McElhinny's Farm near Evans City
History of McElhinny's Farm
Paul J. McElhinny purchased the farm outside of Evans City in the early 1930's. He raised various vegetables and sold them on market routes in Pittsburgh. As his family of 7 sons and 5 daughters got older, they took on some of the market routes. Paul decided to raise chickens and sold chickens and eggs along with the vegetables for many years in the Pittsburgh area. Many of the former market route customers will stop at the Farmers Markets in Pittsburgh and reminisce of the days when the McElhinny truck stopped at their house.
The McElhinny Farm is now run by 2 of Paul's sons and one grandson. Their specialty is Sweet Corn which is sold wholesale and retail in the Pittsburgh area. It is a family operation and in addition to Paul's children, many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren have worked on the farm. Sweet corn is picked daily in the early morning, so that it can be delivered fresh to the roadside stands.
With newer seed varieties and technology, sweet corn is often ready by July 4. Years ago, sweet corn was rarely ready before the middle of July. First plantings go in the ground at the beginning of April and are covered by clear plastic - creating a miniature greenhouse effect. The plastic must be cut when the sun gets too strong so that the corn plants will not get "cooked". Although this method takes time and work, having corn at the beginning of July makes it worth the effort.