Page 130 - SOM Summer 2017

chow | in the biz

A fascinating structure in the assemblage
of buildings is the Recreation House (built
1919) that contains one of the first indoor
residential pools in the nation. With a billiards
room, handball and tennis courts, a surplus of
activities filled the time for the Parsons family
and friends. In another building, the original
horse-drawn carriage lays dormant (yet well-
maintained) after years of service. The multi-
seated buggy was purchased at Hubbard’s
hardware store back in 1911 and transported
employees and visitors from Medford to the
orchards and back.

Hillcrest Orchard has been a landmark estate
in the Rogue Valley for over a hundred years
and has been instrumental in the development
of the region thanks to Reginald and Maud
Parsons perseverance and foresight. Their
legacy continued through their four children
who eventually took over the management
of the estate. Today, the family celebrates the
four generations of Parsons who operate the
numerous on-site businesses including a win-
ery, an Airbnb, fruit production, and an event
venue.
Hillcrest Orchards
3285 Hillcrest Rd., Medford
541-773-1487
www.hillcrestorchard.com