Gallery
Our History in Photos
Explore the rich history of the Pennsylvania Co-Operative Potato Growers through our curated collection of photographs.
Under the direction of Dr. Ernest Nixon, uncle of President Richard Nixon, the PA Co-Operative Potato Growers was chartered in 1922 by a group of leading potato producers.
In the early 1950s about 100,000 acres of Pennsylvania’s land were planted with potatoes. Today we grow less than 12,000 acres.
Due to the popularity of potatoes in the American diet, what was once Pennsylvania Potato Week has grown to become National Potato Month, which is celebrated in September.
A much bigger scale would be needed to weigh the largest potato ever grown, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records weighed 18 pounds and 4 ounces.
Potato Queen
PA Coop’s Potato Queen poses by a display of potatoes at a Pennsylvania Farm Show in the McClay Street building.
Homemade Potato Donuts
PA Co-Op volunteers kept the hungry crowds happy by making potato donuts during a Farm Show. Like now, guests then purchased donuts by the dozen for themselves, family, and friends!
Potato Fanatics
People of all ages lined up to try the delicious potato varieties on the Farm Show menu, including fresh-cut fries and homemade potato donuts.
Fresh-Cut Fries
Perhaps the biggest crowd-pleaser each year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show! A PA Co-op volunteer slices the potatoes before they’re fried.
Potato Varities
Farm Show visitors were educated on all types of potatoes and their uses through a display of locally-grown potatoes.
Forever A Favorite Treat
The method for making potato donuts may have gotten more efficient over the years, but Farm Show visitors still love watching them be made before tasting them for themselves.
Ready to Serve
PA Co-Op volunteers look across the crowds anxious to get their hands on more fresh-cut french fries!
Year after Year, We’ll Be Here
PA Co-Op volunteer get up early each morning of Farm Show week every year to make sure there are enough potato donuts to go around!
©2023 PA Co-Operative Potato Growers. All Rights Reserved.