The family-owned Liberty Orchards is closing this spring after failing to find a buyer for the 100-year old company. A landmark in the town of Cashmere, we've stopped there several times on the way to the Methow Valley to peek at the factory and sample candy in the store.
Founded in 1918 by Armenian immigrants, Liberty Orchards started as an apple orchard, but when the family got into making candy they started using apple concentrate from other producers. Today Liberty Orchards doesn't own an single tree.
Sweets made with dried fruits and nuts are traditional in Armenia, although the chewy, square confections covered with powdered sugar taste like extra sweet and soft Turkish Delight, one of the oldest candies in the world.
The company plans to operate the factory until June, telling loyal customers to load up now because the original Aplets and Cotlets won’t be available much longer.
John bought some yesterday at our local Bartell's Drug Store, another favorite family-run store that's disappearing, having been sold recently to the horrible RiteAid chain.
OK, enough gloom and doom. Tonight we've having a vaccinated celebration dinner with friends inside their home. Wow. Exciting, but venturing out with some pretty rusty social skills.
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