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Sons of Dunn Farm
Nestled in the center of picturesque Potter County is the sprawling 180-acre Sons of Dunn Farm, where delicious pure maple syrup has been created for nearly three-quarters of a century.
The Dunn homestead was acquired by Gary and Maribelle Dunn in the mid 1950’s, after Gary completed his service with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the Korean War. Maribelle’s family produced maple throughout her childhood on land in Potter and McKean Counties.
Gary and Maribelle, with their children Doris, Gary Jr., Glenn and Bryan, managed the dairy farm until their retirement in 1994, also producing peas, potatoes and beef and maintaining an apple orchard.
The Sons of Dunn Farm is currently owned by Glenn Dunn, Sr. and his wife Joanne, and is run with the help of their children, Amber, Emily and Glenn Dunn II.
In addition to creating the finest Maple products, Sons of Dunn Farm also produces small grains and hay.
The Dunn Family has a history in service organizations, including the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Gary Dunn was an Honorary Keystone Degree recipient on two occasions, in recognition of his dedication to agriculture education and the FFA program.
In the 1950’s and 60’s, Gary and neighbor Gene Axlline helped Santa as he delivered treats and gifts to all the hilltop children, and in later years established a mid-morning coffee break for the groups of hunters he hosted, which continues to be observed annually in his honor.
Glenn II, also called Bud, caught Maple Fever in 2001 during an FFA tour of nearby Wending Creek and Brydonson Farms, both of which are members of the Potter/Tioga Maple Producers Association, and being spurred along by the encouragement of his family.
As part of an agriculture project in 2002, Bud installed 200 taps, using a wood-fired evaporator in the farm’s old milk house to make the first batch of his own Maple Syrup.
He continued tapping trees and harvesting sap as a member of the Spud Growers FFA, expanding his operation each year, and was named Agri-Businessman of the Year for both Pennsylvania and the Eastern States Region in 2006.
In 2007, it was time to expand; Glenn II leased an old machine storage barn on the family farm.
After completing renovations, the new Sons of Dunn Sugar House was unveiled. The large building houses a fuel oil-fired evaporator with steam-away and automatic draw-off, a gas-fired finishing pan, filter presses, canners and bottlers, and a modern Maple Kitchen.
Currently, the Dunn’s, with the help of their family and friends, maintain 2500 taps, with 1600 of those connected by a tube and vacuum system. Through this process, they teach their grandchildren, poised to become the fifth generation of maple producers, the business of creating high-quality maple products.
Sons of Dunn Farm’s maple operations have expanded each year. Throughout 2013, an additional 1500 taps will be connected by vacuum systems in the sugar bush, and a reverse osmosis machine is planned for installation in the sugar house.
The Dunn’s are members of both the Potter/Tioga Maple Producers Association and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association. Their maple products have been marketed in 16 states and two foreign countries, and can be found at the Potter County Fair, PA Farm Show, the Potter/Tioga Maple Festival and Maple Weekend Tours, and events throughout the region.
The family remains very community-oriented. Glenn Sr. serves as Assistant Chief of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, and Glenn II serves as the department’s Rescue Captain and Secretary, and is employed with the Potter County Conservation District.
“If the ‘steam’s a rising,’ stop by and visit” at the Sons of Dunn Family Farm, located at 1606 North Ayers Hill Road, Coudersport, where the Dunn Family’s award-winning Maple Products can be purchased year-round. Special treats are prepared for Maple Weekend, including Maple lollipops, hard candy and shortbread cookies. Syrup samples, boiling and equipment demonstrations are offered.
To reach the farm, travel two miles on Route 872 south from the intersection with US-6. Turn left onto Ayers Hill Road. After driving approximately one mile, the Sons of Dunn Sugar House will be on the left.
To place an order or to obtain additional information, contact the farm at 814-274-7247 or by emailing sodfamilyfarm@hotmail.com .
Photographs of the farm and this year’s operation and information on current events are available on the Sons of Dunn Family Farm Facebook page.
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