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Diverse would be an appropriate word to describe our farm. With so many different departments, so many people coming and going, so many crops grown and products made, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all that's going on! As a result, we have decided to write a series of newsletters titled "Behind the Scenes." We hope you find these interesting and informative as we give you the inside scoop on some of our departments and products. The Farmhouse Cafe is the oldest standing building at Davison Orchards. In 1946 Tom Davison (1st generation) built this adorable home for his wife, May.
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Tragically, Tom died of cancer the following year. May lived in the farmhouse for many many years where she found joy in creating a safe space for her nieces and nephews to come to. Each Davison child had their own fancy china tea cup at the farmhouse, and when they came by to visit, out would come the cookies and a pot of Twinnings tea (still the tea we serve in the Cafe in Auntie's honour). When the weather was warm they would sit in the sunroom and enjoy the spectacular view, but on cooler days everyone would gather in the living room and listen to records, flip through magazines, or chat over their tea-time. The door was always open and May was always there to listen and support.
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 After May passed, things changed. The building remained a residence for a few more years housing orchard staff along with their families, but the tea time visits and open door policy were sorely missed by many. Time continued to march on, and in 2000 the decision was made to turn the farmhouse into the first ever gift shop at Davison Orchards. The farm had opened their doors to the public in 1985, and by the turn of the century the destination was popular enough to warrant a separate space for gifts. It didn't take long to outgrow the space however, so after two years the gifts were moved out, the space was revamped, and the Farmhouse Cafe, originally called Auntie May's Cafe, was born! Once again the beloved farmhouse had become a space to enjoy a cup of Twinnings tea, eat good food and lend a listening ear.
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Today, the Farmhouse Cafe is a bustling hub of activity. People come from far and wide to enjoy a fresh slice of pie, soup and sandwiches, or a hot beverage and baked goods. As much as possible, the food served is grown or hand-made right here on our farm. The patio, with its breathtaking view and gorgeous flower pots, is a beautiful spot to sit in the sun with a coffee and watch the kids play. The original sunroom and living room, that hold so many precious memories of days gone by, is once again a place to congregate and make your own special memories. It only seems appropriate that the door is open and the pot is on, just like so many years before. So bring your family and friends and come on down to the Farmhouse Cafe.
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