File:Orchard at Kelderhouse Farm, Port Oneida Rural Historic District (2006) (f5fc3e30-e048-41b5-8954-244de74bf39d).jpg

A grouping of mature fruit trees grows in a grassy field, with short trunks and small leaves covering the branches.

Port Oneida represents historic trends of agriculture, industry, and early European settlement. The rural landscape is dotted with farms dating back to the 1870s, and there are groupings of farm houses and outbuildings, fields, and orchards. Historically, orchards consisting of five to ten apple, peach, or pear trees were located near the farm houses. Today, the remnant orchards are scattered throughout the district and are limited almost exclusively to apple and pear trees. These small orchards represent a significant activity in Port Oneida’s history: small-scale fruit production for domestic use by farm families. The orchards may also offer valuable information about historic pomological varieties and cultivation practices. Hilltops were often used for orchards and growing crops since the low-lying areas produced cold air pockets. At the Peter Burfiend Farm, there are several fruit trees which mark a former orchard site between the barn and Thoreson road. At the Kelderhouse Farm, remains of the once extensive orchards, planted in the 1920s, can be seen in fields to the east and south of the farm. At the Lawr Farm, a large remnant apple orchard is located in the field north of the farm. The Port Oneida Historic Landscape Management Plan (2011) describes objectives and techniques for managing historic orchards throughout the district.

• Keywords: cultural landscape; historic orchard; remnant orchard; fruit tree; Port Oneida Rural Historic District; agriculture