Historic Hood River
Avalon Orchards Century Farm
6-14-2019
Notes
Here’s another Century Farm citation:
Sydney Babson planted the original orchard. His granddaughter, Sydney, and her husband, Rick Blaine came to Parkdale area in the 1970’s to continue working the farm. Their children, Heather and Gorham Blaine are the fourth generation. They are raising pears, apples and cherries in the Hood River Valley.
left to right: Sydney Babson Blaine, Rick Blaine, Heather Blaine, Gorham Blaine.
“It’s phenomenal to be able to work outside and raise a family with the many outdoor activities available in this beautiful spot at the foot of Mt. Hood.” Gorham Blaine
Gloria Sellers Yates
I remember Syd from when I was about 14, how he used to drive around the orchard in the jeep with a red bandana tied around his head. He had some of the best apples, called Winter Banana. Haven't seen any in years.
George Siegfried
Hello Sydney,
I read your Oregonian opinion. I do not envy your position. One thought however regarding your costs is this. As you know, a lot of consumers, including me and my family, are demanding more organic everything. I'm not sure if you are a commercial farmer or not, but there is an excellent, organic, cheap product called Nitrozyme, that is used in over 80 countries as a natural herbicide, pesticide and fungicide. The company to chat with would be Agri-Growth International in Canada. I'm not sure currently about all the sales and licensing issues in the states but Herb Martin, CEO and his son Jason have been selling the product worldwide since the 1970's. Herb and Jason's number is:780-484-0102 in Edmonton, Alberta. Feel free to tell them I gave you their number.
By the way, I knew Roy Webster back in the late 70's and early 80's. His family grew fruit in your area as well.
Delano Vanover
My dad worked for Roy Webster in the early 1950's. My dad and I lived in one of his concrete block cabins, not far from Pine Grove School. Hope I'm correct on this being the right Roy Webster.