Tour White House Fruit Farm [Photo Gallery]
White House Fruit Farm has been in Canfield, Ohio, since the early 1800s. It wasn’t until 1968 that the farm became a market, but in the almost 50 years since then, it has grown into a year-round thriving store.
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Road view of White House Fruit Farm
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The website is promoted at the entrance
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Promoting family ownership in many ways
One of the biggest selling points of buying produce from a farm market is that you are supporting a local family. The Hull family emphasizes the family on its website and in several more subtle ways, like this sign below the posted hours.
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Second generation David Hull driving a forklift at the loading dock
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Debbie Pifer is part of the third generation running White House Fruit Farm
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Customers at the bakery
The bakery brings in a full fourth of White House's sales, and so claims about a fourth of the space in the building. During quieter parts of the year, the bakery will have displays set up in the middle of the space. But there's too many people during the busiest times, so the floor space is cleared to allow more room.
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Coffee bar in the parking lot
For those who are stopping in for just a donut and coffee, this kiosk helps reduce the crowd size in the interior bakery.
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The deli accounts for a forth of White House's sales
Several years ago, the deli began modestly with local cheeses, since the area is known for its dairy farms as much as it is for its apple orchards. Adding meat was a logical next step, and the deli quickly grew into the juggernaut it is today.
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A simple take-and-go recipe center
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The fresh produce department
Like the deli and bakery, the produce department brings in about a fourth of overall sales. All other products, from gift items to packaged food, generate the remaining sales.
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Inside the silo
A barn from 1881 was turned into the farm market in the late 1960s. While it has been added to and upgraded over the decades since, this silo acts as a reminder that customers are shopping at an active farm.
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Jams Jelly and Preserves sign
You never know where someone lacks knowledge. This straightforward sign does a great job of educating customers even on topics you might assume are common knowledge.
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"New apples are here!"
There are two great things about this sign: creates excitement about a new apple, and declares that it's the family's favorite new apple.
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Picnic area around the lake
These stunning maples are a favorite spot for locals to bring their families. They'll stop in the bakery or deli for a picnic meal, and enjoy a lazy hour or two enjoying nature.
View all
Road view of White House Fruit Farm
The website is promoted at the entrance
Promoting family ownership in many ways
Second generation David Hull driving a forklift at the loading dock
Debbie Pifer is part of the third generation running White House Fruit Farm
Customers at the bakery
Coffee bar in the parking lot
The deli accounts for a forth of White House's sales
A simple take-and-go recipe center
The fresh produce department
Inside the silo
Jams Jelly and Preserves sign
"New apples are here!"
Picnic area around the lake
In late 2015, Debbie Pifer, a third generation member of the Hull family to run the market, gave us a tour of White House. Even in November, we had to navigate around large crowds of customers.
Here’s a look at some of the features that has made is so popular.
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Carol Miller is Editor of American Vegetable Grower. See all author stories here.