Vern came to Plain Washington In 1937 and worked for 10 cents an hour in the Orchards. ( 6 bucks a week) He got got called off to war in WWII and served in Europe and Asia. On his way home , he won 1,500.00 in 11 days gambling on board his troop ship ( which was alot for a Sargert making 96.00 a month) With that 1,500 , he went in partership and began his first orchard in 1948! Long time in the business. He says last year was great making 24.00 a box for his pears. 85 year old Vern has no plans to retire soon and enjoyed the afternoon working on the tractor he bought in 1962 which is claims is worth " Only 200.00 less than when I bought it!!"