We are the Middaugh family.
Our story
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves. We are the Middaugh family.
I’m Jeanne, and I’ve had the privilege of growing up in a family business right here at the four corners of Highway 7. We are forever grateful for all of the hard work and decisions that have gone before us. We are a product of many who have come before us. My parents, Bill & Emily, started a seed company in 1978, and my siblings and I were involved in it from a young age. Alongside the seed company, we helped launch a small fruit market when Highway 7 was still just two lanes. What began as a simple strawberry patch—started by my brother, Mike, as an FFA project—grew each year into a thriving market, where we not only sold fruits but also grew our own produce, particularly sweet corn. For a time, we rented a small orchard building and operated the market while Mr. & Mrs. Baxter continued to care for the orchard.
As the business grew, my Grandma Fayla and my great Aunt Norma began baking homemade pies and breads. This led to the addition of sandwiches and other specialty items. Eventually, our family built a red barn to house the fruit market, where we served lunch, pies, breads, jams, and jellies. We even began hosting weekend home-cooked dinner buffets, accompanied by live music—often from my brother-in-law’s band, which included my sister, Chad, and others. My husband, Chad, played the drums in that band, and it’s always a reminder of how God’s perfect timing works in our lives.
Through the years, I waitressed and worked at the market during summers, saving up for cars and college. Eventually, one of the seed warehouses was transformed into an event center, where we hosted numerous events, including a music show run by my sister and brother-in-law, Chris and Kelly. As my siblings and I moved into college and started our careers, the family eventually sold these facilities, which later became home to Russell Stover’s and Kurweil’s Meat Market.
In 1995, I reconnected with that drummer boy—Chad. Though we’d known each other since seventh grade, we didn’t begin dating until after my freshman year of college. It turns out, God had patiently orchestrated that timing so he could have my whole heart. We were married in 1998, and thus, our family story truly began.
In 2001, part of our family purchased this farm, which was once an old horse stable. Over time, the space was transformed into a venue for events. In 2004, we began booking weddings, meetings, and started hosting country music shows with my Chris & Kelly. We also started a small pumpkin patch, where schoolchildren could enjoy activities like hayrides, a corn maze, and the opportunity to learn about the farm.
In 2009, I returned to help with sales in our family seed business following the loss of one of their key salespeople, Ralph Fidler Jr. As a result, we put our farm events on hold, but God’s hand was clearly at work during that time as well.
In 2013, the orchard I had so many fond memories of growing up with came up for sale again. My heart was immediately drawn back to it. With our kids now 9 and 11, we saw the opportunity to teach them about the farm and the importance of agriculture. After much prayer, in 2014, we purchased the orchard, which became Upcycled Orchard. Our dream of reconnecting people with agriculture, entertaining them, and creating memorable experiences had taken root.
I can’t tell you how much I love that orchard. My passion for the pumpkin patch and everything it represents—watching seeds grow into something beautiful—led to the transformation of an old shack into a welcoming shop that draws people in. My husband, Chad, worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.
Now, you may be wondering how all of this connects to our current endeavors. In 2017, we rebranded our farm facility as The Cider House at The Farm. We wanted to connect our Orchard and Farm event space together. We began hosting a variety of events, including our Farm to Table Dinners. These dinners feature local chefs, farmers, artists, and wineries, creating an unforgettable experience. Chad plays a key role in setting up and participating in these events, while our kids help setup and serve the dinners. I have the pleasure of working in the kitchen, serving guests, and engaging with everyone. It's truly a family affair, and we are so grateful for it.
We also offer a range of other events at our venue, including Dinner & Music Nights, Cooking Classes, Retreats, and Conferences.
As our family has evolved, our kids have made their way back to the area and are all now growing their roots in the areas God has gifted them. Our shop, formerly Upcycled Orchard, has now evolved into Cultivate Coffee + Health Bar, run by our daughter and son-in-law, Arden and Bryce Jenkins. Here, you’ll find incredible coffee, healthy smoothies, acai bowls, breakfast burritos, quiche, avocado toasts, paninis and, of course, Granny Fay’s pies. They also host classes and market days, and we’re thrilled to have them back in the family business! Our son Miles, has a passion for physical wellness. He is starting his passion with Temple Fitness + Nutrition. This is also located on our farm and will be a part of future health and wellness opportunities we offer here, along with his own endeavors. Miles and his Fiance will get married in May and we couldn’t be happier to have Lauren join the crew!
After much consideration and lots of changes happening in the past year, we have decided to rebrand again to bring all of our stories under one name. Through all of this…Stillmeadow was born. We pray that you experience rest, refreshment, peace, and connection when you visit any of our spaces.
Our family would love for you to join us for one of our special events. Thank you for taking the time to read our story—we hope to meet you in person someday. We believe God has many wonderful plans for the future, and we look forward to sharing them with you. Our journey has ignited a deep passion for hospitality, and it is with this heart that we welcome you. We strive to create a space where the art of Midwest hospitality shines through in everything we do. Whether through our dinners, classes, workshops, gatherings, or retreats, our goal is for every guest to feel the warmth and genuine care that defines our family. Welcome to Stillmeadow.
“Our journey has ignited a deep passion for hospitality, and it is with this heart that we welcome you.”
- Jeanne Middaugh, Owner/Operator