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THE BEGINNING
The land where Mapleside Farms sits was first settled by the Tillotson family from Massachusetts. They were drawn to the area in 1817 by the incredibly fertile soil. Elmer and Clara Eyssen bought the farm from the Tillotson family in 1927 and moved their family from Lakewood, way out into the country, to what is now known as Brunswick, OH. At that time the land consisted of the current property plus many acres across Pearl Road as well as some property on Center Road/Rte. 303. In the earlier years of this beautiful farm, a large stand of maple trees on the side of the hill were used for maple syrup production and became Elmer and Clara’s inspiration for naming their land, Mapleside Farms.
Elmer and Clara Eyssen in 1972
FAMILY VALUES
The Eyssens were avid gardeners and soon grew more produce than their family could consume. They set up a table and umbrella alongside Pearl Road to sell their surplus harvest. Soon the stand became a popular stopping point for travelers on their way to Cleveland. On Elmer’s travels, he met an apple farmer and became very interested in the growing of apples. He began by planting several apple trees at Mapleside. Once word got around and demand increased for his delicious apples, he quickly expanded his orchard. Elmer soon moved on from the table and umbrella into a store that sold peaches, pears, apples, and apple cider poured right from a wooden barrel during the fall harvest season. Their youngest son, affectionately called Apple Bill, graduated from Ohio State with a major in pomology, the growing of fruit. Bill returned to Mapleside, married his OSU sweetheart, Jane, and together they grew their budding fruit stand into one of the premier roadside markets in Ohio, often sharing their experiences with other farmers at conventions across the state. In 1962, the Apple House was opened, with the massive stone fireplace that visitors still enjoy today.
Bill Eyssen With His Children ( in blue) in the 90’s
TODAY
Through the years, Mapleside has grown to meet the wants and needs of an ever-changing community. Today, Mapleside has evolved into Northeast Ohio’s premier venue for events of all types thanks to owners, Greg and Kelly Clement. In 2010, the Clements, a local family raising their 3 boys, Manny, Jonah, and Elijah in Brunswick, Ohio, purchased Mapleside Farms. They have a passionate belief in the farm and its timeless ability to charm and delight visitors of all ages. This stems from both Greg and Kelly being raised in Brunswick and experiencing the magic of Mapleside first hand. Greg recalls being five years old and attending the Johnny Appleseed Festival when Apple Bill Eyssen himself reached down and handed him an apple. At that time Apple Bill seemed like a superhero, larger than life. Kelly remembers Greg getting down on bended knee asking for her hand in marriage atop the hill at Mapleside. Backdropped by the breathtaking 50 mile view and one of the most beautiful sunsets she has ever seen. This love of the past and optimism for the future is what fuels them in creating a truly unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
The Clement Family, Owners of Mapleside Farms
Families and friends gather from near and far every Friday to enjoy Mapleside’s Concerts Over The Valley, the largest summer concert series in Northeast Ohio. Every week a different genre of music can be heard while overlooking the valley and watching the sunset from a chosen spot on the hill. Pumpkin Village and its weekly themed Fall Festivals have become a favorite Mapleside Farms family attraction and stem from Greg and Kelly’s love of the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Families enjoy Pumpkin Village’s variety of attractions including the themed Corn Maze, Cow and Pig Trains, Hayrides, 311 foot Super Slide, Ohio’s largest Jumping Pillow, Pig Races, and Billy Goat Bluff. Every weekend Mapleside morphs into a unique themed fall family experience that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy, while new adult-only events give the grown-ups a chance to enjoy all that Pumpkin Village has to offer without the kids. The addition of the beautiful post and beam construction Barn on the North end of the property, The Lodge, and The Cellar make Mapleside a premier Northeast Ohio venue for weddings and special events of all sizes. The Winter Concerts in The Barn draw crowds of music lovers who are ready to enjoy great music in a beautifully rustic venue. The Clements continue to bring their dreams for Mapleside Farms to life as they cultivate an atmosphere where families and friends can make wonderful lifelong memories for years to come.