The Thompson family orchard has been a beloved part of the community since the early 1900s.
Founded in 1906 by Arthur Elisha Thompson, this farm has been carefully nurtured by the Thompson family for over a century. Arthur was a true Maine farmer, cultivating not only apples but also strawberries, blueberries, and running a dairy farm. His apples, particularly the 20,000 bushels of Baldwins he shipped annually to England, became a cornerstone of the farm’s early success. Arthur also operated a sawmill and managed 7 different farms in Cumberland County. He owned one of the first automatic hay balers in town, and known for his community spirit, worked with local farmers with their hay baling needs.
The Thompson family also grew cucumbers for Oxford Dill Pickling and rhubarb for Cushman’s Bakery. By 1968, the farm transitioned to primarily focus on apples. Although none of the original trees remain, a few on the property are over 100 years old.
In the early 1970s, Arthur’s son Herbert Elisha Thompson opened the first farm stand selling fresh produce like corn, blueberries, and of course, apples.
In 1973, the first cider mill was built along Route 100, pressing fresh apple cider for the orchard and neighboring farms. After a fire destroyed the original cider mill in 1976, it was rebuilt the following year in its current location on Gloucester Hill Road. That same year, the popular Pick Your Own (PYO) tradition was born, inviting families to enjoy the orchard each year.
In the early 1980s, a donut room was added onto the cider mill. Thompson’s donuts quickly became a customer favorite and local staple, with many regulars stopping by for a coffee and donut each autumn morning. Today, the donut room produces over 12,000 dozen donuts each year and offer a variety of flavors.
Our popular on-site bakery, established in 2010, makes a variety of must-try treats for visitors, including pies, breads, pastries, and more. Today, Thompson’s Orchard spans 25 acres, continuing a proud legacy of Maine apple growing, cider pressing, and farm-fresh produce.
Sweet Recognition
Cider doughnut expert Alex “The Cider Donuteur” Schwartz named Thompson’s Orchard home to their favorite Maine cider doughnut; a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and cozy fall tradition. Read more about it in The Boston Globe here (or download the PDF).
Thompson's Orchard 