 |
|
The Apple industry holds a rich heritage in the Knouse family as they've been apart of it for over 80 years.
M.E. Knouse entered the apple industry in 1925, by purchasing a struggling apple processing plant in Peach Glen under what was known as the Knouse Corporation. He used that plant to process apples grown by him and other nearby orchard owners. In 1936 the Knouse Corporation purchased an applesauce processing factory in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Soon after that, the National Fruit Company bought into the business and for 17 years the association continued. Then in 1948, National Fruit wanted to liquidate it's northern operations, which opened the door for what is now know as Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc. So in 1949 a group of local fruit growers came together to form a grower owned co-op and purchase the processing plant. The farmer's, in need of a leader called upon M.E. Knouse to take the position as CEO. He assumed the position on April 15th, 1949, of what is now known as Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
M.E. Knouse knew he wouldn't be CEO forever, so he planned for something to fall back on. He loved the fruit growing industry and was one of the pioneer leaders. Since he loved it so much, he never wanted to lose touch with the industry. So he began to purchase farm land while he was CEO of Knouse Foods. By 1957 he had accumulated around 2,300 acres of farm land, but that year he sold the land to Musselman's. Then in 1958 he purchased 600 acres in Adams County, and in 1960 he purchased an additional 800 acres in Franklin County. These farms were purchased under the business name M.E. Knouse Orchards. After M.E. retired in 1966 from Knouse Foods, he began the management of his farm land. In 1973 M.E. Knouse Orchards became what it is now known as today, Knouse Fruitlands Incorporated.
Today, Knouse Fruitlands Inc., is comprised of two parts, fruit and vegetable growing, and the Historic Round Barn & Farm Market. Right now the company operates 8 different farms, totaling 1,200 + acres, scattered over Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. On these farms, Knouse Fruitlands Inc. grows Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Nectarines, Apricots, Pluots (Plum and Apricot mix), Cherries, Corn, Pumpkins, Gourds, and many different Vegetables.
The business has been in continuous operation starting with M.E. Knouse and has never been owned by anyone outside of the Knouse Family. Today, the business is owned by Tonya Knouse-White (General Manager), Milton Knouse (Production Manager), and Brian Knouse (Production Manager). Tonya, Milton, and Brian are third generation owners and the fourth generation, Kyle Knouse and Kevin Knouse are waiting in the wings. |
|
The Knouse Family
