277 State Route 18, New Wilmington, PA 16142 • (724) 652-3221
About Us
Since 1861, six generations of the Johnston family have been farming on our property in the heart of Western Pennsylvania Amish country. Our farm totals 145 acres, growing approximately fifty varieties of apples, plus peaches, nectarines, blueberries, raspberries, our famous sweet corn, and a number of other fresh fruits and vegetables for your family and ours.
Today, Lyle Johnston manages the farm and the market, and Sandy, his wife, is the bookkeeper and works many hours in the market as well. In May of 2011, Lyle's son Steven returned home and is now involved in all aspects of the farm and market operations. Lyle’s father, Ralph, continues to work around the farm where needed, and has the important task of beekeeper, assuring the apples and other fruits and vegetables are pollinated.
In 1950, Ralph and his wife Ruth, who grew up on an apple farm in Beaver County, built the original Apple Castle salesroom. Ralph chose the name Apple Castle since the apple is 
the “king” of fruit and because of the farm's proximity to New Castle. Ralph and Ruth had four children: Sally, Hood, Lyle, and David.
In 1977, Lyle came to the farm and joined the business. The additional help, and Lyle’s own interests, led to the construction of a new sales room in 1982. This made it possible to add some new products including our famous homemade donuts, cheese, and other specialty farm market items.
Lyle and Sandy have three children: Mark, the eldest, is a certified financial planner. He and his wife Liesel have four young boys and live within walking distance of the farm and market. The four boys- our seventh generation-bring Lyle and Sandy so much joy.
Daughter Mindy is celebrating life as a newlywed with Shawn Harrison. The new Mr. and Mrs. Harrison reside in Cleveland, where she is a project manager.
Steven is truly enjoying working on the family farm, and is happily engaged to Ashley Musser, with a wedding planned for May 26, 2012!