By Brittany Amalfi 

Wrentham’s well-known farm and orchard, The Big Apple, has entered a new era. As of May 2025, the next generation of the family — Rebecca Tyo, her husband Stephen Tyo, and cousin Nathaniel Morse — officially took over operations, continuing a legacy that began more than 70 years ago.

For decades, The Big Apple has been a beloved staple in the community. It has been a place where families come to pick apples, enjoy cider and baked goods, and take part in community events. Now, as the older generation steps back, the farm’s new leaders are working to keep the traditions alive while also making updates to help it grow.

“We knew we wanted to keep it open for the community,” Rebecca said. “The farm has always been about more than just apples. It’s about giving people a place to come together.”

A family history rooted in hard work

The Big Apple’s story goes back to the 1950s when Rebecca’s grandparents bought the original 35-acre property. At the time, it was a poultry farm. Over the years, with a lot of hard work and help from family members, the farm grew into a 220-acre orchard and one of Wrentham’s most visited spots each fall.

Rebecca’s father, Peter, and her uncles John and Tom all grew up working on the farm. “My grandma made sure they were always busy,” Rebecca recalled. “She kept them out of trouble by putting them to work as soon as they were old enough.”

Rebecca’s father even went to the University of Massachusetts to study farming, and Uncle Tom stayed involved with the business off and on through the years, helping to buy land and equipment as the farm grew.

Last year, Rebecca’s uncle John retired, marking a major change. “I was working as an ER nurse at the time,” Rebecca said. “When my uncle retired, we had to make a decision. We didn’t want to see the farm close, so we decided to take over.”

Taking over in a time of transition

When the new owners officially took the reins in May, they had to act quickly. Some equipment had been sold before the handover, and the family had to start rebuilding.

“We’re taking it day by day,” Rebecca said. “There’s a lot to do, but the customers and the community have been amazing. They’ve supported us through the whole transition.”

Keeping the farm open and running has been a top priority, especially since The Big Apple has always played a big role in the community. School tours have long been a part of the farm’s mission, and Rebecca and her family hope to expand that with group home visits and possibly even senior tours in the future.

“The community has given so much to us over the years,” Rebecca said. “We want to give back in every way we can.”

Events and activities for everyone

The Big Apple is known for its fun activities, and the new owners are keeping that tradition going. One of the most popular events is the annual Truck Show, which this year will be held on October 26.

“It’s free to the public, and we get everything from tractor trailers to dump trucks,” Rebecca said. “Local police and fire departments usually join us too. It’s a great day for families.”

During the week, visitors can pick their own apples, and the farm offers a variety of baked goods, including fresh pies, apple cider, and even slushies from the in-house machine. And in September, a brand-new cider mill will open to expand the farm’s offerings.

“Just to keep growing,” Rebecca said. “We have a cider mill coming in September to keep growing and evolving with the community. Thank you to the community for all your support and for hanging in there with us. People have been so supportive and keep coming back. It’s part of their family traditions.”

Looking to the future

While the family is focused on maintaining traditions, they’re also looking ahead. Reacquiring equipment, organizing events, and keeping the farm running smoothly are all part of their daily routine now.

“It’s been a lot of work since May,” Rebecca admitted. “But we want to keep the farm alive for future generations. We’re not changing what The Big Apple is about — we’re just building on what’s already here.”

The Big Apple has always been a place where hard work and community spirit come together. With Rebecca, Stephen, and Nathaniel leading the way, the farm’s future looks promising. They plan to keep offering the same experiences locals have loved for years while finding new ways to bring people together.