LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Masker
Orchards

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those individuals and enterprises within our
midst which have made significant contributions to the economic
successes and quality of life therein, and distinguished themselves by
their demonstrated achievements and acclaimed excellence; and
WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Masker Orchards of Warwick, New York; and
WHEREAS, New York State is the second largest grower of apples in the
United States and grows more varieties of apples than any other state in
the Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Masker Orchards tradition began in 1913 when Ora J. Mask-
er and his wife, Rena, purchased 200 acres of farmland in the beautiful
Warwick Valley; the couple dedicated their lives to farming, and discov-
ered that the soil conditions and climate were perfect for apple trees;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, as time passed, Ora became a successful commer-
cial apple farmer, harvesting thousands of bushels of apples each
season; after his picking crew departed the farm following the harvest,
Ora opened the farm to local residents to take the remaining apples that
had fallen from the trees, and thus, the pick-it-yourself orchard was
born; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after Ora J. Masker's death in 1969, his wife sold
the orchard to George Vurno and Victor Ludmerer, with the knowledge that
the tradition and legacy Ora had worked so hard to create would continue
under the guidance of these two friends; and
WHEREAS, George Vurno and Victor Ludmerer, affectionately known as
Apple George and Apple Jack, continued the commercial operation for
their first two years of ownership; in 1972, Masker Orchards opened
solely as a pick-it-yourself orchard with the belief that families would
drive to the picturesque Warwick Valley to enjoy a day in the country
picking their favorite apples; and
WHEREAS, The tradition continues today, as Masker Orchards is one of
the only orchards where you can drive right up to the tree, breathing
the crisp fall air while enjoying quality time with family and friends;
the views of the entire Warwick Valley are breathtaking amidst the fall
foliage, and there are now barnyard baby animals, pony rides and wagon
rides for the kids; and
WHEREAS, Masker is more than a pick-it-yourself orchard, it is a fami-
ly tradition and an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the economic well-being and quality of life in their community,
and in this great Empire State, and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their industry,
certainly have earned and deserve the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Masker Orchards; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Masker Orchards.