Ontario Orchards
One of the largest and most complete farm markets in Central New York celebrates 60 years in operations By Tom and Jerry Caraccioli The Ouellette family, front to back: Dennis, Laurie, June and Kathy. Photo courtesy of Ontario Orchards. In 1964, if you went to Ontario Orchards to buy fresh fruit and produce, a bushel of apples (approximately 42 pounds or 100 apples) cost about $3. Corn was going for about a dollar a dozen. And strawberries were a dollar a quart. For more than seven decades Dennis Ouellette has been an agriculturist. This fall, the Ouellette family, led by Dennis and his wife, June, along with daughters, Kathy and Laurie, and grandchildren, celebrate the 60th anniversary of owning and operating Ontario Orchards. From the very beginning they made a point of selling their own fruit, vegetables and Christmas trees, as well as help the local economy by selling goods grown by local farmers. Today, Ontario Orchards has become one of the most diverse, complete, family-owned farm markets in Central New York and New York state. Early start Ontario Orchards is presenting its 24th Annual Fall Jamboree in September. Pictured are Kathy Ouellette-Pfeifer, Laurie Oleyourryk and Dennis Ouellette during last (more…)
