Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hancock's Orchard Industry
Other company and family names followed, among them: Millstone Orchard Company, Locher Orchards, Daniels, Funk, R.S. Dillon, Corona Orchard Company, Round Top Orchard Company, Green Lane, Roy Daniels, John Mason and L. Resley, as well as Hepburn Orchards. Over time, many of them were incorporated into larger companies such as Fairview Orchards.
At the industrial peak in the mid 1940-60's, five thousand acres produced apples, peaches, cherries, and plums, which were shipped to "fresh markets" and canning factories. "Fancy Packs" were shipped abroad. Laborers from Florida, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica helped local farmers harvest each fall, giving a huge boost to the local economy. Cold storage warehouses stored the excess fruit until markets opened for the fruit.
The bulk of the industry went into decline in the 1970-80 period due to labor problems. Most of the area, once a fruit basket for the nation, now lies fallow.
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Packing shed bearing the logo for Andy’s Candy brand.
Production line circa 1930-40. The packing houses provided seasonal employment for many through late summer through fall seasons.
Promotional display for National Apple Week.
Cohill Orchards in spring bloom.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 39° 41.968′ N, 78° 11.049′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Main Street (Maryland Route 144) west of Methodist Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Hancock, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Hancock United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tonoloways (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Coombe (about 500 feet away); Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland (about 500 feet away); Main Street looking east / North West Corner of Main Street and Penn Ave. (about 500 feet away); Hancock (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Hancock (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,060 times since then and 86 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.