Bobby, Bob, and Jeff MacQueen
In 1936 the first apple tree was planted by the late Hugh and Martha MacQueen, founders of MacQueen Orchards, father and mother of Robert, now owner and operator of MacQueen Orchards, Inc.
Ten acres of the 25 acre farm were planted to apples. The apples were then transported to Toledo in bushel baskets by truck. Martha and Hugh would gather their fruit each day to make the run to town to supply area fruit stands and markets.
 In 1954, Robert, President of MacQueens, graduated from high school and chose to stay on the farm to help his dad. Together they began planting apples and peaches on 15 more acres of ground.
An 8000 bushel cold storage was also built this year to help preserve the quality and freshness of the fruit harvested and sold on the farm and to wholesale outlets. A packing house was erected, and the dairy barn was converted to a salesroom.
 Bob and Marlene were married in 1956. They had four children: Cindy, Jeff, Lynn and Bobby. Together they built a retail and wholesale business open year round, purchasing another 160 acres.
Another cold storage was built in 1962 with the capacity of storing 33,000 bushels of apples. An 11,600 bushel controlled atmosphere storage was built in 1995, and another 9,000 bushel unit was added in 2006.
 Today, all four "children" are working on the farm, along with plenty of help from their spouses. Shown here are:
• Cindy and her husband Sam Kaiser
• Bobby and his bride Amy
• Jeff and his wife Jodey
• Lynn, and her husband Mike Gorey.
In 1977, Jeff, Vice President of MacQueens,  graduated from high school and, like his dad, insisted on staying on to help his father with the orchard. In this  same year a 20 acre parcel was purchased and planted to apples.
Jeff married Jodey in 1980 and their son Arin Jeffrey was born in 1983, Zachary Hugh in 1987 and Spencer in 1991. They now live on this farm. Jeff handles orchard management and Jodey manages Martha's Gifts & Boutique.
Cindy was married to Sam in 1979 and they were also blessed with two children. Kara Jo, born in 1982 and Kasey Jo in 1986. They also live on one of the farms and are involved in the orchard during the fall. Cindy is a school teacher and Sam is Superintendent for Ohio Turnpike Commission.
Lynn married Michael Gorey in 1988 and they also were blessed with their son, Logan in 1998.
They also lend a hand in the fall.
Lynn is the Bookkeeper for MacQueen's, and Mike is self-employed in waste brokering and environmental compliance.
 Bob MacQueen II, Secretary/Treasurer of MacQueen's, graduated from Springfield High  School in 1990. He, like his brother, chose to stay on the farm and be a part of the production end of the orchard. They work hand in hand in growing, spraying and packaging.
Bob MacQueen and Amy Wynn were married on November 14, 2009.
The cider mill was constructed in 1979, and pasteurized cider is made on a daily basis from September to May. It is available in gallons, half gallons or by the cup.
 In 1980, the building which is now the Farm Market became home to the Cider Bar, the Sweet Shop and Ma's Pantry, offering jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, homemade apple butter and more.
 In 1982 a pie oven was purchased and that was the beginning of those mouth watering home baked pies, with 15 varieties to choose from. Cream and Meringue pies and cakes added. Our bakery was expanded in 1983 after the girls returned from bake school.
Bob's wife Marlene added her interest in crafts and dried flowers to develop the Country Gift Barn. Bob and Jeff created the hip roof lined with old siding, and added a huge used brick fireplace at one end, which is used to heat the room in the winter months. A walnut plank floor was laid and within three months of hard work in between their daily chores Marlene's favorite barn was built.
 In 1996 this gift barn was turned into a year round specialty store, The Christmas Shop, and the original Homestead House was renovated to become Martha's Country Gifts and Boutique, named after the late Martha MacQueen where she and her husband lived.
Daughter-in-law Jodey MacQueen manages The Christmas Shop and Martha's Country Gifts and Boutique. You will find beautiful pottery, ceramic wares, pictures, lamps, painted furniture, potpourri, candles, jackets and newly added boutique.
In 1991, The Sweet Shop (then the Apple Rock Cafe) was added, with its apple decor and cafe tables. The cafe features a variety of candies, ice cream, sandwiches and soup.
During the harvest season you will no doubt see the entire family pitching in: Bob and Marlene; and their children, Cindy and Sam, Jeff and Jodey, Lynn and Mike, and Bobby and Amy.
Last but not least, the grandchildren, Kara Jo, Kasey Jo, Arin, Jeffrey, Zachary Hugh, Spencer and Logan. You will see them lending a helping hand in the Farm's Market.
We all thank you for your interest in our family. We hope when you visit the orchard, you'll take the time to introduce yourself, and let us get to know you!
The MacQueens |
