The "Tomato Barn" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Taking a Sunday afternoon drive through the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Headed toward the Susquehanna River to see if there was any boating or fishing along the river, then headed in the direction of Safe Harbor, PA.  As we approached Rt. 999 we decided to take that route and head towards Millersville, PA.  The day was mild and the skies were partially cloudy.  The fields on both sides of the road showed signs of harvested corn and soybeans.  The farms along the road are just amazing with a patchwork of crops that look like they've been quilted in place.  We approached a slight rise in the road and after reaching the crest we noticed the barn sitting directly along the road.  

"Remember when ……" we both said as we saw the "The Tomato Barn" sign.  Some of the best tomatoes you will ever eat are found in Washington Boro, PA.  I was told the sandy soil is the main reason for the fantastic taste.  The owner of the farm where the tomatoes are grown, Steve, used to wholesale all his tomatoes.  He had 20,000 plants which were mostly a variety known as Jet Stars.  He would sell to dealers as well as grocery stores.  

The Tomato Barn along Rt. 999.  Click to enlarge.

Every year in Washington Boro the Tomato Festival is held on the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of July at the local park.  1987 was totally rained out and the Jet Star tomatoes were cracked, ugly and soft all due to the wet weather.  Well, a few of the wholesalers and stores feared Steve's tomatoes were no longer any good so they stopped ordering from him.  What do you do with tomatoes from 20,000 plants?  So, the following year he put a stand along the road in front of his barn.  His earnings barely paid for his help, but then the local TV station mistakenly happened to stop and began to set up for a live story.  By the time the TV reporter found out he was at the wrong place it was too late, so he broadcast from Steve's Tomato Barn.  The next day sales increased 800% and the rest is history.  

The end of the growing season for tomatoes, but these
look absolutely delicious.  Can't beat the price either.

Carol and I often used to stop by the Tomato Barn for our tomatoes, but over the years, and with raising a family on the opposite end of the county, we didn't make it back too many times.  But, I must admit the tomatoes are fantastic.  I'll even go as far as saying you'll have a hard time finding a better tomato anywhere else in Lancaster County and I'm sure by now, after reading this blog for years, you realize that Lancaster County is the "Garden Spot of America" and we have the best crops in the country.  Memories are hard to forget and Carol and I said we will have to begin making weekly stops once again at the Tomato Barn.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - check out the video on the Tomato Barn.  PS - check out the TV video on the Tomato Barn in Washington Boro, PA