Southern Tier Orchard Closes After 113 Years of Operation

The looming rumor of Jayne's Orchard in Laceyville closing has simmered in the Southern Tier community for about a decade.

Now, after years of whispers, the time has come to bid farewell to this iconic family business. While a tough decision, the signs from their equipment and the weariness in their bodies have spoken—it is time to close the orchard's gates.

Following Different Paths

The daughter of the orchard's owners has chosen a different path in life, and the owners never forced her to continue the family business, so they support her decision not to carry on the tradition of the orchard.

Unspoken Goodbyes

Jeannie Jayne, who has worked at the orchard for 48 years, and Roger, who has been part of it even longer, says that they have both said goodbye without words many times since deciding to close the orchard. Jeannie remembers their strong connections with customers over the years and lovingly refers to them as their "Orchard Family."

A Century of Gratitude

Founded in 1912, Jayne's Orchard wouldn't have become what it did without the hard work of so many every harvest season. The owners thank everyone who has been part of the orchard, whether just for a day or for many years. They appreciate family members and field workers who have all played a crucial role in the orchard's history.

Embracing Change

As they decide to close, the owners think about how their livelihood depends on the unpredictable weather. Despite facing many challenges, they fondly remember the happiness of seeing the orchard blossom every spring. As they say goodbye to the apples with mixed feelings, they find comfort in the promise of the cherry trees continuing to thrive for another year.

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Gratitude Amidst Farewell

As Jayne's Orchard closes its doors, Jeannie and Roger Jayne express their heavy yet grateful hearts to the community that supported their family farm and extend a warm invitation to anyone who runs into them in their post-orchard days, to engage with them so they can still see the familiar faces they've grown to love.