A History of Soergel's
by Jean Soergel

Our family farm's history began in the mid-1850s when a German immigrant by the name of John Conrad Soergel settled on this very spot and began planting apple trees. The apples were sold wholesale for the first half of the 1900s, but in the mid 1960s a severe spring frost left very few apples on the trees. At this, Warren and I decided it was not worth the long trip to town everyday to sell the few apples we had. We started our own roadside stand located at the corner of Brandt School Road and Wexford Bayne Road (now Route 910).

When the business outgrew the original building, a larger stand was built. Then, in 1973 Interstate 79 claimed 14 acres of apples. Nevertheless, our family felt it was time for further expansion and in the early 1970s the present market was established.

Today, our immediate family includes my husband Warren, our four children, and their spouses: Reed and Danetta, Randy and Beth, Richard and Mary Kay, and Linda and Larry. Completing the family circle are thirteen grandchildren.

Our farm consists of 350 acres in several different locations. Warren, our dog Lucy and I live in the white farmhouse to the right of the market. The original house burned to the ground in 1911, but was rebuilt on the same foundation. Around the market we have planted a variety of fruit trees, mostly apple, but also cherry, plum and pear.

Richard and Mary Kay live off of Wexford Run Road and have many varieties of apple trees on their farm. Reed and Danetta, and Linda and Larry own farms one mile apart in Connoquenessing Township in Butler County with a total of 160 acres. They raise all of the corn and pumpkins and many garden vegetables. Reed and Danetta also have turkeys, horses, and ponies. Randy and Beth live around the corner from the market and their main interest is in the greenhouse. Randy started with several greenhouses as a complement to the market in 1980. Since then, the Garden Center and many more greenhouses have been added.

In 1986 we began our own rack and cloth cider press, which Larry operates. He presses at least three times a week and more often in the fall,. A pasteurizer was added in 1997 to ensure a completely safe product for our customers.

The fall of 1987 saw the expansion of our bakery. We now have a full-scale bakery and deli department. Delicious freshly baked pies, cookies and pastries are available seven days a week.

As you can see, our whole family is involved in our operation. Our extended family includes our employees, all of whom we consider one of our greatest assets. Without their help and input, we couldn't offer you, the customers, the products that we do.

We take great pride in the quality of our produce and we work long hours to bring it to you at its very best. Be sure to visit us frequently all summer as well as all winter long because the availability and variety of produce changes constantly.

We thank you for your patronage and are always open to any suggestions. Hope to see you often!

This page was last updated on April 11, 2007 12:23 PM

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