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important, when the people have used all the apples harvested by themselves, they 

 continue to purchase apples at the roadside stand for the rest of the season. 



"We use the pick-your-own method to help advertise our roadside stand. Any 

 individual group that picks three bushels or more receives a free ticket which 

 entitles them to a chance for a bonus prize given every day at the roadside 

 stand. Of course this Is a gimmick because at the stand there are all grades and 

 sizes of apples, jams, lellies, and homemade and unusual candies that are not 

 generally found in stores. We sell penny candies for children, popcorn, candied 

 apples, honey, and cheese." 



The writer might add that the roadside stand, which is in the bam. Is very 

 artistically and cleverly arranged by Mrs. Proctor, who is manager. . There are 

 stuffed animals featured in their natural habitat, antiques, and other gift shop 

 items which are attractive to many customers. 



Ready Cash 



"The pick-your-own method of harvest furnishes us with ready cash at a time 

 we are in desperate need of it." 



Apples are sold to the public at a cost approximately equivalent to the 

 wholesale price for orchard-run fruit. 



Headaches! 



Any grower planning to invite the public to pick their own fruit should 

 contact his insurance a gent i n order to have suitable lia b ility insurance . 



Considerable supervision is required! "We have to run the pick-your-own 

 method on somewhat of a supermarket fashion. We let the people in at one gate and 

 out another. We have to hire (a) policemen to direct traffic, (b) instructors and 

 harvest supervisors, and (c) girls for the 'check-in' and 'check-out' gates." 



Management of Harvest 



Hamilton advertises on the radio that the public is invited to pick their 

 own apples. "We may have been picking apples commercially for two weeks. We wait 

 until the apples have real good flavor and color before inviting the public in to 

 pick. 



"We let the people pick in blocks where no fruit has been previously har- 

 vested. Our customers are the first ones to harvest the fruit. If a person 

 wants all large apples or just small fruit for the children, they can have them. 

 The price is the same. 



"We originally insisted that the customers bring their own containers but 

 found no standardization. They would bring everything from blueberry baskets to 

 washtubs. Naturally, this led to many discussions as to what was a bushel on 

 which the price was based. Now we give all customers half-bushel bags if they 

 have no half-bushel or bushel containers. No other size or type of container is 

 allowed. 



"Ladders are furnished and the people are given instructions on how to pick. 



