The Old Apple Warehouse

Established 1907

Additional images available by clicking above photograph

Welcome to the Old Apple Warehouse Historical Page

We are honored to have taken on the responsibility & care of this cherished landmark in Kettle Falls, WA.

With the growth of the apple industry in Washington during the late nineteenth century, dozens of apple orchards sprung up in the area by the early 1900’s. Fruit packing quickly became the main industry of Meyers Falls (now Kettle Falls).[2]

The area along the Columbia River was perfect for producing fruit of all kinds, having a warming effect from the river and lower elevation than surrounding communities. The first orchard belonged to John Rickey in 1874 and by the early 1900’s the Columbia River Valley from town of Marcus, south along the river for 100 miles, was home to hundreds of successful orchards.

The warehouse was built in 1907 by a co-op of orchardists, on land owned by the railroad, right next to the tracks. The building was set up so that horses with wagon loads of fruit could drive into the basement from the west end of the building, drop off their loads, and exit through the east end of the building.

In 1910, an addition was built on the east end, which effectively doubled the size of the warehouse. Porches were added, and large doors were installed on both sides of the building for loading and unloading as the addition did not have a basement to allow wagons to pull through.

The warehouse was called by many names during these years, including the Stevens Country Fruit Growers Union, formed in 1908. The president of the co-op was George Morely. It was also known as the Universal Fruit Packing Company, Spokane Fruit Growers Association, Stevens Country Fruit Growers Union, and Kettle Falls Valley Fruit & Produce.

As an example of quantities of the fruit processed here, 1907 reported 40 rail cars of fruit and 1908 reported 70 rail cars of fruit.

After the flooding of 1939 due to the Grand Coulee Dam, fruit processing volumes plummeted, but the warehouse was still used as the main processing and shipping point for northeastern Stevens County.

The Old Apple Warehouse is still immediately recognizable when passing through the main stretch of highway of the town of Kettle Falls.[3]

Eventually the building began to deteriorate and in 1950 the co-op sold all existing shares to Benny & Betty Mellenberger who were local orchardists. From that point on apples became the only fruit processed and the name Apple Warehouse came into being, as one could buy apples here year-round until the late 1990’s.  

The Mellenbergers sold the building to Susan & Jim Brown in 2001. The Brown’s dream was to preserve the building as close to the original condition as possible while making it an asset to the town. Over a two year period the old apple packing warehouse was converted into an old fashion antique mall with a variety of shops.

The Browns sold the east half of the building to another orchardist, Joe Petrucellli. Joe opened Meyers Falls Market for business in 2001 and continues selling apples grown from some of the original orchards that began in 1874.

In 2018 we, Angela Monette-Beardall & Scott Beardall, purchased the west half of the building and began the task of reinventing the Old Apple Warehouse.

We pride ourselves on not only maintaining the historical & cultural site, but our dedication to expanding the community within the building.

Our community welcomes everyone to explore all the amazing vendors, artists, and everything the Old Apple Warehouse has to offer.

There is truly something for everyone and we would love for you to come see for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

We look forward to seeing you,

Angie & Scott

Owners of The Old Apple Warehouse

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Apple_Warehouse