One longtime family-owned farm and market in Penfield is helping another get back on its feet after a devastating fire.
A blaze early on July 22 destroyed the market building at Bauman’s Farm Market, 1340 Five Mile Line Road, devastating a key part of a business that has served the community for decades.
Later that morning, Schutt's Apple Mill at 1063 Plank Road, about a mile east of Bauman’s, set up a tent at the market site, complete with the Bauman’s sign, which was saved from the fire.
“We are so grateful,” Bauman’s wrote in a social media post. “Our hearts are so full with the endless support this community has shown us.”
The message went on to say, “We are hopeful to be able to start selling soon. After all, sweet corn season is almost here.
Thank you once again, Schutts!”
Bauman's and Schutt's deep roots
Bauman’s roots date to 1908, when Irondequoit native Joseph Bauman bought 200 acres of land spanning Penfield and Webster and started a dairy farm.
As subsequent generations of Baumans took the helm, the farm turned to field crops and evolved into the popular destination it is today with more than 20 greenhouses and seasonal attractions.
The current owners are Joseph’s grandson Jim Bauman and his wife, Barbara.
The Schutt family started farming in the area in 1900, and Paul Schutt launched Schutt’s Cider Mill in 1918. Evan Schutt is the current and fourth-generation owner of the business.
In 2018, Schutt’s marked its 100th anniversary by unveiling a 3,000-square-foot addition, the largest in the farm’s history. It includes an expanded tasting room for hard cider and an enlarged apple cider production area with glass windows so visitors can watch the process.
No one was hurt
Dan Bauman, one of Jim and Barbara's five adult children and a farm employee, said the fire began sometime between 2 and 2:30 a.m. July 22. He said his parents had fallen asleep watching television and were awakened by noise and an orange glow and called 911.
In addition to destroying the market building, the fire damaged several greenhouses and the family home.
No one was injured.
“Our hearts are heavy, but we are incredibly grateful for what matters most: everyone is safe,” Bauman’s wrote on Instagram.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Schutt’s Apple Mill steps up to help neighbor Bauman’s Farm Market after fire
