58 years ago, when Bob and I started making jams and relishes with Amish neighbors in the two-garage behind our little house, we had high hopes. But we had no idea what would happen in the years ahead.
Fortunately family, friends, bankers, neighbors, customers, wonderful coworkers and the good Lord directed us into an established business of repeat customers. This happened so much that the three children saw their need to return after college in the mid 1970′s and enlarge our goals. Twenty-five years later, the oldest granddaughter returned to re-assume earlier duties and soon managed the operations of the food division of our growing village of shops in Lancaster County.
Time marches on and last month our grandson returned from a variety of experiences; one in particular was a three and a half year stint with the famous Seattle Pike Place Fish Market. He is quickly learning a wide range of responsibilities here at Kitchen Kettle. Bob and I had always said there would be plenty of opportunities for all six grandchildren. I am sure if he were here today, Bob would make the two (almost) new great- grandchildren most welcomed as well.
So with all that inter-generational help, I love taking time to listen to kind comments from long time visitors at Kitchen Kettle Village. Just a few minutes ago a guest in the Jam & Relish Kitchen told me that her 95 year old mother in Michigan asked her to send Lancaster County relishes to the folks back home. Apparently she was so pleased that her mother now orders the relishes shipped directly to her by calling our 800 number on her jar of Chow Chow.
The Jam & Relish Kitchen isn’t the only place to hear stories. The temperature here in the Village today feels close to triple digits, so now I get my stories on the computer while enjoying the air conditioning. May I also hear your story?
