s
Smells can invoke vivid memories. Here are some farm fragrances I remember from the 1950s when I lived on the farm and attended school in South Haven.

Edna and Bill's Basement - the smell of apples and potatoes stored on stairs under the bilco door, storm windows being caulked and painted red, musty damp dirt-floor storage area for canned goods, salt brine over flowing the ice cream maker, fuel oil furnace, clothes drying in the basement (Edna had a washer but not a dryer), fishing tackle box, and Grandpa Bill's cigarette smoke.

Our Farm House - the smell of wood burning in the pot belly stove, wood storage room on back of house, hot water (heated on range) being pored into the cold bath water in the cold bathroom, then fuel oil (from Flemings) for the space heater and water heater, wet gloves drying on the space heater, vicks vaporizer, eggs and bacon cooking, laundry room clothes, plucking chickens, chicken being browned in a fry pan, canning fruit and canned goods stored in our Michigan basement. Then there was the fragrance of the outback outhouse that Albert used sometimes so he would not tie up the house bathroom

Farm Equipment and storage buildings - the smell of rubber tires, hydraulic fluid, flooded tractor motors, grease guns, fertilizer spreader, spray dope (as we called it) storage area, piles of lime ready to be spread, rye and oats for seeding orchards, and the smell of the sour cherry lugs.

Orchards and Fields - the smells from harvesting the different fruits, brush piles burning, fertilizers and sprays, damp orchard grass, dirt and dust from working the soil, rotting cauliflower, spring blossoms, Lake Michigan winds, and peach thinning smells and always the peach fuzz.
Barn - the smell of animals, dusty stored equipment, hay and straw, ropes, skunk, rust on equipment, and basketballs as we had a small court inside the barn.

Ratcliffe Field Locker Room -the smell of sweaty kids, sweaty dirty uniforms, musty showers, rubbing gels in the training room, tape for ankles, brown sticky tuff skin for blisters, rubber inside helmets, and equipment storage boxes. I added these non-farm locker room smells so I could share the photo of us celebrating South Haven's first football championship in 1957 - yes in the smelly locker room.

At The Farm December 1, 2011

Let it snow. The farm is ready for a long winter's nap. Soil at the farm has been tested and lime and potash (potassium carbonate) spread in the orchards. Allan has just gotten his pesticide license renewed. This is required every three years. He must obtain 22 credits by taking 15 to 20 classes during the three year period. Tree trimming is ongoing. The 5 kids are all playing basketball. Aaron has made the Fennville varsity as a freshman. Hope we get to see him play this winter.

This past week Allan lost one of his fruit customers - Fred Meijer, age 91, the founder of Meijer Inc. Many of Allan's apples end up in the big stores, including Meijer's. For the past 6 years one wholesaler from the GR area made sure they got a bushel of Allan's Golden Russet apples and gave them to Fred for his homemade apple sauce. I would assume Fred remembered the taste and fragrance of the Golden Russet from his childhood.

November For Remembering

2011-11-01T21:36:00.000-04:00

November For Remembering
Today (Nov 1) is All Saints' Day for Western Christians. It is also granddaughter Evvy's 8th birthday. Before the 600s A.D. a pagan festival was celebrated on Nov 1 as a time when the border between the dead and the living was especially porous and ghosts were believed to walk among the living.

Other modern day November celebrations include Veterans Day and Remembrance Day in Canada (Nov 11) and Thanksgiving Day in the U. S. (Nov 24 this year). All of these days are set aside for thanksgiving and remembrance of loved one, veterans and successful harvest.

This month take time at a meal with family or friends to call out the names of loved ones who have gone on ahead of us. These Saints helped mold who we are.

Also, be mindful of the personal encounters or events you might be experiencing for the last time. This could include a conversation with your favorite aunt or uncle. You may be holding a new born or changing the diaper of a grand child for the last time. You may be walking amongst the red woods or on a beach for the last time. Cherish those moments and be thankful.

Teacher June Pearl (1937-82)

2011-10-08T13:15:00.001-04:00

Teacher June Pearl (1937-82) As a young girl June Pearl Evans helped maintain their one room school (Horseshoe) in Lee Township. Homer Evans, her father, was the school director who hired and supervised the teacher. After graduating from Bloomingdale High School in 1935 she attended Allegan County Normal for one year to become a teacher. Those were the days of no federal and very little state control of education. In 1937 she took her first full-time day job at the Crow School and was paid $65 per month. Her 15 years of teaching in one room schools stretched from 1937 to to 1957 with 5 years off (1940-45) to potty train the two boys (Martin and Charles). Crow, Brown, Iddles, and McDowell were her one room schools. Classes were K through 6, 7 or 8 with school sizes ranged from 25 to 54 students. She kept the fire burning and supervised hot lunches and recess. She organized holiday celebrations with Christmas being the most elaborate.

Mother continued to work toward her degree by taking summer classes offered by Northwestern, Western Michigan and Michigan State. The year I graduated from High School (1958), she received her BS degree from Western Michigan University. To finish her degree she was required to do student teaching at Paw Paw after having taught for 15 years. One of her student teacher jobs was to teach the class how to swim. That same year (1958) she started teaching at Lincoln Elementary in South Haven and taught 3rd or 4th grades for 25 years. June Pearl Evans Overhiser (6-13-1917/3-3-1997) retired in 1982 at age 65 after teaching for 40 years. She said this at her retirement: "I love working with children, it is very rewarding to have the opportunity to help shape an individual."

Mom always had her emotions under control and never raised her voice or ever said a harsh word to anyone's face. Maybe behind their back on occasion. June made a lasting impact on her students, her family, her friends and her community. She was a compassionate and caring teacher who was admired by her students and parents. At the McDowell Christmas Program in 1954 she was given new luggage. The parents knew that June, Albert, Martin and Chuck were spending Christmas vacation with Homer and Pearl Evans in Kissimmee Florida.

Here is what one of her students wrote on 6-6-1973: "I think you have been a nice and wonderful teacher. I think you showed a lot of consideration to the whole class. You may be 56 but you are still a wonderful and pleasant teacher. Your age doesn't mean anything to me. I hope Mrs Swanson is as good as you. You have been the best! Your friend, Sandy Mear

At The Farm October 2011

Apples, cider, pumpkins, squash and lots of other fall items are at the farm daily through the end of October. During November the retail building will be open on weekends until Thanksgiving (Nov 5/6, 12/13 &19/20).
Fall and winter farm work will continue --- repair and clean equipment and fruit containers, work on existing and new structures, trim trees, remove old orchards, and plan new orchards for spring planting. Supervisor, Allan, has the Casco Township business to keep him occupied and Kim has the farm records and taxes to work on. The five farm teenagers will keep very busy with their classes and activities. "Oh how nice it is to be retired", this author said.

Summer Memories

2011-09-11T23:01:00.001-04:00

Summer Memories
Like a recurring dream, I fall asleep in June and wake up in September year after year after year. June - summer starts, July - cherries, August - peaches, September apples and summer ends. The basis for my dream started in the 1950's. Is this a dream or am awake living through another summer reality show? Some of my recurring summer dreams/memories include:

Green trees, blossoms, flowers, fruits and falling leaves
Dusty roads and farm lanes
Harvesting summer fruits
A huge dirt ring around the bathtub
Family gatherings and big Sunday dinners
Playing, camping and swimming in the Black River
Drive-in restaurants and movie theaters
Bike rides to get a Pepsi at Riley's Store
Playing baseball and listening to the Tigers on radio
Cottage time for fishing and boating
Swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds and pools
Preparing for School

As kids growing up on fruit farms in the 1950's we were fully involved in the harvest schedule. Work was never done, just put off until the next day. The family worked hard but found times to play a bit. I cherish the memories and am thankful I was part of a fruit farm family. May we all harvest fond memories.
Martin Overhiser September 11, 2011

At The Farm In September

U-Pick apples, cider, pumpkins, animals and a whole lot more are at the farm. Cider will be pressed this week and available weekend of September 20/21. Plan a trip to the farm and visit South Haven or Saugatuck and walk the beach. The kids are back in school and busy with sports. Weekends throughout the summer were very busy so Allan, Kim and Lucy (retail sales) are enjoying a little slower pace.

Celebrate The Peach

2011-08-02T20:49:00.000-04:00

Celebrate The Peach

Growing up on a Casco Township farm in the 1950's meant you were surrounded by fruit farms and farm kids. In August, Peach Festivals were held at Leisure (64th street and 107th avenue). The Community Hall, the EUB Church and Riley's Handy Store were the center of activities. The Arlie and Harry Overhiser farm on the SE corner was turned into a display area for new farm equipment. Cookbooks full of peach recipes were available. Meals were served to celebrate the peach. The Casco United Methodist Church still serves those wonderful church dinners. All that remains from the fruit paradise of the 50's is a hand full of fruit farmers, the Church dinners and the memories that we survivors cherish.

From 1924 to 1963 Stanley Johnston headed up the MAC/MSU Experiment Station at South Haven and hybridized the Haven peaches. He was obsessed with developing bigger and better fruits. From some 21,000 cross-bred seedlings the Haven peaches were selected: the Halehaven, Kalhaven, Redhaven, Fairhaven, Sunhaven, Richhaven, Glohaven, and Cresthaven. Newer and "better" peaches have been developed by others. The peach season has been extended because of new varieties. The main varieties grown by my brother are: Red Haven, Rising Star, Red Star, Flamin' Fury (and some PF varieties), Coral Star, Loring, All Star, Red Kissed, Glow Haven and several cling-stone varieties for processing and fresh fruit.

Don't be fooled into thinking that peaches were the only fruit grown in the 1950's. Sweet and sour cherries were harvested before the peaches. Pears and plums during peach time, and most apples after the peach. Many early settlers brought seedling apple trees from their native states to Michigan. Early varieties grown in Casco were Yellow Transparent, Cutchess, Hubbardston, Golden Russet, Grimes Golden, Yellow Banana, Gravenstein and the Gray Stark. New varieties of fruits are always being developed. The Honeycrisp apple and the Flamin' Fury peach are just two examples.

Casco fruit farmers also grew cauliflower, cabbage, pickles and cucumbers in their open fields or between the rows of newer fruit orchards. My dad, Albert, being a farmer and truck driver obtained two large trucks with flat beds. He then hauled his cauliflower and other farmers produce to the Maxwell Street Market in Chicago. Many a night was spent tying the load so dad could to take off around mid-night for the early morning market.

Enjoy your August, MartinO

At The Farm August 2, 2011
Peach u-pick is in full swing at the farm and will be available through Labor Day. The Red Havens will be available after August 10. Currently at the farm you will find all the ripe fruit and vegetables that are in season. Be sure to print out the u-pick 10% off coupons on the Overhiser Orchards website and check the receipt links such as michiganpeach.org Slice ripe peaches and add cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, milk, blueberries or nothing. With more effort you may freeze or can your peaches.

The kids summer sports activities have concluded. County Fair preparations are just starting. The boys new chicken house is completed and the girls a having fun co-managing the animal barn. Two new alpacas have been added to the barn family at the 109th avenue retail and u-pick site. Eat Fruit.

1950s Fruit Farm

2011-07-05T15:45:00.000-04:00

1950s Fruit Farm

We lived around the corner from the original farm. Adkins were all around us (Harry, Roy, Art and Ray). Aunt Doris, Albert's sister, married Clare Adkin whose parents lived next to us. In the East Casco community everyone was related or connected in some way. Our little 20 acre farm was the center of our universe. Kalamazoo was the other side of that universe and Chicago and Detroit were like outer space. We had several play areas on or near our farm. Robert Stevens lived across the street. We played Tarzan in his barn hay lofts by swinging on ropes. We played basketball in our barn. David and Larry Flora lived one half mile south near the junction of the Black River and Scott Creek This was the swimming hole, camp site, and muskrat trapping area on occasion.

Summers on the farm were very busy and filled with work, family gatherings and some play. Depending on our age we picked cherries, disked up orchards, thinned peaches, hoed around young trees, raised pickles, helped mom with the garden and canning, and drove truck loads of fruit to the Michigan Fruit Canners or the Fruit Exchange Co-Op. As "orchard bosses" Chuck and I assigned rows, spread lugs and crates, picked up the full containers, loaded the truck, and kept track of quantities picked. We would end the day very dirty and dusty all over our farmer tans. Our Indian blood helped keep us from burning.

Most of the peaches we raised were for sale to the canning companies. Some peaches and most apples were taken to the Fruit Exchange and packed for sale as fresh fruit. The sweet cherries were taken to the Benton Harbor Market. We kids learned from Grandma Edna how to get the best price possible from the Chicago wholesale buyers when we got to travel with her to Benton Harbor.

Bill and Edna spent the two weeks between cherries and peaches in mid-July at Loon Lake NW of Baldwin. Their kids and grand kids would all spend a few days with them. Grandpa Bill was a big bass fisherman. He loved to do night casting and we kids would row the boat for him. What a thrill it was to hear the splash when a bass would attack the jitterbug or glow-mouse baits.

At the Farm July 5, 2011

The 4th has come and gone and we are now officially in the dog 40 days of summer. Sweet cherry u-pickers were in the orchards in large numbers. Next weekend will be the last of the up-pick sweet cherries. Pitted sour cherries will also be available starting next weekend (July 9/1 0) at the farm retail location (109th Ave and 64th St). Peaches are still being thinned with the early varieties coming on the last week of July.

The kids are building a chicken coop on wheels to go with the petting barn. Carpenter Leon Brush is helping them and teaching them how to build. Resident animals include goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens and kittens. Plan a trip to the farm and Lake Michigan this summer.

1940s 4th Generation

2011-06-03T10:12:00.000-04:00

1940s 4th Generation

In last month's blog, I wrote about white settlers pushing the Indians West. Here is another side by John Wayne in 1971, "Our so-called stealing of the country from the Indians was just a question of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians selfishly tried to keep it for themselves." We will let the Duke have the last word about our Native American Heritage from the Evans side. Now I will take you back to the 1940s when my parents (Albert and June) started a family by creating me, their first born.

I (Martin Wayne Overhiser 7-11-40) was named after Martin Evans, June's youngest brother. The Wayne may have been borrowed from John Wayne because it sounded good. Yes, good for calling out, "Martin WAYNE you get out of there". Albert and June rented a house from Ray Adkin across the street from the Bill and Edna's 60 acre farm. That would be the farm Henry settled in 1863 and passed along to William Albert, Bill's dad. Albert and June were the 4th generation farmers but did not take over the original farm site until after Bill and Edna retired. My brother Charles Edward was born 14 months later (9-26-41). June took off 3 years from teaching in one-room schools to train us in potty and other life long skills. (Note - Brother Allan, 5th generation farmer, arrives in 1960.)

Albert continued to drive truck and helped Bill and Edna with the farming when ever possible. It was War time, but Albert was rejected because he had double jointed ankles. He was always proud to show them off. The ankles never bothered him. He was always very fit and skilled at baseball in High School. As an adult he played softball for Casco. The whole community turned out for games behind Riley's Store. Some times Riley would show a movie on his north wall after the games. The Casco team played against all the teams in the area including the famous House of David in Benton Harbor. The Casco Band (formed in 1928) was also very popular and still performs in parades and concerts today.

When June lined up a teaching job for the fall of 1943 mom and dad bought the 20 acre Blanchard farm and house 1/2 mile east and 1/2 mile north of Bill and Edna. T. C. Blanchard and family moved closer to Pullman where they owned the hardware store. By going through Harry Adkin's farm to the south you could connect with the original farm, however, we just did not do that. Gas was cheap and the dusty gravel road was a much better ride traveling between farms.

Before Chuck and I attended the Iddles one-room school, Mrs. Kuney took care of us boys while June taught. I started school in 1945 and Chuck in '46. Mother June was our teacher until we both started attending South Haven in 1953 (MO 8th grade and CO 7th grade). Mom then taught at McDowell School (53-54) and later joined the South Haven system at Lincoln School.

At The Farm June 2, 2011

Spring 2011 has been very wet and cool. The fruit blossoms have survived nicely and should produce delicious and juicy fruit July, through October. Allan is predicting sweet cherries will be ripe by the 4th of July but fruit will be later then last year

Next year Aaron will be in 9th grade and the quadruples will be in 8th grade at Fennville. One of the kid's first summer farm chores will be planting pumpkins and squash. By the end of the summer they may be looking forward to returning to school.

White Invaders - Early 1800s

2011-05-02T23:10:00.002-04:00

White Invaders - Early 1800s
Overhiser Fruit Farm dwellers (5 generations) have much in common with our Native American ancestors. If you work the land and depend on the forces of nature you appreciate how Indians felt about Mother Earth. We now know that Albert and June Overhiser's 30 descendants have a small percentage of Native American blood. This blog will give you a better understanding of our ancestor, The Prophet.

The Ohio and Kentucky Valley conquest was the greatest hurdle for national expansion in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Tenskwatawa the Prophet (our ancestor) and his brother Chief Tecumseh led the defense against the invaders. They forged a coalition of many tribes dedicated to protecting Indian lands and cultures. Tribal communities were based on clan and kinship with deference paid to age, not wealth or station. Women farmed, men hunted. They valued sharing and reciprocity as a way of living. Tribal homelands were hallowed ground held in common. One package - earth, sky, rivers, lakes, mountains, meadows and all living creatures. Euro-Americans viewed the land as wild, chaotic, and godless. Each side thought the other to be savages.

Tenskwatawa's preachings grew more militant and political from 1808–1811, as more young warriors from nearby tribes joined his movement. By 1811, both white settlers and the U.S. Army had become quite concerned about what was happening at Prophetstown on the Wabash. Late in 1811, Tecumseh journeyed south to meet with other tribes in hopes of building a larger alliance. According to legend, he left Tenskwatawa in command and ordered him to avoid any confrontation with whites.

On November 7, 1811, while Tecumseh was still away, Tenskwatawa saw a vision and told the other Indians to attack the coming white people. The Americans were under the command of future President William Harrison. Tenskwatawa's forces were soundly defeated. (See the Battle of Tippecanoe.) It was a two hour battle that left many Indians dead or wounded. The Indians buried their men in the night, and stripped The Prophet of his powers. The village at Prophetstown was burned and the defeat put an end to Tecumseh's hope of a broad Native alliance.

The notion of "land exchange" was proposed as early as 1803, by President Jefferson (1801-1809). The 1817 treaty with the Cherokee was the first that included Indians ceding land in the east for equal amounts in present-day Arkansas. Many other treaties of this nature quickly followed. The earlier Indian relocations were done by purchase, force and coercion. The notion that Pioneers were heroes and Indians inhuman needs more balance by hearing more Indian voices.

Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh participated in the defense of the Canadian colonies during the War of 1812. In 1813 The Prophet was present at the Battle of the Thames, but fled with the British forces and was absent when Tecumseh was killed. In the following decade he unsuccessfully tried to regain a position of leadership. He had married Priscilla Perkins in 1795 and Marsha Bates (our ancestor) was born in 1814. In 1825 he returned to the United States and assisted in removing many of the Shawnees west of the Mississippi. In 1826 he established a village at the site of modern Kansas City, Kansas. He died in 1836 at his village in Kansas City (located in the Argentine area; the White Feather Spring marker notes the location).

Sources: Colin G. Calloway, The Shawnees and the War For America, 2007; wikipedia; and other Internet sites

At the Farm May 2, 2011 - Blossoms
Allan reports that this year is a "normal" old fashion spring with cool wet weather. Fruit should be coming on at normal times rather than two weeks "early" as it was last year. The fields are muddy but they were still able to plant 1000 new peach trees and 200 apple trees. If you drive to the farm between May 6 and 16 you will see fruit trees blooming: sweet cherries, peaches, tart cherries, pears, plums and apples.

The Farm Family traveled to Hersey PA for spring break. Aaron and Kim went on the 8th Grade trip to DC. Kelsy and Kortny are in soccer and softball. Alex and Adam are playing baseball. Aaron is playing baseball and is on a travel basketball team. Makes me tired just thinking about all the activities.

Shawnee Prophet

2011-04-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Shawnee Prophet

Am I part Indian? Do I qualify as a tribal member, so I can receive a share of my local Casino profits? Many people have these questions. We decedents of June Evans Overhiser had always believed we were part Native American. The Evans-Indian link has been researched by Blanche Evans Wilkinson and others.

Here is what we currently know. Chief Tecumseh's brother Tenskwatawa (1775-1836) was a Shawnee warrior and prophet. Google him for details. He had three wives and 20 children. Priscilla Perkins and Tenskwatawa had a child, Marsha Bates (1/2 Native Am). Marsha had a daughter Juliette Cummings (1849-1925) (1/4thNA). Juliette and William Misel had a daughter Dora Ida Misel (1870-1961) (1/8thNA). Dora and Adelbert King had a daughter Pearl Mae King (1888-1971) (1/16thNA). Pearl and Homer Evans had a daughter June Pearl Evans (1917-1997) (1/32thNA). June and Albert Overhiser had three sons (1/64thNA). These son's children would be 1/128th NA and the son's grand children would be 1/256th (0.39%) Native American from the Tenskwatawa line. Conclusion: us living descendants of Tenskwatawa should not pursue Casino profit sharing unless you can prove more NA blood from other lines.

If you are a descendant of this line, check yourself for Native American characteristics. The photos in this blog show the prophet, Dora, Pearl and June. Do you see Indian facial features? Below is more information to help you determine if you have Native American features. Happy hunting.

The Native Americans originally came to North America by way of the Bering Strait land bridge that formed during the last ice age. These people were from Eastern Asia and Siberia and display Asian physical features. Most have very dark brown or black shiny hair and an olive or darker skin tone with yellow undertones. People of Asian decent like the Native Americans have projected cheek bones. So usually their cheek bones tend to be very high and quite pronounced, giving them a wide looking face. They also have a wide, almost half-circle shaped palate, which lends to the physical feature of very broad straight teeth, whereas Caucasians have narrower, more crowded teeth in general. Most have a fold of skin near the eyes by the bridge of the nose. This is what gives Asians and Native Americans the look of slanted, narrow, or small eyes, as well as a broader, flatter nose bridge. Not all Native Americans will display these characteristics, but most do. North American Indians comparatively look like the Inuit or Eskimos, while South American Indians may appear more Hispanic.

For more information about Native Genealogy see this Laurie Beth Duffy article http://imblackeagle.tripod.com/looks1.htm

At the Farm April 1, 2011

Sixteen year old Wes Leonard, a Fennville basketball player, died after scoring the winning basket in the last game of a perfect season. His death has impacted the students and the whole community. Aaron is best friends with Wes's younger brother. Just another reminder that life is fragile and should be lived and cherished while we are here. There will be time to rest when life is done.

The next big visible event at the farm will be blossom time. Keep tract of the blooming of your trees and do a drive by the farm. Cherry blossoms are blooming in DC and Lucy and Martin are there taking it all in. On the 27th of March 1912, President Taft's wife and the wife of the ambassador from Japan planted the first of Washington D.C.'s cherry trees.

Albert Meets June

2011-03-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

Albert Meets June

In the 1930s, the Evans family loved going to Grand Junction, Michigan located between Saddle Lake and Silver Lake. The white pine and hemlock trees first attracted the white man to this area. The town was settled in the 1870s when it was known the railroads were coming. The Grand Rapids to Chicago Pere Marquette and the Kalamazoo to South Haven Michigan Central Rail Roads crossed at Grand Junction.

The Pottawatomie's still roamed the area after Grand Junction was established. Chief Pokagon had these thoughts about the changes, "our campfires have all gone out! Our wigwams, and they who built them with their children, have forever disappeared from this beautiful land. And where we walked in single file along our winding trails, now locomotives scream as they rush along their iron rails like beasts of prey!" I understand his feeling. When I return to familiar places I find overgrown fields, dark rotting farm buildings, buildings gone and deserted swimming holes. As we zip through our life here on earth we do not get do-overs. We change, friends changes, places change but we were there. Celebrate those memories and God's everlasting love for us.

As your travel guide, I will now start sharing farm history that occurred during my life time which started in 1940. Click on photos to enlarge.

Meet the Evans family in 1940: William Henry Evans (1854-1928) and Ellen Adele Griffin (1855-1897) settled the farm where my grand father Homer (1887-1962) was born. Adelbert (1858-1911) King and Dora Ida Mizel (1870-1961) were the parents of my grand mother Pearl Mae Evans (1888-1971). Pearl and Homer raised 11 children on that farm and my mother June Pearl was in the middle. The uncles used the Evans farm like a sportsman's club (fishing, hunting and poker playing). Uncle Eddie (Ethel) Michaud, who work for Ford, always had a new car to show off at the Sunday gatherings.

While Helen (June's sister) was attending Maher's Business School (1937-39) Helen dated Al Sankofski (Albert's best friend). This led to Albert and June double dating with Al and Helen when Albert was home from hauling cars. The dance hall in Grand Junction, was a frequent destination. It may have been the same bar and dance hall where Albert helped Uncle Tobe remove his slot machines right after Prohibition ended. Albert impressed Pearl and Homer Evans with fruit from the farm and June impressed Edna and Bill as a teacher. Both fun-loving families pulled pranks on the young lovers while they were dating. Grandpa Bill would often use poor English to test the teacher. In the fall of 1939 Albert and June eloped to LaPorte, Indiana to get married. After marriage they rented a house near the family fruit farm.

I was in the 1940 Evans family photo but had not yet been born. I was to become the third of 21 grand children for Pearl and Homer. Ernie Butler Jr. and Carole Evans preceded me. On the Overhiser side of the family I was the first of 16 grand children for Edna and Bill. Can you get the picture of what Sunday gatherings at the Evans or Overhiser farms would look like. Yes, there was lots of food, cousins, aunts, uncles, cats, dogs, chickens, turkeys, pigs and cows.

At the Farm March 1, 2011

The family did get up north to Boyne Mountain for a ski and water park weekend. Trimming of the apple trees is almost complete. Trimming of other trees will continue all spring. Tax records are being worked on and a new software program is being learned. This program is for recording information on the application of chemicals. These records are required by EPA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and have been recorded by hand in the past. Allan and his spray consultants are trained and licensed to apply chemicals. They also set insect traps to more accurately determine what problems need attacking.

The Trucker and The Teacher

2011-02-01T00:01:00.005-05:00

The Trucker and The Teacher

"Drove truck," and farmed is what Albert Wayne Overhiser (17Dec1916-2Dec2008) would tell you he did as an adult. In High School he was a very social guy and lettered in baseball 1933, 34 and 35. His senior year he batted .414 and hit several home runs over the left field fence into the apple orchard at Ratcliffe Field. Low pay or no pay profession ball had no appeal

After High School, Albert and two older friends, Harold Lundy and Bob Winkle, headed for Detroit. They found a rooming house and auto jobs. Harold's father owned a car dealership in South Haven which helped them make connections. Because Albert "drove truck" for the farm and fruit exchange he was given a job driving a car hauler. It must have been scary for the young farm kid. When trips would take him near the farm he would stop and show off his big rig. For his siblings it was like something from outer space had landed.

Before I tell you about how Albert started dating June Pearl Evans (13June1917-3March1997), you must visit the Evans farm. Homer (no middle name) Evans (19Oct1887-21Apr1962) and Pearl Mae King (26May1888-19May1971) raised 11 kids (Ethel, Clare, Ralph, Florence, Maude, June, Helen, Lawrence, Robert, Blanche and Martin). June's younger sister Helen was her life long best friend.

Crops and animals were raised on the farm and every kid had chores. The boys always hunted and fished for the table. In the winter they trapped muskrats, mink and skunk for money. Potatoes, carrots and cabbage were buried and dug up all winter. Hams were smoked and meats, fruits and vegetables canned. Pearl was famous for several of her special meals, such the wild game dinners (deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, quail) to celebrate Homer's October 19th birthday. June 25th (opening day) fish fry was also a big event. After some big meals, Pearl would say, "I need to lay down and take a short nap". The kids would then rush around cleaning up to surprise Mom. Some Saturday mornings Pearl would milk the 8 to 10 cows rather than wake up the boys.

Homer held jobs with the phone company, managed a liquor store in Allegan, sold cars and later sold real estate. He was also the Horseshoe School Director and hired and paid the teacher. The Evans family was paid $10 per month to clean, keep the fire and shovel snow at the school. Saturday nights, after electricity arrived in 1935, the house was packed with people listening to the only neighborhood radio. Pearl would make fudge and pop corn. Adults in the living room listened to Lulu Bell and Scotty on the WGN Barn Dance out of Chicago. Kids would be at the dining room table playing games. On Sundays Homer would drive to Grand Junction, get the paper, and bring it back so the kids could look at the funnies while they were read on the radio. Homer and Pearl did not attend Church but did send the kids to Sunday School at the home of a white bearded Mr. Orlandorff east of the school.

June loved flowers and nature. Helen remembers June making a beautiful flower display for a reunion at Horseshoe School. At age 12 June started wearing black rimed glasses with gold trim because of nearsightedness. After graduating from Bloomingdale, June attended County Normal in Allegan (1935-36). Helen convinced her parents to let her room with June and attend Allegan High School because Helen thought the boys were better looking. They roomed with Bob and Bee Ball. Bob worked for Homer at the liquor store.

Great Aunt Maude (Homer's sister) may have been the one who encouraged college. Great Aunt Maude had attended Augrabright Business School in Battle Creek, worked in Chicago, and married Great Uncle Ernie. Their son Ernie married sister Maude which did cause some confusion. Ethel attended Davenport College, Florence became a nurse, sister Maude and June attended County Normal, and Helen attended Mahers Business School. Blanche and the boys got decent jobs right out of High School and did not attend college.

In the fall of 1936 June got her first teaching job at the one room Crow School. She roomed with a family within walking distance from the school. One story she loved to tell was about her first day on the job. Several of the boys were standing around the water pump outside the school. Trying to engage them in conversation, she said "do you boys know how to work the pump"? One of the boys replied, "any damn fool should know how it works" ...he must have thought, if she doesn't know how the pump works, this is going to be a Very LONG school year.

At the Farm - January 31, 2011

The farm family has been eating out a lot at school concession stands while attending sporting events. Groundhog Day will be welcomed as it marks the mid-point between the winter solstice long dark nights and the spring solstice when days are half light and half dark. Question is, how much snow will be receive? Pray the sun returns so we will not need to cancel summer. No sun, no ripe stuff from the farm. We also need heat from the sun to ripen the fruit. Two weeks ago the temps at the farm got down to -15. Allan took some cuttings in the house and has been watching them bud out. He thinks some of the buds may have been damaged. This might result in Mother Nature thinning the peach and cherry crop. I will keep you posted.

1930s Above and Underground

2010-12-28T12:15:00.001-05:00

1930s Above and Under-ground

Edna's brother, Tobe (William Earl Trowbridge 1889-1974) was a jolly 6'-6". The farm kids loved to rides on his shoulders. He served in the Navy (WWI) because he was to tall for the Army. Tobe smoked, drank whiskey, lived in the" big" City of South Haven and was skilled at pool and poker. in the 1930s he lived with his sister Bessie and Percy Chaddock or with Bill and Edna when needed to help out on the farm. Tobe hand dug the septic system at the farm. We will come back to Tobe down below.

Bill and Edna's kids (Albert, Ken, Doris, Ed, Janet and Bill) all attended Iddles School as did most of their relatives and ancestors. After Iddles they attended South Haven schools. Albert had use of a car when he was in High School (1933-35) and would drive kids from the neighborhood. These kids were always welcome at the Overhiser home. One time Ester Lyman Wilkinson was in the house and noticed Edna steering a large pan of chili sauce for canning. Ester said, "Edna must be a bad cook if she needs to make that much chili sauce". The Casco country kids were all a fun loving group. As for the depression, Albert would say, "we were not that bad off, we had ice cream most every night".

Edna and Bill were active at Church, in the Ladies Aid Society and in the community. Bill was elected Township Treasurer, appointed Clerk and then was reelected each term until Albert took over as Township Clerk. Albert then passed the job off the Allan who now serves as Township Supervisor. Bill's Grand Father Henry served as Township Treasurer from 1869-75. Edna was active in the Casco Garden Club which had limited membership because the meetings were held at the homes of members. A waiting list was maintained. Raising fruit and kids followed a familiar rhythm season after season, year after year.

In the 1920s the Model T truck completely replaced the horse drown wagon for transporting fruit to the docks at South Haven or Glenn. Shipping fruit to Chicago by boat was replaced by larger trucks in the 1930s. The trucks cut 2 hours off the boat ride and some farmers took their fruit directly to the Chicago markets. Then the Benton Harbor Market became the place to sell direct to the Chicago buyers. It became the world's largest fresh fruit market. Albert, being the oldest son, became the farm truck driver and "drove truck" (as he would say) for the South Haven Fruit Exchange after High School.

The 18th Amendment ushered in prohibition days (1920-1933), speakeasy clubs, and underground criminal activity to the country and SW Michigan. After prohibition Uncle Tobe owned Art's Tavern in South Haven but lost the business because he extended credit to way to many customers. He was a legendary strong man who one time grabbed a knife, that had been pulled on him, broke it in half and returned the handle. We believe Uncle Tobe, the gambler bar owner, may have been involved in some covert activities. My Dad (Albert) told of still being in school when Tobe called the farm and told him to get the truck and meet him at the Grand Junction Tavern. Tobe's slot machines were removed from the tavern and loaded onto the truck. Tobe must have been active in politics because he was tipped off that the Sheriff was about to raid the tavern.

In the 1940s Uncle Tobe fell off a roof and broke his back. This injury crippled him for the rest of his life. He was never married but was very good friends with his landlady, Gertrude, who cared for him in his later years. Albert and Allan would stop and visit Tobe in the 60s and 70s after picking up a bottle of whiskey at Food Town on Broadway. He continued to live in Gertrude's Boarding House on Broadway and played cards at the Am Legion until he passed in 1974.

At The Farm December 28, 2010

An all purpose 4-wheel drive Mule vehicle has been purchased for the kids to drive on the farm. It will be used this summer to pull a trailer for transporting u-pickers to and from the orchards. During most of December the farm has been covered with snow. This is good for the trees but makes it hard to get around the orchards for the trimmers. We hope the fruit trees are resting up to produce a bountiful crop in 2011. Yesterday, Allan and Kim took them on a road trip to Marshall to visit Uncle Martin and Aunt Lucy. After a meal at Turkeyville everyone went to see Tron at the Bogar. Must say, It was very virtual and not very real. If you are a big gamer you will enjoy the movie.
Tobe PS - At age 14 Aaron wears size 14 shoes and is 5' 11.725" tall.
Next blog - Trucker meets Teacher. Happy 2011 to all, Martin O

Lost Possessions - 1927

2010-12-01T17:52:00.004-05:00

Lost Possessions - 1927

It was a grand old house. Sitting at the top of a steep slope over looking the road with a southern exposure. Carpenter/farmer Henry Overhiser had selected the site and build the first house in the 1860s. He added on and improved the home as the family expanded. William Albert married Daisy in 1896 and took over the farm after losing his first wife and two children. Albert became very successful and was able to add the beautiful porches and many modern conveniences.

Like other farms, the Overhiser house was the farm headquarters. It sustained the family with shelter, food, social life, safety and security. The warmth in the house on a cold stormy day or night was so welcoming. Delicious smells drew you into the warm kitchen like a magnet. Housemates would sit around the radiant fireplace and play games. The farm house contained the family history, photographs, books, valued heirlooms, and memories. One would also experience this warm and cozy feeling in the animal areas of the barns on a cold winter's day.

One day in 1927 eleven year old Albert (my dad) was told by his mother (Edna) to run down to Riley's Store and get a fire extinguisher. Albert was there in quick order as it was only a half mile to the west. He stood behind a couple of customers and waited his turn. Then Riley said, "Albert what can I do for you?" To which Albert said, "our house is on fire, can I borrow a fire extinguisher?" Everyone in the store rushed to the big house but were unable to extinguish the fire that had started in a chimney. The back addition to the house was saved and is still used today by Allan as a tool shed. However, most family possessions were lost that day.

I would expect Edna took charge and found housing for the family while Bill took on the task of rebuilding to the west of the burned out house. A tool building was expanded and became the "new house". The Bill and Edna house was home for Albert, Ken, Doris, Ed, Janet Joyce (1-8-1929) and Bill (William Douglas 2-5-1936). That same house has been welcoming, warm and cozy for generations. Fifth generation farmers Allan and Kim have more than doubled the size of the Bill and Edna house with two major expansions.

The mortgage on the grand old house became a blessing. Daisy wanted to be paid for signing over the farm to the newlyweds. Therefore, in 1916 Bill and Edna had to borrow money. With the help of Aunt Olive (Wm Albert's sister) and Uncle Sam Galbraith, a $4,000 mortgage was secured. The First State Bank of Allegan required insurance be carried on the house so we assume Bill and Edna received some insurance money to help rebuild. A second major fire at the farm occurred in 1941 when the big barn burned. That fire may have been started by smoldering green hay.

We all face disasters and disappointments. How we react and move on is a lifelong challenge. Bill and Edna moved past their disasters with class.

At The Farm December 1, 2010

Life at the farm is in traditional winter mode. Tree trimming, equipment maintenance, attending farm meetings, snow plowing, school activities, township business, and preparing for Christmas vacation. Water and electric lines have been run to the small animal barn and the larger small animals have been sold. The chickens have been moved to the chicken coop which sits on the site of the big barn that burned. The cider is gone and the cooler only has a few apples left.

Sweet summer fruit dreams this winter.

Family Building Begins 1915

2010-11-03T21:50:00.001-04:00

Family Building Begins -1915

Bill and Edna had very similar upbringings. Edna's two sisters ((Mable and Bess) and her brother (Tobe) were very close and supported each other during their adult years. Tobe did not marry while the three sisters all married and raised families. A fun loving spirit was part of Trowbridge family life. Tobe and Edna both had the gift of humor. The Trowbridge farm was the main gathering place for celebrating special events. With the 15 Sept 1915 wedding, Bill took a wife and got adopted into the Trowbridge family.

The family building cycle started up again just like it had for generations one (Henry/Sarah) and two (William Albert/Alta/Daisy). Kids were born, kids grew up on the farm, kids worked in the fields, played in the barn, fed the animals, and walked through the woods to Iddles School. For the 3rd generation there were many advances. Gas powered vehicles, electricity, many many household conveniences, and all the modern stuff in town (South Haven).

Bill and Edna worked hard and became valued community members. Close relationships were established with nearby farm families that lasted throughout the rest of their life. Edna was very fond of children. This fact was attested to by my mother June when she sent me a 50th birthday card on 7-11-1990, "When we were coming home from the hospital, Grandma Edna held you and put you up to the window at every house we passed so all of the neighbors could see our new beautiful baby." Edna must have been very excited when my Dad Albert arrived 17 Dec 1916. Below are Bill and Edna's children.

Albert Wayne 17Dec1916/2Dec2008
Kenneth McKinley 28Nov1919/1954
Doris Mae (Adkin) 6Nov1921/4Feb2009
Thomas Edward 10Dec1923/21Oct2005
Janet Joyce (Brown) 8Jan1928
William Douglas 5 Feb1936/30May2009

Remember to eat your fruit,

Martin Overhiser (first grand child of Bill and Edna Overhiser)

At The Farm November 4, 2010

The election has come and gone and all my brother Allen (current Township Supervisor) needed to do was vote. The Township Clerk's job was held for 69 years by grandpa Bill (1935-64), our dad Albert (1964-88) and then Allen (1988-2004). Because this is a part time job, voter registration was housed in the enclosed front porch of Bill and Edna's house and the house that Allan and I lived in while growing up. One ballot issue in Casco Township this year was the passage of a park millage. The Township has just completed purchasing a 9 acre parcel on Blue Star Highway with 300' of frontage on Lake Michigan.

Much of the farm has been put to bed for the winter but trimming has begun and will continue until next spring. The kids are busy in school and with sports. Aaron played tight end for the Fennville 7-8th grade football team (4-2). He caught several passes until he had surgery on his right thumb. He plans to play basketball as soon as the cast comes off in a couple of weeks.

Bill and Edna Takeover

2010-10-03T22:17:00.003-04:00

Bill and Edna Takeover

Prior to his dad's death Bill (William McKinley Overhiser 25Dec1896/27Dec1969) had planned on attending Purdue University and becoming an engineer. Then Albert died in May, Bill graduated in June, and married Edna (Edna Mildred Trowbridge 20Sept1895/7Dec1991) on September 15, 1915. The wedding was at the Trowbridge home on Phoenix Road east of South Haven. That would be the north side of the road on the east side of the "Trowbridge Flats".

The popular Reverend W. N. Breidenstein performed the ceremony. He was a United Brethren pastor at both East and West Casco. Edna's sister Mable and her husband Burrell Wenban were witnesses. From old photos it appears that Bill's side of the family did not attend. Bill had aunts, uncles and cousins. So why they were not in photos is a mystery.

Sometime after the wedding Daisy (Bill's mother) moved to Kalamazoo. On February 25, 1916 Daisy signed her interest to the farm over to Bill and Edna for $3,000. We have the real estate document signed by Daisy and notarized in Los Angeles, as she must have been touring the west coast. Daisy lived in Kalamazoo until her last few years when she moved back to the farm because of her dementia. Many family stories confirm that Daisy held a grudge against Edan for taking her only son. However, Daisy did make trips to the farm when children started arriving.

Bill and Edna became the 3rd generation farmers and made a great team. Edna was always the more social and outgoing. She knew how to run a household from her upbringing and her work at local resorts. Bill knew about running a fruit farm. His dad had replanted orchards after the 1906 killing freeze so the farm was again productive. The marketing of fruit was changing in those days. Buyers from the Chicago commission houses still made farm visits to obtain signed contracts for fruit. In 1913 the Fruit Exchange was organized in South Haven. So Bill did take some fruit to the Exchange. A packing fee was charged plus a 5% commission on the sale of the fruit. The rail road connection provided access to the established Chicago market as well as the rest of the Midwest. The Exchange also sold farm supplies, spray materials, feed and seed to the area farmers.

Kids start arriving in the next episode. Until then stay fit.

Martin Overhiser (first grand child of Bill and Edna)

At The Farm

October 6, 2010

The current Overhiser farm family (5th generation) is very busy with school activities. Aaron is playing football, Alex and Adam are playing soccer and Kelsy and Kortny are playing volleyball. Allan and his workers will complete the apple picking this week and start fall cleanup. This involves storing boxes, crates and ladders. The equipment and containers will be repaired and stored for the winter. You can get apples and cider at the retail building daily through Halloween (Sunday Oct 31). In November they will be open on weekends (Nov 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21) prior to Thanksgiving.

Evans Reunion - 2010

2010-08-01T20:05:00.001-04:00

Evans Reunion 2010

The third generation fruit farmer's story of Bill and Edna Overhiser will continue in September. This blog is a short story about the decedents of Homer Evans (10-19-1887/4-21-1962) and Pearl Mae King (8-26-1888/10-19-1971).

Homer and Pearl Evans lived on a subsistence farm in Lee Township, Allegan County next to Clear Lake. They raised their 11 children on that farm. At the 2010 Evans Reunion the three surviving sibling attended (Maude, Helen and Blanche). My mother, June Pearl, was the middle child. In addition to farming Homer at different times managed a liquor store, sold cars and sold real estate. From oldest to youngest here are the nick names Homer gave the Evans kids. Many of these names became the common name. Ethel "Ick", Clare "Hoss", Ralph "Dutch", Florence "Frosty", Maude "Claudie", June "Tune", Helen "Pete", Lawrence "Doug", Robert "Bob", Blanche "Numa" and Martin "Speed".

All 30 of Albert Overhiser (12-17-1916/12-2-2008) and June Evans (6-13-1917/3-3-1997) kids, grand kids and great grand kids attended the July 17, 2010 Evans Reunion. A farm camp out and me turning 70 on July 11 were two of the reasons for all of the Overhiser side of the Evans family attending. The non-campers stayed at the Hampton in South Haven. Allan, Kim and their kids entertained and fed us all at the farm Friday and Saturday evenings. Albert and June's kids traveled from New Mexico, Minnesota, Kansas, Georgia, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington DC and Michigan. My how we have scattered around the country. Nice that we have cell phones, email, bogs, facebook, skype, and twitter to stay connected. Will be back at you in September. Stay well, MartinO

At The Farm August 1, 2010

As you must know, all crops are about two weeks early this year. Peaches are in full swing and should be available for another 2 to 3 weeks. The purple Stanley Prunes and Paula Red apples will be ripe the middle of August. PRs will be followed by McIntosh and Gala with Honeycrisp ripe at the end of August. From now into October there will be u-pick fruit. Don't forget to visit the farm website to print out a 10% off u-pick coupon.
http://www.overhiserorchards.com/

It has been very busy at the farm with u-pickers and animal lovers. The kids are giving guided tours of the new barn to see the rabbits, chickens, baby chicks, turkeys, geese, ducks, goats and kittens. So take the kids and grand kids to pick and pet.

For your GPS the retail/u-pick address is 6405 109th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090
GPS # is N42.484458, W86.168970

Instant Adult - William McKinley Overhiser

2010-07-06T15:40:00.001-04:00

Instant Adult - William McKinley Overhiser
Hundreds the South Haven Tribune reported attended Albert’s funeral on May 17, 1915. It was held at the farm and Reverend Breidenstein conducted the service. The pallbearers were neighbors (Bert Van Blarcum, Guy Hurlbut, E. Lyman, Roy Lyman, Will Ely and John Marshall). Just 22 days prior the same South Haven paper reported that Leisure had won a softball game with Spring Hill 10 to 1. Albert had played second base and his 17-year-old son Bill played shortstop. I also expect that some of the pallbearers played on that team. All his life Grandpa Bill followed the ups and downs of the Detroit Tigers.

Bill did his Grammar School at Iddles in Casco Township and at Bradentown Flordia. In the 10th grade (1913) at South Haven High School Bill became good friends with Earl (Tob) Trowbridge and Tob's sister Edna. To help out the family, Edna worked and did not attend her junior or senior year of High School. The Class of 1915 had 39 graduates and listed Bill as planning to attend Purdue University. However, after graduations Bill had to take over the farm operations because of Albert’s tragic death. Like some other young people, 17 year old Bill became an instant adult in May 1915.

On September 15, 1915 Bill (William McKinley Overhiser 12-25-1896/12-27-1969) married his High School sweetheart, Edna Mildred Trowbridge (9-20-1895/12-7-1991). This September (2010) I will start sharing information about Bill and Edna the third generation of fruit farmers. Enjoy your summer, Martin Overhiser

At the Farm July 6, 2010

Because of the warm spring weather we now have the fruit coming on about two weeks earlier than normal. Sweet and sour cherries are almost finished but available at the retail location for another week or two. Allan is predicting that Red Haven peaches will be ripe by the July 24th weekend. Some early peaches should be ready by July 17.

At the retail location (109th Ave and 64th St) a small animal barn is being constructed. When finished later this month the kids will be taking care of chickens, ducks, rabbits, kittens, goats, sheep and maybe a pig. So if your kids or grand kids want to see and play with some farm animals take them to PICK fruit AND PET animals.

1915 Accidental Death?

2010-06-01T08:28:00.001-04:00

1915 Accidental Death?
After the 1906 fall freeze fruit trees died, farms were lost, families moved away and Casco was devastated. The feeling of great loss was what I assume surviving victims of the San Francisco 1906 earthquake must have felt. We were thankful to be alive, as some 3,000 people died a result of the earthquake. Life went on in Casco and after several years of replanting many of us fruit growers were back in production. We all worked to diversify our fruit crops. I added cherries, plums, pears, and more apples and peaches. We all sought the highest land available to limit future freeze and frost damage.

Our son Bill attended South Haven High School and was a very good student. Being our only child, Daisy tended to shelter Bill from any possible harm. When I could get him from under her wing, he was a hard worker on the farm. It was no secret that Daisy and I did not see eye to eye on raising Bill and a whole lot of other things. We had a loveless working relationship. Then on May 14, 1915 I took my rifle out toward the orchards. The last think I remember was - BOOM!!!!!!

NOTE - That ends the William Albert Overhiser (11Jan1857-14May1915) “first person” account of his life as written by Martin Overhiser based on records, stories and conjecture.

Lost Hope
Today I read about a man who shot himself because he lost his hat,
He was old, and of course, they say he was depressed.
I think not.
I think he’d just had all the losses he could take.
He said as much.
His last words were, “O God, now I’ve lost my hat, too.”
I know how he felt.
Every time you turn around, time – with a little help from
your friends – grabs off something else. Something
Precious. At least to you.
Gone – Mother. Wife. Sons. Hearing. Sight. Health. Pets. Her Respect.
Finally, you lose the thing you can’t do without – hope
(that it can get better).
Dear God, when he gets to heaven, let him find his hat on the gatepost.
Adapted poem “Losses” From Green Winter – Celebration of Old Age by Elise Maclay 1977

Ward Was There

On June 15, 1980 I (Martin O) talked with Ward Overhiser (4May1896-17Sept1994) about Albert’s death. Ward was a nephew and lived on his father’s farm west of Albert. Ward said, “I was one of the first people to get to Albert’s body. He was just north of the large barn with his right foot up on the fence and a bullet hole in his head. He had been out grubbing around fruit trees and went into the house, got a 22 riffle and told Daisy he was going out to shoot a crow. A hired hand found the body and he had been dead for some time as the blood on his head had dried.”

Ward went on to tell more. In 1917 (2 years later) he was working on a large dairy farm in Hinsdale Illinois with his Uncle Lonson (Albert’s brother). Lonson told Ward, that two weeks before Albert’s sudden death, Albert had said he had thought of shooting himself. The reason he gave was that Daisy was so hard to live with and that she would not go anywhere with him in public. Ward's conclusion to all he knew was that Albert's death might not have been an accident. In defense of Daisy, Albert might also have been very hard to live with. She never remarried and left Casco to lead her own life in Kalamazoo. Next blog will start the Bill and Edna time on the farm.

At the Farm (June 1, 2010)

Fruit will be plentiful at the retail building and for u-pick but some of the production crops will be light this year. Don’t forget to visit the farm website and print out a 10% off u-pick coupon. Sweet cherries will be ripe for the 4th of July weekend, so come on out.

www.overhiserorchards.com

Some of the production crops will be light this year because of the Mother’s Day weekend freeze. In one section north on the homestead farm an east wind blew cold air from the lower areas to some orchards on higher ground. Some peaches and apples were lost, especially Red Delicious. On Memorial Day over 2" of rain caused some washouts. In one orchard, just planted, a few trees got washed away and Allan has not yet found them. Oh, the fun and excitement of running a fruit farm.

Palma Sola Hotel 1902 - 1006

2010-05-03T20:31:00.015-04:00

Palma Sola Hotel 1902 – 1906

My father Henry spent some winters with Daisy, Bill and me at the Palma Sola Hotel. In his late 60s, he was still able to put in a full day working on the property. Guest stayed at our Palma Sola Hotel from January through May. Our launch “Daisy” took pleasure and adventure seekers on the River and out to the ocean most days. Fishing was especially good in the Terra Ceia Bay. On these trips we would stop at Bradentown, Palmetto, Terra Ceia or occasionally we would venture across the Tampa Bay inlet to Fort De Sola. A mortar battery had been completed in 1900 to defend Tampa Bay because of the Spanish American War. All the time we owned the Hotel (1901-1906) buildings were being added at the Fort.

In 1903, the Manatee River Steamboat Co started serving Tampa, St. Petersburg and Bradentown 3 times a week and would stop at our wharf if needed. Passengers on ocean steamers would frequently stop at the Hotel on their way to and from Key West or Havana Bay Cuba. They talked of seeing many banana and sugar cane plantations. The Spaniards did not want crops competing with those grown in Spain so they taxed grape vines and orange trees. We grew some oranges, lemons and grapefruit for our use at the Hotel.

We had hundreds of relatives, friends and strangers stay at the Hotel each year and they all told such interesting stories. Daisy did a great job of managing the hotel and dinning room with the help of very capable employees. Bless her heart, she became a frequent shopper and attended many of the social events in town. Daisy was very attentive to our son Bill and his needs. Our son Bill (William McKinley) attended school (1902 to 1906) while we wintered in Florida and made several friends in addition to son of our hired man, Mr. Rudds. We had named Bill after President McKinley. McKinley, you may recall, was elected in 1896 and 1900 but assassinated in September of 1901. He led us into the Spanish-American War to gain control of Cuba, and afterwards annexed the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. VP Teddy Roosevelt became our next President.

Back home, in 1904 kids playing in the horse shed next to the East Casco Church started a fire that destroyed the wood framed Church. Reverend Blickenstaff became the new pastor and led a rebuilding project, as he was also a builder by trade. We all pitched in to help rebuild the Church. On Aug 19, 1906 the Rev. William McKee, from Dayton Ohio, dedicated the building. Uncle McKee was married to my one of dad’s sisters. The debt on the church building was paid off in 3 years. This was one of many life-changing events that I remember from 1906.

In the spring of ‘06 we decided to put the hotel up for sale, as it had become much more work than we wanted to continue doing. It sold for $3,000, which was twice the amount we paid in 1901. To please Daisy, during the spring and summer of 1906 we spent that money on a complete make over of the farmhouse. The interior was upgraded, decorated and a grand porch was added. I was also able to add a deco electric system to the house just like one I had learned about at the Chicago Worlds Fair.

We invited all of our relatives and close neighbors to the house for a Thanksgiving celebration. Just over 100 people were in attendance. Weather was not that bad, in spite of some very cold weather in October. In fact, I would learn the next spring that the October 10, 1906 heavy snowfall and temperature drop to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit had killed all the peach trees and many other fruit trees throughout Michigan. A number of families just walked away from their farms. Only the most successful growers, with favorable locations and soils, replanted peach orchards. In spite of the losses life went on. (1906 over 100,000 acres of peaches in Michigan – 2010 just 10,000 acres)

Note – Above written by Martin Overhiser based some conjecture, Manatee River Journal articles and Jeanne Hallgren’s ‘Casco Township – Bounty By The Lake’, The History Of Casco Township, Allegan County, Michigan 1844-1995.
Hotel PS – There are now 8 homes on the Palma Sola Hotel site. The tile roof home is on the hotel site with the river to the right. In 2007 I meet Elizabeth (Libby) Crews Warner whose husband Joe Warner was a descendant of the original hotel builder. In Libby’s apartment she has a dresser and rocker from the hotel.

At the Farm May 3, 2010

The month of April brought some record-breaking warm days and then some very cold nights. The higher temperatures brought on the blossoms sooner than normal. These early blossoms were then faced with some very cold nights. On April 28 (the coldest night), Brother Allan burned some of his brush piles to warm the air and create air circulation. Mother Nature thinned some of the apples and peaches that night. The honeybees have just been moved out of the orchards. Now the waiting game for two more weeks. How extensive is the frost/freeze damage? Will we get another freeze? Did the bees do their job? In general it looks like the farm will have a crop of each fruit but some may be lighter than prior years.

Palma Sola Hotel - 1901

2010-04-01T00:01:00.016-04:00

Palma Sola Hotel - 1901

My (Albert here again) young wife Daisy brought new life to the farm. Because of Daisy we hosted and attending frequent family gatherings. We did not miss any community gatherings and traveled by boat to Chicago once or twice a year. Shopping in South Haven became a once or twice a month routine. The farm kept generating a nice cash flow and I was paid back on some of the loans I had made to Alta May’s brothers. In 1900, the year after 12 year-old Max died; we started talking about spending some time in Florida. In January of 1900 Daisy, Bill (age 4) and I traveled by train and steamer to Bradentown (as it was called then). We had heard so much about the area we wanted to see it for our selves.

As we turned from Tampa Bay and steamed up the Manatee River this beautiful two-story hotel dominated the tree line. It was on McNeill Point at Palma Sola. Once we settled in Bradentown we discovered the hotel was for sale. After looking at several properties, we purchased the 20-room Palma Sola Hotel for $1,300 cash. It was completely furnished, on 9 acres, had 1300 feet of river frontage, and included a fine wharf. We moved into the hotel at the end of January. Agent Riggin arranged the purchase from Gilbert Warner son of Warburton Warner who had built the maritime hotel in 1882. Warburton and his father (James) developed and marketed Palma Sola, built a large sawmill, wharf, general store, fish house and ice house. By the time I arrived, Warburton had died and all of the major buildings, except the hotel, had been destroyed by fire. It was rumored that jealous husbands, of women Warburton had befriended, started some of the fires.

The local weekly newspaper (Manatee River Journal) published several articles about our hotel project. Daisy and I were treated as local celebrities. I think they knew we had some spending money. I hired a Mr. Rudd to help with the property and the 20-passenger gasoline launch I had purchased. We named the boat “Daisy”. Captain and Mrs. Overhiser and Mr. Rudd became our names because of the newspaper articles. Everyone in the area was a captain of something.

The second week at the hotel Mr. Rudd’s 7-year old son came shouting that his dad had been buried in a hole. Rudd was down 12 feet below the surface working on a failed pump when the banks gave way completely burying him beneath some 7 feet of earth. For 30 minutes I worked the hardest of my whole life digging him out. He was not breathing but by vigorous handling and shaking, I revived him. Later that same day I rescued a man and young boy who had gotten into trouble in rough weather on the river. Everyday there were unexpected things calling for my attention.

Our son Bill (William McKinley) became good friends with Mr. Rudd’s son, who was 2 years older. The two boys enjoyed being river rats. They played in the river, swam, fished, collected shells and picked oyster from the river. Bill developed a love for oysters and tropical fruit. A few years later we started a family tradition of serving oyster stew on Christmas Day to celebrate Bill’s birthday. When we returned north we all felt much healthier because of the climate, exercise and diet. Bill added 10 pounds, I put on 15 lbs and Daisy added some 20 lbs.

We worked on the property day and night. Daisy purchased additional furnishings, china, and kitchen utensils while redecorating the lobby and guest rooms. Rudd and I worked on the hotel, the out buildings, fixtures, wharf, and planted several tropical and semi-tropical fruit trees. I had visions of growing winter fruit in Florida and summer fruit in Michigan. That first winter we had a few guests stay at the hotel but did not advertise, as Daisy did not think we were ready to formally entertain. However, we were kept very busy carrying picnic and excursion parties up the river. On one of those trips we killed a 10-foot alligator and we could always catch fish. At the end of March 1901, after 3 months, we packed up and returned to Michigan. I left Mr. Rudd in charge of the hotel, grounds, and the "Daisy" Launch.

Note – Above written by Martin Overhiser based mostly on Manatee River Journal articles and a little conjecture.

At the Farm April 1, 2010

The fruit trees at are still being trimmed so they will look their best this summer and be receptive to the sun shining into their centers. Allan has already applied a spray on the dormant peach and nectarine trees for peach yellow leaf curl. This fungus can cause defoliation and crop loss. The blossoms will be starting at the end of April and continue through the middle of May. Cherries come first followed by the other fruits.

Martin and Lucy O got to see the cherry blossoms in DC the end of March while visiting daughter Marla and son-in-law Malcolm. Did you know that 3,000 cherry trees were planted around the title basin in 1912. They were a gift from the people of Tokyo to the people of DC. In 1965 Lady Bird Johnson accepted another 3,800 cherry trees from Japan. The DC Festival includes blossoms, kites, 10-mile run and traffic jams. We would advise you drive past Overhiser Orchards to see blossoms and avoid the DC traffic. The 3-26-2010 photo below is of the JFK Grave Site in Arlington - magnolia blossoms. The Washington and Jefferson monuments are in the background.

Daisy Galbreath Arrives - 1896

2010-03-01T12:56:00.009-05:00

Daisy Galbreath Arrives - 1896

My mind exploded after visiting Chicago’s Columbian Exposition (1893). My thoughts, day and night, were filled with the sights, the sounds and the mystery of the Fair exhibits. This diversion kept me from dwelling on the lost of Alta and two sons in 1891. My son Max and I kept the house running – but not very well. Sister Olive, other relatives and neighbors were such a big help. Winters were difficult. However, living with God’s creations - the animals, fruit trees, soil, and other crops made me feel closer to him.

My 60-acres plus Dad and Henrietta’s 40 acres were manageable thanks to our hired men and young neighbor boys. In the mid to late 1890s I had some 15 acres of peaches, 10 acres cherries plus apples, pears and plums. Also carried on general farming and maintained well-cultivated fields. My financial resources increased each year. I was able to improve buildings and purchased the latest in modern machinery and accessories. Money was also available for loaning to relatives such as Alta’s siblings who were starting up farms. Alta’s father James had passed in 1889 while her mother Mahala lived until 1900.

Thanks to the match making skills of Olive I was married a second time to Daisy Galbreath on February 26, 1896. The wedding was at Daisy’s parents home near Pierceton IN east of Warsaw. I was old enough, at 39, to be Daisy’s father as she was 22. Alta was also 22 when we were married in 1886. Daisy was a good looker, stylish dresser and full of energy. And yes, Daisy was a little princess. This could have been because she was the youngest of 14 children. Her father Samuel had 7 with his first wife and 7 with Daisy’s mother - Margaret Black Hibbets. My brother-in-law Sam Galbreath’s father Joseph (wife Eliza Bricker) was a brother to Daisy’s father Sam. This was a bit confusing at times. Connecting to the Galbreath clan doubled my relatives’ list. The Galbreath Reunion photo was taken in the summer of 1896 when Daisy was caring our son Bill. That same summer we attended the Overhiser Cousin’s Reunion, which was started in 1893.

Our son William McKinley was born on Christmas day 1896 and joined 9-year-old Max. Big brother Max was great with his stepbrother and both boys loved the farm pets and animals. Death came calling again. Max started having problems with his sugar levels and died from diabetes complications on December 21, 1899.

Note – above written by Martin Overhiser based on mostly facts and some conjecture.

At the Farm March 1, 2010

Trimming continues and the family is consumed with school activities. The Federal and State tax returns have been filed. Now to pay the property taxes. Our father, Albert Wayne Overhiser, passed away on December 2, 2008 just before his 92^nd birthday. Allan misses stopping at Dad’s house every evening to help him get settled for the night. Now that we are living through the second great depression/recession we are reminded of what Dad would tell us about living in the 1930s. “Things were not that bad, we always seemed to have ice cream.” May your dessert be ice cream with frozen peaches or blueberries?

Question: What do you call a truckload of apples spilled down the mountain?

An applanche

Albert and Max at Chicago World's Fair - 1893

2010-01-31T15:13:00.013-05:00

Albert and Max at Chicago World’s Fair - 1893

The 1893 Fair in Chicago was also known as the World’s Columbian Exposition to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the new world. It was dedicated in 1892 and was opened to the public May 1, 1893 through October 30, 1893. My sister Olive Galbreath and their oldest son Merritt (11) convinced Max (8) and me to go with them to the Fair. Merritt and Max always enjoyed playing together at family gatherings. It had been two years since Rosco, Alta May and our new infant had passed and this was a nice break from the farm at the end of a great harvest.

Merritt was helped through college and dental school by his parents with the understanding that he would help his brothers (Roger, Joe, Clyde and Otto) with their college expenses, but he did not. This became quite a sore spot in that family. One of his brothers did, however, also become a dentist. After training in Spokane Merritt and his wife, Bess, settled in Chicago where he had been so impressed in 1893 by the Fair.

We started our trip on Saturday October 7, 1893 by having Sam Galbreath take all four of us to stay overnight with my sister Ida and her husband Charlie Osborn. They lived 3 miles to the West on a 40-acre farm. Ida always had a kind disposition and loved to serve others. She did not have much use of her withered right arm but did become a teacher and was able to control the kids. When she was 4 she was playing near where we were clearing some land and a large falling branch hit her right arm. After that she started using her left hand for everything and her right arm stopped growing. She always wore a black glove on her tiny hand and pinned it to her dress. Her handicap did not slow her down. She did it all: cooked, washed dishes, canned, and made her own clothes. She and Charlie were very active members of the McDowell Church a mile West of their farm.

Well, back to our Fair trip. Sunday morning Charlie took us to South Haven to board the Lorain L. steamer to travel across Lake Michigan to Chicago. On the boat, which was very crowded, we got to talk with Chief Simon Pokagon. I had met him once before. The boys were fascinated. The Chief lived in Lee Township to the east of us. He was traveling as a special “Chicago Day” Fair guest to give a speech, ring the Bell of Liberty for the first time and be in the parade on Monday the 9^th. He told the boys about his new pair of pants that he had purchased for $1 at the Locota store. This was the same price for each of our round trip boat tickets. The Chief’s father (Chief Leopold Pokagon) sold the Chicago area to the US Government in 1833 for 3 cents an acre. The Chief said he had spent his whole life trying to get paid for that land and met with Presidents’ Lincoln and Grant pleading that his people get paid.

We stayed in Chicago Sunday and Monday nights returning home on Tuesday. What an eye opening experience. We got to see the latest inventions, newest products, and experienced the “Midway” area. We all enjoyed the amusement and carnival area with its sideshows. Rides included the very first Farris Wheel that was 264’ high. Each of the 36 cars held 60 people. One of the cars carried the John Phillip Sousa band that played daily. We read that 1.5 million people rode the Wheel the first month of the Fair.

I was most impressed with the Westinghouse electric building. There were several displays showing different methods for generating electricity. I thought the Dynamo electrical generator might be used at our farm. Some of the new products included: Cracker Jack, Juicy Fruit Gum, the hamburger, Quaker Oats and Shredded Wheat. Could not help but think of the 1871 Chicago fire and all the smoke we experienced at the farm. We did not see any evidence of the fire, only new and modern buildings and facilities. What an uplifting experience for all.

Note – Martin O spun the above tail based upon facts and some speculation. Want more information about the 1893 fair and take a “virtual tour” go to this website:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA96/WCE/official.html

At the Farm February 1, 2010

The farm family is traveling lots this winter to and from the Fennville schools as the kids are in several activities. Inside the paper work is being worked on and tax returns prepared. Trying to loose less each year is Allan’s goal on the farm. That is an old, old story with farmers. They always hope to make some or more next year. On the expense side of the equation, Allan has added a chain saw that is at the end of an extension device for trimming. So here is how they trim: hedge most trees with a huge power hedger, thin out the bigger branches with the chain saw and then do the hand trimming. Trees need to be thinned out in the middle so sunlight gets to the fruit.

Question- what do you do if you see a blue peach? Try to cheer it up!

Don’t forget fruit!!

Albert Takes A Wife - 1886

2009-12-30T11:11:00.007-05:00

Albert Takes A Wife - 1886

The rose color of her cheeks made me think of peach blossoms in the spring. Yes, I always was smitten by Alta May Usher’s beauty. We both attended the EUB Church at Leisure. She lived a mile south of the Church just past Uncle Wilshire and Aunt Mary Johnston’s farm. With mom gone, I got to thinking about taking a wife and Alta May was my top choice. After courting her for a short time I suggested marriage and she was very excited and enthused about the idea. Our marriage (January 21, 1886) started out the same year the Statue of Liberty was being constructed.

Alta May, at age 22, became mother to my siblings still at home (Charles 19, Mary Ann 16, and Minnie 12). Plus dad lived with us until the summer of 1886 when he married a second time. It was a good match. Henrietta (Fisher) Warfield had lost her husband, had two young children (Fred and Clara) and needed help caring for her farm 3 miles straight south of us. We were back and forth between the two farms a lot and raised most of our hay on Henrietta’s place. The peaches were becoming our most profitable crop. We were able to invest in new orchards and make some improvements to the house during our first years of our marriage. Household expenses were very low. We paid 10 cents a gallon for kerosene to light the house at night. Evenings were always a joy as we cast away the cares and distractions of the day by playing games and reading to the boys.

Tragic struck the family again in 1887 and sister Olive saved the day. My sister Mary Ann became pregnant by a neighbor boy (Herschel Adkin - 18). They did not get married and Otto was born 4/26/1887. Do to complications, Mary Ann died 9 days later (May 5). Sam and Olive adopted and raised Otto until he was 12 (1899). Then Otto moved to live with his father’s family – Herschel and Eda Adkin who then had 3 boys (Bob 4, Roy 2 and Harry a new born). Later in life Otto Galbreath and Herschel Adkin jointly owned a dance hall east of Pullman on Upper Scott Lake. There was never any animosity between the families. Mary’s death was just one of those things that happened.

In 1888 I took out a mortgage for $2,000 and other money changed hands. As a result, Alta May and I ended up owning the main 60 acre farm. Brother Lonson and Minnie lived across the street. Olive and Sam took title to the 40 acres on the corner, although they lived ½ mile north of the store on the west side of the street. Olive and Sam Galbreath deeded the 40 acres over to my brother Charles and Minnie after they were married (6-21-1891). Dad and Henrietta lived on her farm. (Photo L to R me, Alta May, Henry, Minnie, Lonson, Olive & Sam)

As for our children, we first had Maxwell Glen and then Rosco Glen (see photo). Yes, we always had at least one dog on the farm. The most tragic year of my life, 1891, started out with the death of two and a half year old Rosco. Shortly after our third baby died at birth and Alta May died of complications. My new family had been reduced to Max and me. I felt the same pain in my gut and tornado in my head as I felt when mother and Mary Ann passed. My head told me they are all at peace. I prayed for God to give me a cheerful heart. On the outside I kept positive as the farm and house needed running and 5-year old Max needed me to be strong.

Note - above written by Martin O based on facts and some speculation. Were you at the 100th Overhiser Cousin's Reunion? It was held in 1993 on the same site where Otto and Herschel once owned a dance hall.

2010 At The Farm

The fruit trees are resting. All is well - Cold, wind, snow and looking for signs of spring. May all be well with you in 2010.

Eat fresh, canned or frozen fruit!

Young Adult Albert - 1875/85

2009-12-01T23:38:00.011-05:00

Young Adult Albert - 1875/85
I was 18 to 28 years old during this time frame. My world was the farm with occasional trips to South Haven, Glenn, Fennville or Allegan. My first thoughts are of my mother (Sarah) who was always in control of her emotions except for the time of the 1871 Chicago fire. Then she cried for several days thinking the world was coming to an end. The smoke was so dense we did not see the sun for 2 or 3 days. Other times, Mom was in charge of our family. She kept the house running smoothly, kept us well fed, clothed and healthy with her home remedies. We were encouraged to read, attend Sunday school and love one another.

In the fall Mom was very busy preparing for winter. From the garden we would dig potatoes, carrots and turnips for winter storage. Peaches, cherries pears and plums were canned. Meat was smoked or canned and apples and cabbage stored in the root cellar. Day after day the milk cows and chickens provided us milk, butter, cream and eggs.

Church, Sunday school, my McGuffery Readers and Old Ben Franklin shaped my moral principles, and those of our community. We were taught to be self-sufficient at an early age. From the Bible, “to everything there is a season” and “more blessed to give than receive” From our reader, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” From Old Ben, “Waste not, want not” and “don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” These were all great life lessons.

Thanksgiving type meals were shared every Sunday in the fall with aunts, uncles and cousins. The women and older girls would talk while preparing the meal. The young kids would be playing inside or outside depending on the weather. Older boys and us men would say we were going to the barn to look at the new calf or piece of equipment. When in fact, we were testing the hard cider.

We always had hired men and young boys working on the farm. These were all neighbors and many were relatives. Sam Galbreath, at age 22, came to work with us in 1873. He moved to Casco from Indiana and lived with his relatives. My oldest sister, and best friend, Olive was 13 then. Sam kept working with us until he and Olive were married August 3, 1879. The wedding photograph was taken right in the living room of our house. Justice of the Peace, Thomas Iddles performed the ceremony. At this time my brother Lonson was also married and settled on a small farm across the road to the south. Ida had married and moved away.

The year after Sam and Olive were married, Sam Leisure lost both hands working on our farm. He was running sorghum through a press. I helped take him to South Haven to get his stubs stitched up. My dad, Henry, felt so bad about the accident that he paid my new brother-in-law Sam Galbreath to construct a store building for Sam Leisure to run. It was built on the SW corner of our farm and the lumber was milled right on our farm. That same year a wood framed church was built on the opposite corner. Dad helped build the Church and was on the Board of Trustees at the time. Uncle Lonson Overhiser was also a Church leader as was Uncle Wilshire and Aunt Mary Ann (Overhiser) Johnson. That church burned and was rebuilt in 1906. The church, store and I.O.O.F. Hall, at the NW corner, were the main community gathering places all my life.

I had been taking more responsibility for selecting the fruit trees and caring for the farm. Then on March 4, 1884 my mother passed away. This loss hit me like a ton of bricks. She was 46, dad 49 and I was 27 at the time. Also at home were Charles 17, Mary Ann 15 and Minnie 10. Dad tried to run the house but it just was not the same. Olive and Sam helped keep us going. The loss of my mother got me thinking about taking a wife.

Note - above written by Martin O based on facts and speculation.

At the Farm December 2, 2009
The farm fall cleanup is almost completed. The boxes and ladders are out of the orchards. Equipment is being stored for the winter and repairs being made. Trimming has begun on apples and will continue until next spring.

Allan will be attending different agricultural meetings this winter to learn new techniques and help set policy. He continues to serve as the Casco Township Supervisor. A new fire station is being built and the Township is in the process of acquiring a parcel of land on Lake Michigan for a new park. Kim meets herself coming and going to basketball games and practice as all five kids are playing this winter. Snow cannot come soon enough for the kids who belong to a ski club.
Stay warm and eat fruit!

Albert's School Days - 1863/72

2009-11-02T13:47:00.010-05:00

Albert’s School Days - 1863/72

My (Albert here again) days at Iddles School were full of exciting events and helped expand my mind. I attended from age 5 to age 15. We used the McGuffery’s Readers, which emphasized reading, spelling, vocabulary and public speaking. When it was my turn to read aloud, I would always get very nervous. When it was recess time we just had fun. Exploring the woods while walking to and from school with Lonson, Olive and Ida was also lots of fun. Charles and Mary Ann did not attend school until after I had finished.

If Dad (Henry) needed help on the farm, my older brother Lonson and I would not go to school. We would just continue in our readers where we had left off. During my school years the farm matured. Buildings got constructed; cows, horses, pigs and chickens were added; crops planted; and orchards started. We had apple trees as far back as I can remember. In the early 1870s we started having peaches to sell off the farm. Most everyone started growing peaches for shipment to Chicago.

We always were one of the first farms in the area to add modern conveniences. This was possible thanks to Dad and Mom selling things off the farm and Dad’s carpentry jobs. In 1870 a windmill was added to pump water into a big tank in our house attic. This gave us running water to go with our Kerosene lights. We also had a steam-powered sawmill, a sorghum press and a sugarhouse for boiling down sap to make maple syrup.

In spite of all these conveniences, we all worked hard. We boys fed the animals, gathered eggs, cleaned out the barn and other buildings, and worked in the various crops. We used horses a lot for working the fields and going places. Olive and Mary Ann helped mom run the house, preserve food, prepare meals and care for Charles and Mary Ann. Meals were always great and we frequently had relatives and neighbors join us for a meal. In turn we would visit other homes and feast on chicken, roast pork, beef, venison, rabbit, squirrel or pheasant. With these meats we would have potatoes, vegetables and hot biscuits with wild honey. This would all be followed with pies. Later in my life the Church became a major gathering place for the community.

On a Monday in October 1871, the last fall I attended school, it became very dark and smoky. Later we found out the smoke was from the Chicago fire, which burned from Sunday October 8 until Tuesday. It was very windy and very dry. At that same time there were fires in Wisconsin and several places in Michigan, including Holland, Manistee, Port Huron and other places. As an adult I heard the speculation that a wide spread meteor shower may have started all these fires. To this day, I still think of those fires when I see a shooting star. Talk with you later.
Note - Above written by Martin O based on some facts and lots of speculation.

At The Farm November 2, 2009

New this year - the farm retail building will be open 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. on weekends (Sat & Sun) throughout November. So, you can stop in and stock up for the winter. Apples available from the cooler are: Cameo, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Ida Red, Jonagold, Mutsu and Sonata.

At the farm, boxes, crates, and equipment are being stored for the winter. As soon as these fall cleanup activities are completed the annual tree trimming will begin. The kids have completed their soccer games and it is time for basketball. Your support of the farm operation this past year is greatly appreciated.

Don’t forget to eat fruit!

Second Fruit Farmer

2009-10-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Second Fruit Farmer
Albert Overhiser be my name. I am the second family fruit farmer to work the land in Section 14. My parents are Henry and Sarah and there were a total of 8 children in our family. I am the second oldest. I have led a very exciting life that was very sad at times. My great grand son Martin Wayne (b. 7-11-1940) will be telling my story in his blog (what ever that is?) the next few months. Martin may need to speculate about some of the details about my live. That is fine with me.

First off let me straighten out my name. My birth certificate reads William Albert Overhiser (January 11, 1857) Blackford County Indiana. However, I always went by “Albert” and even put “A. W. Overhiser” on my barn. A copy of the 1895 Casco Township Atlas also listed A. W. Overhiser as the owner of 60 acres in Section 14. But we are jumping way ahead.

In 1838, when my dad was 5 his family resettled from New York State to Indiana. In the fall of 1860, at age 2-1/2, I moved with my parents to Michigan. My brother Lonson was 4½ and Olive just a baby. My second sister Ida May was born in October of 1861 after our first year in Michigan. We first lived near Allegan. Dad build a house for a family on a big farm.

The next two years we lived in Casco Township (Section 12) and in 1863 dad bought a 100-acre wooded property in Section 14. This was about 3 miles away so we would walk or ride in the horse drawn wagon to work on the property. There were no roads just paths through the woods. Brother Lonson (age 7 at that time) and dad cut down trees so a house could be build on top of the hill. I got to help by carrying things and staying out of the way. After a water well was dug, I got to carry water to the livestock. A small house got build and we moved to the new farm.

The second year on that farm my Uncle Lonson (Dad’s younger brother) moved to Casco from Indiana. This was great because we had cousins to play with. My brother Lonson and I attended the District #3 Iddles School. It was straight north through the woods one-mile and a little east along the road that went between Pullman and Lake Michigan. Thomas Iddles built our log school in 1859. Just down the hill to the east of the school there were springs. We were told that Indians camped in that area because of the springs.

Jane Brown Woodruff was the first teacher I can remember. She was a great teacher and took good care of us kids. One day she sent us home early because a big storm was coming. She lived in the same direction as we did so she ran with Lonson and me through the woods and over a fence. We herd a very loud noise and when we looked back we saw huge trees being blown over. My, was that scary!

When I was 10 years old (in 1867) a frame school building replaced the old log school. John Fabin was paid $300 to build that school. My dad could have built the school but he was very busy running our farm, our sawmill and doing carpentry jobs work for neighbors. That is enough for now. Will chat later.

At The Farm October1, 2009
The apples continue to be picked and pumpkins are ready. The retail building at 109th Ave and 64th Street will be open until the end of October, as will the apple U-Pick orchards. Don’t forget to print out the u-pick 10% off coupon from the farm website http://www.overhiserorchards.com/

The two newest arrivals at the farm are Border Collies. They are brother and sister born July 28th. Daisy and Woody (Jack Russell Terriers) will now have to compete for attention from the kids.

Kim and Allan just celebrated their wedding anniversary. They were saying, with the big apple operation they have developed there would no time for a fall wedding. Remember kids, don’t plan weddings during the fall harvest.

Don’t forget to eat an apple a day!

Rhythm of the Seasons

2009-09-02T10:10:00.011-04:00

Rhythm of the Seasons
Do you feel it in the air? Labor Day has become our symbolic end of summer. Fall is here, kids are back in school and football games can be watched Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fall harvest, winter rest, spring wake up, summer growth. Around and around we go in an endless circle of life. King of the fruit harvest has been the apple from the beginning of time. Apples were in the Garden of Eden, the stone ages, and the ancient Greeks and Romans grew several verities. Lets not forget John Chapman aka “Johnny Appleseed”, William Tell and John McIntosh who in 1796 discovered the McIntosh apple in Ontario Canada.

Apples were an incidental part of frontier farms. They were eaten fresh and stored in a root cellar for use throughout the year. Henry must have planted apple trees in the 1860s soon after clearing the land for farming. For generations on our family fruit farm, September has meant apple harvest time. The kids of Henry and Sarah must have been required to help pick apples and pack them in barrels. They also helped transport the apples by horse drawn wagon to Glenn or South Haven for shipment to Chicago. The making of apple cider, applesauce and apple crisp has also been a fall activity throughout the generations.

As I was growing up in the 1940s and 50s our parents and grand parents served us kids apples all winter long. Sometimes with popcorn and home made canned grape juice. Treats don’t get any better than that! Grandma Edna would peal an apple by go around and around without breaking the pealing. She would end up with a very long apple peal. We have enjoyed the fruits of summer now is the time to enjoy the fruit of fall – the apple.

At the Farm Sept. 2, 2009

The cherries, apricots, nectarines, plums and pears are picked. Peaches are almost completed and apples are starting. I caught the farm kids (L to R - Kortny, Alex, Aaron, Adam, and Kelsy) picking nectarines a couple of weeks ago. With them back in school, their help on the farm will be missed.

September starts the longest harvest season – apples. Over 25 varieties will be picked from late August to late October. They begin with Paula Red and end with Fugi. In between you will find somewhat in this order: Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Empire, Macoun, Mutsu, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Melrose, Ida Red, Yellow Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Northern Spy, Braeburn, Cameo, Red Rome and a few others.

At the retail and u-pick location (109th Ave & 64th St.) you can pick your own apples or pumpkins. If you prefer, you can select aready picked apples and pumpkins from 20-bushel boxes. Lucia, Aaron and Kim are there to help. Some of the harder varieties are stored in the cooler and can be purchased during the late fall and winter months.
Don’t forget to eat your fruit!

Summer Reunions

2009-08-15T00:01:00.004-04:00

Summer Reunions
Fond memories are stored away from our summer reunions and vacations. This is as true today as it was in the 1800s. At the Henry and Sarah farm several family gatherings were hosted. These get-to-gathers were formalized in 1893 when the Indiana relatives pedaled their tandem bikes to visit their Casco cousins. These reunions have been held every year since. It must have been well attended in 1900 when all the 12 living kids of George and Elizabeth had their photo taken. Henry is 2nd from left in the back row.

Over 180 “cousins” attended the 50th (8-14-1943) and over 250 were at all or part of the two day 100th reunion (7-24/25-1993). Were you there? The 1993 cousins reunion was held at the Scott Lake Lodge one mile east of Pullman. This lodge has been replaced by a very nice home. Events included a history tour of Casco, golf outing, Will Rogers USA entertainment by Gene McFall, worship service, group photo and reunion picnic. I still have and wear my reunion t-shirt. These are real collectors items as there were only 150 made.

Do enjoy these last few days of summer. Hook up the camper to the big old van and hit the road one more time. That is what Martin, Lucy, Sandi, Marla, Carrie and Ron did in 1979. The hard working farmers will be deferring their get away until the harvest is completed.

The Farm August 15, 2009
Redhaven peaches are winding down as the flaming fury, coral star and glo haven verities are ripening. U-pick peaches should be available through the end of August. Paula Red apples are now available and near the end of August MaIntosh, Gala and Honeycrisp will be ripe. Pears and purple plums will also be ripe. U-pick apples will continue into October. Don’t forget to visit the farm website and print out the 10% off coupon. http://www.overhiserorchards.com/

This is the time of year to make jams and jellies and stock the freezer and canning shelves. We have frozen peaches, sour cherries and blueberries. When the purple plums are ripe I will pop them in zip lock bags and freeze them whole. Then this winter we can boil them, add a little sugar and presto – stewed prunes. Applesauce is also easy to make and freeze. Have fun supplying your home for the dog days of winter.
Don’t forget to eat My Brother’s Fruit!

6 Word Story

2009-08-03T00:04:00.002-04:00

6 Word Story
“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Written by Ernest Hemingway because he was challenged to create a six-word story. Try to write your story in 6 words or less. “The beginning, the end,” by our grand daughter Evvy. Her long story is “The beginning, the middle, the end.”

“Farm settled, families grow, memories fade” is a short story that describes our first farm family. The farm prospered, as did the whole fruit growing area. Henry and Sarah had 9 children (Grant died as an infant, George at almost 2 and Mary at age 18). The family was very active in helping establish and lead their local government, church and school. Henry was an active church member: 1865 Conservative U. B. Church Bd of Trustees (meetings held in Buys and later Hadaway Schools), 1877 superintendent of Sunday School (Attendance 48), and in 1880 helped build the first East Casco Methodist Church at 64th and 107th. He was Republican in polities and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Henry served as Casco Township Treasurer 1869-75 and Supervisor 1877-78. His great-great-great-grand son Allan is now serving as the Township supervisor.

Henry secured considerable land in the county and worked as a carpenter in addition to running the Maple Ridge Fruit Farm. The original 100-acre farm was divided among the children with William Albert receiving 60 acres and the family home site. Sarah died in 1884 and Henry married Henrietta Warfield and moved to her farm in section 35. William Albert married Alta May Usher in 1886. The family farm torch had been passed for the first time. Henry out lived his second wife and spent some winters in Florida with the William Albert family. Henry died on September 3, 1917 at the home of his son Charles at the age of 82.

At The Farm (August 3, 2009)

The peach harvest is well underway. Allan is busy loading wholesale orders. First was the PF-1s then Rising Star. Redhaven peaches and nectarines will be ripe starting the weekend of August 8-9. By the weekend of August 15-16 pears, paula red apples and purple plums will be starting. If you are planning to do u-pick fruit be sure to visit the farm website, click on u-pick coupon and print it out for 10% off. http://www.overhiserorchards.com/

In spite of the coldest July on record, the fruit is only ripening a week or so later than "normal." The photo below was taken in July. Or was it January? I can not remember.

Remember - eat your fruit!

Queen of the Fruits

2009-07-15T11:49:00.011-04:00

Queen of the Fruits

Early settlers, like HenryO, planted a few apple trees to supplement their subsistence food growing. Some of the Casco farmers may have brought seedling fruit trees with them from the fruit areas of Ohio or New York. By the 1880s many of the incidental orchards became the means of paying off the farm mortgage and providing some comfort and independence. There were ready markets for the fruit in Milwaukee and Chicago. During the summer months there were daily boat trips from Glenn and South Haven to these markets. Peaches were packed in baskets and apples in barrels. Fruit was shipped and sold fresh. It was not until the 1920s that commercial canning was started when Marc Hutchinson organized the Fennville Canning Company. This became Michigan Fruit Canners, Inc. in 1927.

Legend has it that French traders found Indians munching on small tasteless peaches. Peach trees were first cultivated in the area around 1780 at the St. Joseph Trading Post on the river a mile from Lake Michigan. In Casco, peaches were first planted in 1869 and by 1880 thousands of bushels were being produced. Some farmers had 2,000 to 2,500 trees. Peaches were sold through wholesale brokers. Farmers were given a rubber stamp to identify the destination for their peach baskets.

Up until the early 1900s big profits were made on peaches, "The Queen of The Fruits". Then the peach bubble burst. First diseases started appearing (the yellows, curl leaf and the little peach). Next the quality and quantity decreased because soil fertility was not maintained. Then the disastrous freeze of October 10th, 1906, killed practically every peach tree in SW Michigan. Only farmers having the most favorable locations for growing peaches attempted to replant their orchards. The growing of fruits and vegetable is still a prominent piece of the economy in Casco Township.

At The Farm (July 15, 2009)

Brother Allan is preparing for the 2009 peach harvest. The sweet and sour cherries are winding down as the peaches ripen. "The Queen of The Fruits" will be available for the July 25/26 weekend and through the end of August. Marketing the peach crop today is different than the 1880s and 90s but yet the same. Most is sold fresh and consumed by people from the same market areas. Peaches are picked up at the farm by retail farm markets, retail customers and u-pickers. A small portion of the crop is sent to processing companies.

The Evans (Mother's side) Family Reunion was held last weekend. The farm kids have gotten their chickens inspected and will be at the County Fair next week with their chickens. If you get over to the South Haven area stop at the retail building (109th and 64th) for some of the ripe stuff. I plan to start selling my brother's peaches to the Marshall Farm Market July 25th. Thanks for checking the blog.

Sam's Hands - 1880

2009-07-01T02:01:00.003-04:00

Sam’s Hands - 1880

Was it a sawmill, sorghum press or maple sugar bush accident? I have read or heard that each of the three was the cause of Sam Leisure loosing both hands. One just above the elbow and the other just below the elbow. At about age 17 or 18, Sam was working for Henry Overhiser when he lost both hands. Henry had a sawmill, sugar bush operation and may have had a sorghum press (see photo).

In 1880, shortly after the accident, Henry had a store built by Sam Galbreath on land he owned. Henry put Sam in charge so he could support his family. With the help of others he had a good business for years, until many began to charge items and never pay. Later he had a peddling wagon, selling tin ware, socks, jackets, and gloves. He would also buy hides, rags, papers, and old rubber. With the reins around his waist he was able to drive his team of horses. His customers would make their own change by going into Sam’s pocket. In his later days he and his wife Mate moved to California to live near two of their children.

The store, at the NE corner of 107th Ave. and 64th Street, became know as Leisure because Sam ran the store there. In 1893 Aldelbert Johnston bought the store. Ownership then passed to Andrew Litts and then to Riley Overhiser. Riley’s East Casco Handy Store at Leisure is the one I grew up loving. The store building is gone but the fond memories live on. Well, live on as long as some of us old people are still here.

At the Farm (July 1, 2009)
A category F-2 tornado hit the farm about 3 a. m. on Friday June 19. Large limbs from a silver maple near the house damaged the tool shed roof and mobile home used by Carlos. Several power poles were blown over and the electricity was off for three days. Trees in some of the windrows were blown over. The family did take cover in the basement and are all safe. Only damage to the crops was some wind damage to one block of sour cherries.

Aaron is still playing baseball in a tournament and the kids are starting to think about what they will take to the Fair in mid July. Peach thinning has been completed. You-pick and they pick sweet cherries will be available starting Friday July 3 at the 109th and 64th retail building. Lucero (Lucy) will be helping again this year in the sales building. Sour cherries should also be available. Allan and his crew will start shaking sour cherries the week of July 6th and they will have pitted sour cherries starting the weekend of July 11.

Speaking of July 11, that is my birthday. To celebrate we will be on the Marshall Area Garden tour that Saturday and Sunday. Check out this link for more information.
http://www.marshallmi.org/events.taf?_function=detail&id=161

Don’t forget - eat your fruit!

1860 - Henry Takes a Hike

2009-06-15T00:01:00.007-04:00

1860 - Henry Takes a Hike
In August of 1860 Henry Overhiser set out on a 200-mile trip to explore some of the prime land in Michigan he had heard about. He and his neighbor, Erastus Frost, made the journey by the “ride and hitch” method. They only had one horse. One would ride the horse a mile or two and hitch it. The other would walk to the horse and then ride on ahead of the other person walking. They traveled 40 miles a day.

After returning home, he convinced Sarah they should settle in Michigan. In October of the same year, Henry hired a brother with a two-horse team to transport the family, household goods and a box of tools to Bee Line Road near Allegan. At that time they had three children (Lonson, William, and Olive). It took 8 days to complete the journey. That first winter Henry worked for Daniel Ammerman as a carpenter to build a house. In the spring of 1861 he move to section 1 of Casco Township and in 1863 to section 14. He also owned land in section 12.

For the last time in his life he cleared a site in the woods and built a house. His son William Albert later expanded that house. The farm became very successful and was call Maple Ridge Fruit Farm. The drawing below shows the house, barn and sugar bush which produced maple syrup. Because of all the timber on the property, Henry established a sawmill.

Between 1861 and 1874 Henry and Sarah had five more children. They were Ida May, George, Charles, Mary Ann and Minnie. Sarah died March 4, 1884, and Henry was married a second time to Henrietta (fisher) Wharfield. Henry died (9-3-1917) at age 82.

At the Farm (June 15, 2009)

Talked with Allan on his cell phone to get this report. He was outstanding in a peach orchard. Some 20 workers were hand thinning peaches (spacing them 6" apart). It takes a half hour on average to thin one tree. About 80% of the small green peaches are removed. This is the effort it takes to end up with a big beautiful peach in August. The chemical thinning of apples seams to have worked very well this year. This procedure removes all but the center "king" blossom. Without thinning the result would be a cluster of small apples. Allan thinks this year he will have one of his largest apple crops. It looks like other growers also have large crops which will result in lower prices.

The sweet cherries are starting to show some color and will look like the photo for the 4th of July weekend. Birds will also be noticing the color. Some foil and other devices will be placed in the orchards to scare the birds away, good luck. If you are in the South Haven area the first part of July stop out at 109th and 64th. U-pick and all ready picked cherries will be available. The 4th weekend will officially start the season. They will be open daily from 10 to 5 until the end of October.

The kids have been working on the chicken coop. It now has a new roof. Aaron (age 12) made a big sacrifice this past week. He chose to miss a baseball game and attend a Rotary sponsored leadership training conference at Hope College. They heard several inspiring speakers including a pro football player, superintendent of schools and a science teacher. Aaron also enjoyed the team games and brain challenges. This training will be put to good use on the farm, at school and in sports.

Remember, eat your fruit.

Overhiser Orchards History - Five Generations

2009-06-01T00:01:00.012-04:00

Overhiser Orchards History - Five Generations
A lone rich history that started in 1863

My Brother's Fruit Blog was started in April 2009 so it could be added to the farm website that sister-in-law Kim and helper Ron have updated. You can access the blog by going to the new and improved website http://www.overhiserorchards.com/ The farm history summary below will soon be posted on the website. You are getting a sneak preview. But, first the farm news and don't forget to eat your fruit.

At the Farm (June 1, 2009)

Last week the kids finished spring sports and school at Fennville. 4-H chickens are being fattened up for the August County Fair. Insects are being trapped (see photo) to help target and limit the spraying program. The best and safest practices for disease and pest control are being used. Pumpkins and squash got planted for the fall harvest. Do you like your August peaches large? That is being worked on. Small green peaches are being thinned by hand to assure best growth and size and to prevent branch breakage. The harvest will start the 4Th of July weekend with sweet cherry U-Pick or all ready picked (109th Ave. and 64th St).

On a sad note, my Uncle William Douglas Overhiser passed from this earth on Saturday May 30. He was born on February 5, 1937 and grew up on the family farm. He was 3 years older than me (Martin), so was more like a cousin then an uncle. Bill was the youngest of William and Edna's 6 children. In the 2004 photo to the left 5 of the 6 were still with us. Top left then clockwise Ed, Albert, Bill, Janet and Doris. Aunt Janet Brown in the sole survivor of that generation. Ken passed in 1955 at age 36.

Overhiser Orchards History- Five Generations

1. Henry and Sarah (McKee) Overhiser move to Allegan County Michigan from Indiana in 1860 with 3 children. In 1863, they settled on the north side of 107th Ave. between 62nd and 64th Streets in Casco Township. Henry cleared a home site in the maple forest and started subsistence farming. Five more children were born in Michigan. In the 1870s Henry started growing fruit, as did many other farmers in the area. Fruit growing continues to be the main focus of the farm operation.

2. William Albert Overhiser and Alta May were the second farm family. Alta died in childbirth in 1891. None of their 3 children lived to adulthood. William Albert married a second time to Daisy Galbreath in 1896. They had one child, William McKinley, shown in front of Daisy in the photos above. In 1915 William Albert died from a gun accident. This put William McKinley in charge of the farm at age 19. The big house burned to the ground the last day of April 1927.

3. William McKinley and Edna Trowbridge Overhiser ran the 60-acre fruit farm for 50 years. Bill and Edna raised 6 children on the farm. They spent the last 25 years of their married life in Florida. As a child, Bill learned to fish while spending winters in Florida. His parents owned and operated the Palma Sola Hotel on the Manatee River west of Bradenton. As an adult William continued to fish and would spent one or two weeks at Loon Lake NW of Baldwin between the cherry and peach harvest. Their oldest son Albert Wayne helped operate the farm when he was not working as a truck driver. Albert and June purchased the farm in 1965.

4. Albert Wayne and June Evans Overhiser, lived on a 40-acre fruit farm around the corner from the original farm. Albert drove truck and farmed and June was a school teacher. Sons’ Martin and Charles attended MSU and were not interested in farming. As fate would have it, a surprise son (Allan Wade) was born in 1960. While attending Western Michigan University, Allan, decided he wanted to follow the family fruit farming tradition. After college Allan and Kim were married and worked the farm with Albert and June. After Albert retired Allan became the fifth farm operator.

5. Allan Wade and Kim Myers Overhiser now have around 40,000 cherry, peach, plum, pear and apple trees. They own or lease 400 acres within a one mile radius of the original farm. These orchards are planted on the highest 250 acres to reduce spring frost and freeze damage. Their son Aaron was born in 1996. In 1998 Alex, Adam, Kelsy and Kortny(quadruplets) were added to the farm family. During the harvest season many of the family members can be found working at the retail/u-pick headquarters at the NW corner of 109th Ave. and 64th Street.

The Overhiser family looks forward to growing and sharing the fruits of their labor for many more years. Thank you for your interest in our farm history.

Quadruplets and Farm Mothers

2009-05-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

Quadruplets and Farm Mothers

For May 15 my blog outline had me writing about Henry and Sarah moving their family from Indiana to Michigan in 1860. Lets defer that subject. We just celebrated Mother’s Day so I want to pay special tribute to farm mothers and the Overhiser Quadruplets who just turned 11. Read on and remember the mothering you have received from your mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, sibling, father, neighbor, friend and others.

The annual celebration of motherhood is an ancient spring festival. From the beginning of time we humans have loved our mothers and loved being mothered. They birthed us, cared for us, loved us and helped us become adults. Through the generations our mothers have been comforters and guardians of the household. Mom’s we salute you one and all.

Currently the MIC (Mother In Charge) of the family farm is Kim Myers Overhiser. She received quite a special Mother’s Day gift on May 13, 1998. In order of arrival these were the presents: Adam Wayne (3# 14.4 oz 17.5”), Alex Wade (3# 13.6 oz 16.75”), Kortny Alise (3# 6 oz 16.5”) and Kelsy Ann (3# 9.4 oz 17”). By comparison here is what older brother Aaron William weighed at birth on December 9, 1996: 9 pounds 14 ounces and 23 inches tall. Over 100 community people assisted in some way those first few months.

With Allan running the farm from sun up to sun down these helpers was a real blessing. MIC Kim would take the kids two by two for Doctor visits while helpers stayed at home with the rest of the family. This year a birthday dinner was eaten at Grandma and Grandpa Myers after Aaron’s baseball and the girl’s softball games. If you visit the farm this summer do take time to meet as many of the young farmers as you can find. In the 2006 photo from top counter clockwise is Kortny, Kelsy, Alex, Adam, Aaron driving and a cousin behind Aaron.

The quadruplets grand mother (my mother) June Pearl Evans Overhiser (6/13/1917 – 3/3/1997) was one of the most kind and loving persons you will have ever meet. The farm she grew up on was located at the north side of Clear Lake near Osterholt Lake in Allegan County. She was the middle child of 11 kids and was raised by older sisters Maude and Florence with a “little help” from her mother Pearl. June became a teacher after completing a one-year County Normal program followed by several years of additional College courses. She taught in one-room school districts and at Lincoln Elementary in South Haven. Mom’s salary was our family’s steady income while the farm income would rise and fall depending on the weather and fruit prices.

Looking back, I must say all the successful farm families in our neighborhood had one thing in common. The farmer’s wife ran the house, the family and in many cases directed or helped direct the farm operation. This was true of my mother. She worked out of the home, in the home and helped keep the farm running. Albert did the heavy lifting but we all knew who wore the pants. Thank you mom for all your hard work, love and guidance.

Next meet my grandmother Edna Mildred Trowbridge Overhiser (9/20/1895 – 12/7/1991). She was married to Bill the 3rd generation family fruit farmer. Decedents of Edna who have a great sense of humor can trace their humor genes back to Edna. She knew how to make the best of a bad situation and could pull practical jokes out of thin air. The big house with all their posession burned in 1927. Edna and Bill regrouped and converted another farm building into a home. I can just see Edna leading the rebuilding operation. She out lived Bill by some 22 years and spent the last few years of her life in a nursing home in Grand Haven near daughter Janet Brown. Their Edna continued to share her fun loving outgoing spirit with others by tooling around in her wheelchair to visit.

I did know my great grandmother Daisy Galbreath Overhiser (11/28/1874 - 1959), but not very well. While I was growing up she worked and lived in Kalamazoo. On occasion we would visit her apartment and walk to Schensul's Cafeteria for lunch. Wish now I had learned more about her time on the farm.

In 1896 (age 22) Daisy became William Albert’s second wife. Daisy was noted for her very stylish apparel, a real classy lady. Some say this was an arranged marriage with 39-year-old William Albert who had a 10 year old son (Max) and had been without a wife for 5 years. Son William McKinley was born on Christmas day 1896 and Max died some 2 years later.

Daisy may have been the one who wanted to winter in Florida. From 1901 to 1906 they owned and lived in the Palma Sola Hotel on the Manatee River between Bradenton and the Tampa Bay. Their only son, Bill, learned to fish on that river. Daisy led a somewhat secluded life in Kalamazoo after her husband died from a gun shot accident in 1915. We are sure she had Alzheimer’s at the end of her life. So that is one “gift” we decedents must be concerned about. This terrible disease was diagnosed in 2 of Edna and Bill’s 6 kids and advanced dementia in 2 others. Sometimes the “gifts” we receive require special handling.

Alta May Usher Overhiser (1863-1891) married William Albert in 1886 two years after his mother Sarah had died. I presume the farm needed a good woman to run the house. Her “job” as wife and MIC included caring for husband, father-in-law and workers. Some of those farm workers lived in the family home. Their marriage lasted just 5 years. In the span of 9 months William Albert lost his second child Rosco Glen (age 2 ½), an infant at birth and his wife Alta giving birth. Maxwell Glen, who had diabetes, died at age 12 when his ½ brother Bill was just two.

Sarah McKee Overhiser (6/23/1837- 3/4/1884) must have had a very interesting life. Born in Ohio to a pioneering family, moved to Indiana as a child, married Henry and moved a family to the Michigan. “Lets pack up everything and go camping in Michigan!” Just think of how hard it must have been to make a home out of nothing in the middle of the unsettled forestland. She and the family had to deal with some very primitive living conditions. They cleared and settled on the farm that got the family farming tradition started.

At the Farm (May 15, 2009)

Allan thinks the frost we had this past week did not do any severe damage to the fruit buds. The bees have finished their work and have been moved to blueberry farms in the area. Trimming continues and the brush is being chopped and orchards mowed (by Carlos in photo). Young trees are being fine trimmed to establish their main branches.

All fruit trees are being fertilized. For newly planted trees, soap bars are being hung to keep the deer away and a plastic guard is placed around the trunk. White paint will be applied to older tree trunks to prevent sun damage in the winter. The kids are very busy with sports/school activities and are looking forward to summer vacation. In Marshall last night Lucy, granddaughter Evvy and I had waffles with Allan's peaches and George's blueberries. Need to use up last summer's frozen fruit in next couple of months.

Don’t forget – Eat Fruit Today!

Boy Henry and The Bees

2009-05-01T00:01:00.033-04:00

Boy Henry and The Bees

Where do I start telling the story of how “the farm” got started with out giving you TMI? Henry cleared the land and built a home where brother Allan farms today. So lets start with Boy Henry.
In September 1838, five-year-old Henry Overhiser started moving west with his parents George & Elizabeth, 7 siblings (6 mos to 10 yrs), and his Grand Father Peter Storms. They left Avoca NY on a Monday and got to Buffalo on Friday. His other Grand Father John Casper Overhiser took a wagon load to Buffalo and then he returned home. After loading on a steamer they left at noon on Friday. At 4:00 a. m. Sunday morning they arrived at Sandusky. Cedar Point and Kalahari had not yet been built. On their way to Indiana they passed through Columbus and Springfield over the National Road. They rented a large log house near Uncle Reuben Storms in Fayette County near Connersville for 3 years. Henry’s dad cleared land and cut wood for 25 cents a cord.

As a youth, Henry learned farming, woodcutting and carpentry. Boy Henry helped his father clear away the forest three times for the building of a family home. The drawing below is the 1851 house built by George and Elizabeth in Blackford County south of Roll. They both died in this house (Mother 11-21-1860 and Father 12-18-1862). A log school was built on a part of the farm just 80 rods south of this house and a cemetery is located across the street.

As an adult, Henry would clear home sites four more times. At age 19 (1854) his father gave him one dollar with which to commence life on his own account. He at once began by chopping wood and then learned the carpenter trade. Those skills together with his farming became his life work.

On February 19, 1855, Henry married schoolmate Sarah McKee (born 6-23-1837 in OH). They farmed and had three of their 8 children prior to moving to Michigan in 1860. The stage is set for 3 year old William Albert to move with his parents to a land of promise.

Background - The 1832 Black Hawk War in Wisconsin aroused sentiment against the Indians and in 1838 the Potawatomi tribe was escorted from IN to the west by military force. In 1840 William Henry Harrison was elected President and the population of IN was 685,866. The log cabin above was home for the 13 kids. Sidebar: Henry was number 6 of 13 and our mother June (born 6-13-1917) was number 6 of 11 in the Evans family. Must have been some long waits to use the outhouse. The Evans family had a two-holler with Sears Catalog.

Henry Overhiser was born 1-2-1835 in Steuben Co., NY. His Father George was born 8-21-1804 in Otsego Co., NY and his Grand Father John Casper was born 4-1-1782 in Montgomery Co., NY. According to an old family Dutch Bible, Henry’s Great Grandfather Conrad was born near the village of Fishkill on the Hudson River in Dutchess Co., NY in April 29, 1754. Conrad married Mary Storm in 1776 and served his country during the Revolutionary War as a woodcutter. Conrad’s parents (Gasphier and Fronah Overhiser) we believe were born in Germany about 1734 and traveled to the colonies as newlyweds.

At the Farm (May 1) – Bees, Blossoms and Pollination

Sing along, “the hills are alive, with the sound of music … and blossoms”. The whites and pinks are in full bloom. The first two weeks of May are very critical as the pistils in the blossoms are very tender. So Mr. Frost, stay away! For a tree to produce quality fruit it must be healthy and mature enough to blossom freely and receive adequate pollination. Most trees will start bearing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting. Insect and bees do the pollinating.

So how does Allan get bees to do the pollinating? He rents 100 honeybee hives for just under $5,000. The hives are placed in four different locations. These worker bees will be buzzing around the fruit blossoms until the flowers are gone (about two weeks). You could call these workers “snow bees” because they winter in Florida. The beekeeper will move the hives north to other farms along Lake Michigan until they end up in the Travers City area. Below sister-in-law Kim Overhiser is checking the blooms (peaches and pears). Sweet cherries are above left and the bee in on a future apple.

Eat fruit today!

Riley's Handy Store

2009-04-15T00:01:00.017-04:00

Riley’s Handy Store

In the 1950s brother Chuck and I would frequently ride bikes to "Riley’s Handy Store". Down Adkin hill turn west, and go past Grampa Bill and Gramma Edna’s farm on the dusty gravel roads. The trip was always very rewarding. Topps baseball cards, candy bars, “Arctic” Ice Cream cones for a nickel and pop from the open water cooler with a block of ice. Riley's was a 1950s Wal-Mart in our eyes.

Riley's was at the NE corner of Leisure. On the SW corner was the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church, Church Parsonage and the Township Fire Station. A Community Hall was across the street to the north. Relationships were built and business deals negotiated at these Leisure gathering placed. The Casco Band practiced in the hall. Fire fighters met and the Ladies Aid dinners were served. The Casco Softball Team played games behind Riley’s Store and on special occasions a free outdoor movie was shown on the backside of the store. FYI, "Casco" is the name of the Township in the SW corner of Allegan County. The church services and activities provided a strong spiritual foundation for this self-contained rural community. The buildings are gone but fond memories remain.

"The store" was our connection to the outside world. During the 1920s and 1930s my distant cousin Riley (everyone was related) dramatically changed the way people lived their lives. The home making of bread, cakes and cookies declined. Eggs, milk and meats could all be found at the store. Why raise your own? He served the shopping needs of us kids, the farmers and the household. During the subsistence days of farming most everything you needed was raised on your farm or you bartered with your neighbors. In a future blog I will take us back to 1880 and explain why Henry Overhiser and Sam Leisure built the store.

At the Farm (April 15) - Planting New Trees
Tree trimming continues and new dormant fruit trees are being planted. Peach and sour cherry trees have the shortest productive life and are planted most every year. This year Allan will be planting 500 early cling stone peach trees, about 300 other peach trees and 200 sweet cherry trees. It will be five years or more before these become productive producers. The trees are trimmed to have a single, upright trunk with well spaced, spreading side branches. This will result in a cone shaped tree so the upper branches don't shade out the lower branches.

New peach varieties are being developed every year. The old favorite "Red Haven" was developed at the South Haven MSU Experiment Station led by Stanley Johnston. Many of us mature peach lovers prefer the Red Haven. That may be because it brings back childhood memories. I must admit, some of the newer peach varieties are better than good old "Red".

The red buds are thickening at the end of the branches signaling the coming of a whole new world -SPRING! Watch the parade from bud to blossom to fruit to harvest. The cherry blossoms have come and gone in DC, what about the farm? Most years blossoms start opening the last week of April or the first week of May and last for 1 to 2 weeks. This is the order: first sweet cherries, then peaches, tart cherries, plums, pears and finally apples. If you are in the South Haven area check the farm at 109th ave and 64th street. Below is a photo of Allan examining peach buds. They look OK so far. Enjoy your spring blooms.
Eat fruit today!

Why 'My Brother's Fruit" Blog

2009-04-01T00:01:00.006-04:00

Why “My Brother’s Fruit” Blog
I have fruit blood in my veins. Cut me open and you will see cherry, peach, plum, pear and apple blood. If you have lived in the country as a child, it permeates your soul and becomes a part of who you are. I suspect city grown kids have souls conditioned by the environment they explored.

This kid’s upbringing was in SW Michigan on a fruit farm. After high school, I left the farm and took my fruit blood to MSU in East Lansing. After several majors I finally landed on a pile of maps as a city planner. Lucy became the apple of my eye and the peach of my life. We started our life together in Battle Creek. Four children, several different planning jobs and five grand children later I find myself retired but darn busy.

One summer activity I look forward to is eating and peddling my brother’s fruit. Now do you get it? My brother Allan grows the fruit that we eat and peddle. My Brother’s Fruit is the name of my little "business" and this blog. My goal is to share history, memories and thoughts about present and past fruit farm and farm families. ‘Goal’ is a very over used city planning term. You set ‘goals’ and strive to reach them, but very seldom do. Sticking to my ‘goal’ will be my ‘goal’. How’s that for over use? If I drift to far a field or orchard, please let me know. You are my blog target if you like fruit, fruit info, farm family history and fun stories. E-mail me questions and I will try to answer them in future blogs.

Below are my leading characters who have worked the same soil in CascoTownship, Allegan County, Michigan since 1863:

Henry Overhiser My Great Great Grand Father (1-2-1835/9-4-1917) and Sarah McKee (6-23-1837/3-4-1884) and second wife Henrietta (Fisher) Warfield
William Albert My Great Grand Father (1-11-1857/5-14-15) and Alta May Usher (1863-1891) and Daisy Galbreath (11-28-1874/1959)

William McKinley My Grand Father (12-25-1896/12-27-1969) and Edna Mildred Trowbridge (9-20-1895/12-7-1991)

Albert Wayne My Father (12-17-1916/12-2-2008) and June Pearl Evans (6-13-1917/3-3-1997)

Allan Wade My Brother (1-4-1960) and Kim Ann Myers (3-24-1960)

At the Farm April 1

Allan and Kim now operate the fruit farm. Aaron is the oldest of their five farm kids. On May 13, 1998 (Mother’s Day), Aaron was joined by Kortny, Kelsy, Adam and Alex. Yes, they are quadruplets. You now have an introduction to the people and the land that will be the focus of my ramblings. Like the lost traveler, we do not know where the next turn (blog) will take us. Thanks for hitching a ride, stay as long as you can.

Trimming apple, peach, plum, pear and sweet cherry trees is ongoing winter and spring. Sour (pie) cherries are not trimmed. The farm is now over 400 acres of owned or leased land. Allan (above lower left) guesses he has some 40,000 fruit trees growing on 250 acres. Most orchards are located on the higher ground to avoid frost. These trees must endure cold winters and possible attack by deer and mice. As the growing season progresses the buds, blossoms and fruit must ward off frost, freeze, wind and hail. God willing, this summer we will again be enjoying my brother's fresh ripe fruit.

Eat fruit today!