Jerry Culhane is a most remarkable man. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Syracuse, New York and then to Rochester, New York. He is the eldest of five. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1962 and went to work for General Motors. He decided he would join the Marine Corps in 1963. He is a Vietnam combat veteran. Jerry returned to the United States in 1966. He went to work at Kodak as a mechanic.
He built his house in Hamlin New York in the early 1970’s. In 1979, he decided it was time for a change and bought the farm. He spent the first year roofing, siding, repairing and finding the lawn. In 1980 a friend from work told him about his tree farm that really interested Jerry. Up until then, the farm was leased for crops.
George came out and helped Jerry plant his first trees. From then on it was a labor of love. Little by little the entire farm was planted. In 1986 Jerry harvested and sold his first trees. Now, 15 years later, things look quite a bit different. The fields are all planted. Each tree is pruned, fertilized and the farm is completely groomed.
Jerry built a wagon for the customers to ride on the farm and pick out their own ”perfect tree” pulled by an old tractor. There is a gift shop was built by Jerry in the small barn where he used to house his tractors. It now houses a variety of gift items and good cheer.
The farm has been a major part of Jerry’s life for over 22 years. His labors are evident just by walking through the house and in the trees.
