Walter Wells and Sons, LLC - A Century of Family Farming

When Walter Wells first started working in the Pine Grove Community of the Hood River Valley, he was a draftsman who built local homes and barns. Known locally as "Pop" Wells, he built more than forty structures for his friends and neighbors, some of which still stand today! He would ultimately set aside his contracting career, however, to focus his energy on farming the small orchard that his parents, Jerome and Mary, had established in 1901.

With a leap of faith and plenty of hard work, Walter expanded his father's orchard, growing sweet, juicy and delicious apples, pears, peaches and cherries. His sons, Gowlan and Bill, worked beside him as the business grew.

This was also a time of war, however, and soon the draft board sent for both of the Wells boys. Walter despaired, and appealed to the board to allow one of his boys to remain home helping with the family business, or it would surely falter. So convincing was Walter's appeal, that the board allowed Gowlan to stay on the farm. Thankfully, Bill safely returned home after his service as well, and Walter Wells and Sons was officially founded.

While the farm has consistently produced absolutely sumptuous produce, that has not been their only concern. The Wells family has retained an ongoing devotion to the environment, and has farmed responsibly in that respect from the very beginning. Wells & Sons has been actively involved in the research and development of innovative, natural, environmentally friendly farming tools that replace chemical products. They have also worked hard to create a farming system that conserves and reuses natural resources, while also utilizing tactical, minimally invasive pest control practices, such as creating inviting environments for natural predators

Today, through the growth of the Wells family itself, four "Wells" families are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the Walter Wells & Sons orchards. They continue the dedication to producing fabulous, quality fruit with an ongoing respect for the environment, and are proud to be Food Alliance Certified.

At Truitt Brothers, we thank family farms, such as Walter Wells and Sons, that help us bring you the finest produce available.