The Tradition Continues….

Local Henderson County apple grower, J H Stepp, and his family were represented in the King Apple Parade again in 2006, after a twenty seven year lapse, with the fourth generation. In 1979 J H Stepp’s five granddaughters ranging in age from three to six years won the Kiddie Parade trophy for Best Costume for “The Apple of our Papaw’s Eye.” The award earned them the privilege of riding in the King Apple Parade.

This year, twenty seven years later, the farm will enter its tour wagon in the King Apple Parade. Not only will the five original “Apples of our Papaw’s Eye” be in the parade but also the fourth generation – five great granddaughters ranging in age from one and one-half months to five years.

J H Stepp, eighty six years old,  has been growing apples in Henderson County for approximately sixty years. He began in the Dana community where his father owned and operated J H Stepp and Sons, Inc.  The business included a general store, farm suppy, hardware, service station, and packing house. Now J H Stepp Farm’s Hillcrest Orchard located on Pace Road in Edneyville is a three generation farm owned and operated by J H with his son and daughter. The farm is a thirty five acre pick your own apples operation beginning its thirty sixth season this year. The business has expanded to include grapes, pumpkins, a gift shop, wagon rides with tours, and apple gift boxes shipped around the country. Three generations work together during the busy fall season. The family now includes one grandson, seven granddaughters  and five great granddaughters. (What are the odds of twelve girls in a row born to the same family? )

The Stepp family maintains close family ties with three and almost four generations working together.