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The
image at the top of each of these pages is of pear blossoms. Delicate flowers, found on
pear trees, which as
the flower grows, lose their petals and
become one of the most delicious fruits on this earth.
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The Lowrys have
been in agriculture as far back as we have been able to trace the family
tree. You might say we have our roots in roots.
James Lowry (1771 - 1849) and his sons had large
and impressive farms in McMinn County, southeastern Tennessee. The
same can also be said of George Bebe Lowry (1857 -
1918) and his sons in Jasper County, southwestern Missouri. While we
aren't entirely sure what crops they grew, we are fairly certain that they
had an appreciation for what the earth could provide.
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David Britten Lowry (also known as Uncle Dave or
Grandpa Dave) has been growing pears in southern Oregon for more than six
decades. Its not just a living for him, its a way of life, its his
grand passion. He can tell you more about pears than any other orchardist around. Today his Associated Fruit Company (below),
operates over 1,700 acres of pear orchards in the Rogue Valley, making
it one of the largest pear companies in the country. At 90, he
still runs his company, which is best known for its Piggy Pears brand. |
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David's father, Burton
(Bert) Bebe Lowry (1883 - 1966 and pictured here in about 1915 with the first
four of his six children) also grew pears; lots of pears.
Prior to his migrating to the Rogue River Valley in southern Oregon, Bert
had worked in Hood River, Oregon where he managed an orchard. He had
also worked near Pocatello, Idaho at an agricultural experiment station.
He was an experienced orchardist. For many years he was superintendent
of Bear Creek Orchards, known now for their Harry & David fruit gifts. |
David's son
David (Dave) Douglas Lowry, has a couple orchards,
but he leaves the growing to an expert - his dad. Dave does have a few
Asian pear trees in his garden, but this falls somewhat short of making him
a major grower. Recently, Dave's son, Douglas
(Doug) Britten Lowry, has joined his grandfather's pear company so it
looks like the pear growing tradition will go on. Doug has been
learning all he can about pears and is taking it all quite seriously. His
hard work and dedication has paid off. He soon starts his new position as
the Packing House Superintendent. Way to go Doug! We're all very sure
he will do a great job for Associated Fruit Company!
The Lowrys have
grown and still grow many varieties of pears. Some of the favorite
traditional varieties are Bosc, Comice, Barletts, and D'Anjous.
More exotic
varieties include Asian Pears (above) and the bright red Red Angelos, one of
the varieties Grandpa Dave developed himself.
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