Hillside Orchard & Farm Market

The original farm on State Rt. 303, just east of W. 130th St. in Hinckley, Ohio, consisted of 108 acres that were purchased by Arthur W. Bowman in March, 1914. There was a farmhouse, a large bank-barn, a chicken coop and several outbuildings, including one which served as an airplane hanger. Arthur and his wife Nettie raised four sons, Ralph, Earl, Howard and Ward. At Arthur's death in 1948, the farm was divided. 94 acres were bought by Howard; he carried on general farming. In 1964, that property was sold to the Lutheran Cemetery Association of Cleveland. Ward purchased the remaining 14-acre parcel in 1948 and named it Hillside Orchard. Ward and wife June built a new house there for their family of three sons, Allen, Wayne and Thomas. s more people moved into the area, the business grew and the need for a larger building was evident. The present pole-barn market was erected in 1982, opening that August. Del Donohue of Channel 3's "Del's Folks" made Hillside Orchard a destination for family outings and gave us a bit of TV coverage! Our new farm market building allowed for more display area plus a 16x20 ft. walk-in cooler to keep the just-picked produce as fresh as possible. An automatic donut machine supplied cake donuts to complement Hillside's jugs of sweet apple cider. Judy obtained licensing from the State of Ohio for her home kitchen and began to supply the market with homemade baked goods. Jim McIntyre, her father, donated all the old tools that add interest to our walls. Local crafters brought in their wares. Much change was happening! For many years, Hillside has offered field trips to public and parochial school children, those who are home-schooled, and children from area day care centers and nursery schools. Every year about 1400 come to learn first-hand about how food is grown as they take hayrides through the orchard, past berry patches and pumpkin patches and melon patches, corn fields and rows of tomatoes. Much is learned and wonderful memories are made here! The farm market carries many locally made products such as Boswell's Beanery and Blends, a well-known Hinckley company. Whole-grain mixes by Fowler's Mill in Chardon are also on our shelves, as are Mrs. Miller's jams and noodles from Fredericksburg. Cheerful smiles, warm greetings and helpful service, a listening ear (even a hug or prayer) go right along with the good quality, freshness and "your money's worth"! We love our customers and it shows!