By: Jason Gerber
For over three centuries, the Concklin family has maintained a deep connection to the land in Rockland County, New York, cultivating crops and a legacy that stretches across generations.
This remarkable journey is brought to life in THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997 by Beverly Schultz Csordas. Through her family’s story, Csordas shares how one family’s agricultural heritage has stood the test of time, surviving the changing landscape and economy of Rockland County.
Early Days of Concklin Farming
The Concklin family’s roots in Rockland County trace back to the 1600s when Europeans, including the Dutch and English, first settled the area. By the 1700s, the Concklin name was already associated with farming, and the family began building what would become a long-standing tradition of agriculture.
As the county developed and small communities sprang up, the Concklins established themselves as dedicated farmers, working the fertile lands of Pomona, New York. Over time, their farm became a vital part of the county’s agricultural community, known as The Orchards of Concklin.
This family farm, still in operation today, is one of Rockland County’s oldest farms, with a legacy of over 300 years of continuous farming.
Resilience Through the Generations
Maintaining a farm through three centuries is no small feat, especially considering the vast changes in technology, transportation, and the economy that have changed American farming. As Csordas recounts in her book, the Concklins faced numerous challenges, from economic downturns to the increasing urbanization of Rockland County.
In the 1800s, the region was still largely rural, with agriculture as its primary industry. However, by the mid-20th century, the construction of major infrastructure like the Tappan Zee Bridge and the New York State Thruway dramatically altered the landscape, turning much of Rockland County into a suburban extension of New York City.
Despite these pressures, the Concklin family farm adapted. They shifted from general farming to specializing in orchard crops. Particularly apples, which became the hallmark of The Orchards of Concklin.
Csordas shares anecdotes from her family’s history, such as how her grandfather, Ervin Concklin, and, later, her cousin, Richard Concklin, worked to preserve the farm’s operations even as other local farms disappeared. Their perseverance ensured that The Orchards of Concklin remained a family business and a symbol of Rockland County’s agricultural past.
A Living Legacy
Today, The Orchards of Concklin reflects family traditions and the importance of farming heritage. It continues to be run by ConcklinConcklin descendants, with Richard Concklin and his nephew Scott Hill carrying on the family’s commitment to the land. The farm is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing example of how agricultural heritage can survive and thrive in modern times.
Beverly Schultz Csordas’ book offers readers an intimate look into this remarkable legacy, sharing personal stories, family documents, and historical context that give depth to the Concklin family’s 300-year farming journey.
From their early days of subsistence farming to the successful orchards they manage today, the Concklins’ story is one of hard work, resilience, and an unbreakable bond to their land.
Conclusion
For those fascinated by family histories, particularly those rooted in agriculture, the Concklin family’s story is an inspiring example of how a legacy can be nurtured across generations. Through the highs and lows of farming life, the Concklins have maintained their connection to the land, embodying the spirit of endurance central to many family histories.
Find the full story of the Concklin family’s 300-year farming legacy in Beverly
Schultz Csordas’ book, THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997. Learn more about their remarkable journey and be inspired to explore your own family’s past.
Published by: Holy Minoza
