A new farmstand honors the memory of longtime Orange County Supervisor Grover Wilson.
Wilson, who passed away last year at the age of 82, was a longtime county resident and served 18 years as a supervisor, was on the planning commission and served as a representative to a variety of boards including the economic development authority and the Rapidan Service Authority. He was also a farmer and since his death, Wilson’s family has breathed life back into the Rhoadesville land that had become the heart of the family–Grover Hill Farm.
Grover Wilson, left, and his wife, Linda.
Grandson Dalton Jobe, the third generation to carry on the family legacy, is caring for the farm. He and his wife, Marybeth, have worked to restore it and bring cattle back in. Every family member is contributing to honor Wilson’s memory and keep his legacy alive. One of the biggest ways that is occurring is through a new farmstand.
“The farmstand was born out of love, resilience and the kind of loyalty that only family can offer,” granddaughter Emily Koontz said.
Wilson’s granddaughter Samantha Keithline was navigating a divorce, fighting for her grandparents’ land and healing from both when baking became a refuge. She discovered she had a talent and passion the family wanted to support. The women of the family took on the task of creating the farmstand to help Keithline turn her talent into a source of income.
“No one hesitated,” Koontz said. “Everyone showed up. The farmstand became not just a business, but a reflection of everything this family stands for: showing up for one another, honoring where they came from, and never giving up.”
Support was also offered by Koontz’ husband, Hunter, who donated the shed for the stand, Jobe who brought the vision to life, Wilson’s son-in-law Freddie Jobe who offered additional support and taste testing and Wilson’s grandson Devin Jobe who also offered support.
Everything sold in the farmstand is homemade with each family member having their specialty. Ana handles the crocheted items; Koontz crafts teas, sprays, bath salts and scrubs made with non-toxic, body safe ingredients; Wilson’s wife Linda is often making oven towels and bags, plus peanut butter and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies; Marybeth quilts and makes sweet treats and Keithline creates sourdough items including loaves, focaccia, cookies and muffins. Wilson’s daughter, Diane Jobe, serves as the mastermind behind the scenes. She is also planning to offer her pie crusts for sale in the future.
The family celebrated the stand’s soft opening the weekend of May 23.
“We had some rain, but we were so happy to see so many customers come out to support us for the very first time,” Koontz said. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and it is clear that people want to see us succeed. That means the world to this family.”
The farmstand is located at 27180 Constitution Highway in Rhoadesville and is open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Items are restocked weekly. Sales are done on a self-serve honor system with cash, Venmo and CashApp accepted. Pre-orders are also being accepted. For more information, including upcoming offerings, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573366972511.
