Evans Reunion - 2010

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

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.