Our History

The land on which Mapleside Farms now sits has always been fertile soil. That's what attracted Sam and Sarah Tillotson from Massachusetts to settle here in 1817 and raise their ten children on the fruits of this soil. And that's what drew Elmer and Clara Eyssen to purchase the farm from the Tillotson ancestors more than 100 years later in 1927.

Like the Tillotsons, the Eyssens were hard working folks and valued the strength and importance of family. Even though Clara was a city girl, she loved taking care of her roses and harvesting vegetables from her garden. Elmer was an avid golfer. As fate would have it, on one of his golf trips to Mansfield, he learned about growing apples.

The sandy soil of the farm was perfect for apples and before long, Elmer's trees were producing more apples than the family could use. He set up a roadside table and umbrella and sold apples to travelers. Word got around that Elmer had some delicious apples and demand grew. It was time to build a more substantial store for selling apples and cider.

Elmer & Clara's youngest son, Bill, took an interest in the farm and helped his dad with the apple business. After earning a degree in pomology from Ohio State and winning the hand of his wife, Jane, Bill returned to Mapleside to carry on the tradition started by Elmer.

Bill began by expanding the apple orchards and Mapleside's reputation for growing the crispest, juiciest apples spread. As Bill added trees to the orchards it soon became apparent that more sales space was needed in the apple store.

The 60's were a period of growth for Mapleside Farms. The Apple House with its massive stone fireplace and unique Cider Bar opened for business in the fall of 1962. And since "apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze," it only made sense to add on a Cheese House to the north end of the Apple House in 1968. The old apple store was used as a florist before The Flower House was added to the south end of the Apple House in 1970.

As Mapleside grew, so did Bill and Jane's family. By the middle of the 1960's they had their own crew of apple pickers: Dave, Linda, Bill, Janelle, Tim and Jon. All have been and continue to be involved in the operations of Mapleside at various levels.

Mapleside became an area attraction where travelers and local residents could browse through the Flower House, Cheese House and Apple House for hours. The only thing missing was a place to eat. The next logical expansion was to add a restaurant. For this decision, Bill and Jane turned to their now grown children. The family agreed it was a natural "next step" and went forward with construction of The Apple Farm Restaurant which opened in September, 1984.

Today, the business remains perched atop the same hill that attracted Elmer and Clara to it more than seventy years ago. The Cheese House is now the Deli & Cafe and the old apple store now serves as the Ice Cream Parlor. Apple Bill and Jane can be seen helping out behind the scenes. Their children and grandchildren, along with a supportive group of managers and employees, work hard to see that the tradition of quality and friendly service started by Elmer and Clara continues on into the 21st century.