[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 98 (Monday, June 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E954-E955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING LYMAN ORCHARDS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 275TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2016

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the community of Middlefield, Connecticut in extending my 
congratulations to the Lyman family as they mark the 275th Anniversary 
of Lyman Orchards--a very special milestone for this wonderful 
community treasure.
  The story of Lyman Orchards begins in 1741 when John and Hope Lyman 
purchased thirty-seven acres of land and started the family farm. Eight 
generations later, Lyman Orchards remains family-run and is, in fact, 
the 12th oldest family run business still in operation in the United 
States.
  Over its 275-year history, Lyman Orchards has grown and today 
encompasses over 1,100 acres of land where it produces over one hundred 
varieties of fruit and is home to the Apple Barrel where shoppers can 
purchase produce from the farm as well as products created by that 
produce like their famous high-top apple pie, cider donuts, and fresh 
apple cider. Families can enjoy the ``pick-your-own'' opportunities, a 
business model that Lyman Orchards was the first to introduce in 1966. 
From apples and pumpkins in the fall to strawberries, blueberries, and 
raspberries in the early summer and peaches, nectarines, and pears in 
the late summer, you can pick your own favorites nearly all year long.

[[Page E955]]

  More recently, Lyman Orchards has added attractions like the Corn 
Maze and Sunflower Maze the proceeds from which are donated to the 
American Cancer Society and the Connecticut Children's Medical Center 
respectively. There is the Paint the Pumpkin Pink event that raises 
money for the Middlesex Comprehensive Breast Center and the Sunshine 
Kids Road Race that benefits children with cancer. Lyman Orchards is 
also home to two 18-hole golf courses and a golf training center. 
Designed by legendary Hall of Fame architect Robert Trent Jones and 
Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player, these championship golf courses are 
both ranked among the best in the Northeast.
  During my tenure in Congress, I have had many opportunities to visit 
Lyman Orchards and have always been in awe of their forward-thinking 
vision, always coupled with their commitment to preserving and 
celebrating their rich history. Rooted, both literally and 
figuratively, in the Middlefield community, Lyman Orchards and the 
Lyman family are not only a part of the fabric of Middlefield, they are 
a warp thread--a vertical thread that forms the base of the fabric's 
weave. Theirs is a story that is a reflection of the history not only 
of Connecticut, but of New England. I am proud to stand today to offer 
my heartfelt congratulations to John Lyman, III and the entire Lyman 
family as they mark the 275th Anniversary of Lyman Orchards and extend 
my very best wishes for continued success.

                          ____________________