History:
The Cooper ancestors traveled from the British Isles in the early 1800's and settled in Bellefonte, Centre County, PA. In 1840, they relocated to a farm in the Village of Beechwoods, Jefferson County, PA (5 miles west of Falls Creek). Ownership of that farm has passed through the Cooper family for generations.
On nearly 200 acres of land, the Coopers have raised beef cattle, pigs, sheep and, recent additions, goats and chickens along with crops to feed the animals. The Coopers' always had a large garden from which they canned and froze vegetables for winter use. In the late 1970's, the sweet corn harvest was well beyond what Blake and Mabel Cooper's family needed. A card table was set up at the end of the driveway and they started selling produce to neighbors. Much beyond their wildest expectations, this was the start of the Cooper Farm Market. Business increased to the point where an 8 x 16 foot store was built in 1978 and the famous "Toot Horn for Service" sign was hung. While sweet corn and other summer vegetables were the initial offerings at the stand, fall crops including pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, and corn stalks quickly became the core of the business.
Mabel Cooper always dreamed of having a pumpkin festival. Her dream came true in 1989 as the family, with much help from close friends and family, hosted the first annual Pumpkin Fest. Many Pumpkin Fests were held on the Cooper's front lawn. Family hand-made crafts, canned and baked goods were displayed on the porch. Pumpkins were lined in neat rows by size on the lawn. Indian corn, gourds and corn stalks were also aplenty. The earlier Pumpkin Fests featured old-time Country and Western music sung from the back porch of the house. Local schools, clubs and organizations visit annually to see the pumpkins and explore the farm.
In 1997, Blake and Mabel Cooper “retired” and their son, Bob and his wife Donna, took over the Cooper Farm Market. They expanded the existing business by building a new store filled with crafts, home decor and family-produced canned goods. The farm market is open from the beginning of August through October 31 and features locally-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the summer and fall. Pumpkins and apples are particular favorites in the fall. Taste of Christmas is three special weekends in November (Saturdays and Sundays only) from 10am until 5pm showcasing many hand-made items, home décor, canned and baked goods to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
