|
BRIEF HISTORY:
Martin Althouse
and wife, Nora Althouse purchased the barn and property with the intention of raising their children there. Marty jockeyed
cows out of the barn stalls. He bought young calves and raised them until they could be sold. His family joined in, as was
expected in those days, to farm the land. Hay was stacked to the roof in the upper level of the barn to provide food for the
livestock. Eventually, Marty grew a business he loved, construction. As his children grew and went away to serve our country
and start new families, the farming slowly ended. Five of his children built homes on the property and live there to this
day. Some of his grandchildren have also built and live on the property that is now divided among his descendents.
BUSINESS NAME AND HISTORY:
One section
of the property that was used for farmland was named 'Cobblestone Hills' by Marty. This was due to the number of cobblestones
in the soils of this area. A good portion of that part of the property was bought by Marty's youngest son, Charles (Debbie's
father), and planted with Christmas trees. Christmas trees have been grown on this property for over 40 years with the help
of Charles' wife, Martha. Christmas trees were sold in front of the barn 50 years ago. After Charles built his home on Witmer Road,
he began to sell the trees in his front yard. He and his wife built up the tree business into a well established business
with customers returning generation after generation. Debbie has been well involved with all aspects the tree nursery. Charles'
named his Nursery originally 'Cobblestone Acres'. This name dissolved and became 'Althouse Nursery'. Althouse Nursery is still
operating. 'Cobblestone Farms' serves to combine all the history of the Althouse properties.
DEBBIE'S KNOWLEDGE:
As
you have read, growing up in this area was pretty special in having so much family around. I have always been involved in
one way or another with the trees. This lead to my interest in landscaping. I earned an Associate Degree in Landscape Design
from Temple University. I've worked in various greenhouses and nurseries gathering experience from a number of different positions.
After starting my own family, I started my own business of landscaping and maintenance. I remain strong in design and consultation.
I have always been involved with some type of craft or painting. I started a small candle business and still hand pour a line
of candles. Slate painting has become a pleasurable craft. I have kept up with the tree business by attending Christmas
Tree Management seminars and courses.
The
opportunity to purchase the barn from my Uncle was presented to me and within a short time my dream has come true of owning
a shop. With my wide knowledge of the gift business as well as the landscape field, I believe I can offer my customers plenty
to satisfy a number of needs.
The
Gift Shoppe will be open year round with seasonal hours to provide for those needing quick and different gifts as well as
those just looking for something special for themselves. The Garden Shoppe will be slightly different in that there may not
be a wide expanse of plants, but plants that may be different or special in their own way. I will build on various other garden
needs and try to pick what I feel may be the best for this area or ease of use.
I
welcome all and would love to talk with you about your needs.
Blessings
to all,
Debbie
Althouse
|
