The Maine Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor awards outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success and sustainability of the wild blueberry industry in Maine. Each year, we receive nominations from the community and honor two individuals, one deceased and one living with us today, who have showcased outstanding industry service, leadership, hard work, and dedication that is unmatched and will never be forgotten. This reflects great credit upon the individual, their family, and this iconic wild blueberry crop. Nominations are open from July to May, and selected honorees are inducted and awarded in June during the annual UMaine Cooperative Extension Blueberry Hill Farm Field Day, the largest gathering of wild blueberry growers in the state.
The Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor Hero Award honors someone living in Maine today who has greatly impacted the wild blueberry industry.
The Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor Memorial Award honors someone who is deceased that has greatly impacted the wild blueberry industry.
Wayne E. Hanscom, 2024 Honoree
Wayne E. Hanscom works on the family blueberry farm, Welch Farm of Roque Bluffs, with his daughter, Lisa. He served on the Board of Directors as a small grower representative for the State of Maine Extension, working with others to gain competitive pricing for small blueberry growers. Visit Welch Farm during the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival to learn about the Maine wild blueberry industry through hands-on farm tours.
Robert Hammond, 2023 Honoree
Robert served the Maine wild blueberry industry as a harvest crew manager and as president of the Maine Farm Bureau for seven years. Robert began raking blueberries at a young age and continued the tradition with his own family, leading his two sons, Courtney and Darin, to become leaders in the Maine wild blueberry industry, as well.
The West Family, 2022 Honoree
The West family blood runs blue in 4 generations of service to the wild blueberry industry. Frank and Adam West followed in the footsteps of their forefathers as the 3rd and 4th generations, respectively, of leaders at Wyman’s. Frank works as the Director of Purchasing, and Adam as the Manufacturing Manager.
Dr. John Gaddis, 2021 Honoree
Dr. John Gaddis of East Machias is the remaining owner of the sixth-generation Gaddis Brothers business. With fields in seven towns, Gaddis Brothers thrives as a 60-year partner of processor Wyman’s. Dr. Gaddis has been a board member of Wild Blueberry Association of North America for more than three decades.
Keith F. Albee, 2024 Honoree
Keith F. Albee inherited the family farm, Dew Drop Blueberries in East Machias, and preserved the fields with his wife, Phyllis, and their five children, Sally, Kenneth, Brian, Mark, and Joel. Keith’s broad knowledge about this precious fruit was passed down to his whole family, his friends and his employees, including the wild blueberry’s growth, maintenance, costs, food safety, monitoring for a good harvest, and how to preserve the crop for future generations.
Justin Day, 2023 Honoree
Justin Day is recognized for his remarkable contributions as a wild blueberry farmer, dedicated public servant, and esteemed member of the Cooper community. Following military service, Justin returned to the family business and became an expert in surveying properties and dedicated his lifetime in service to the Town of Cooper.
Burleigh Crane, 2022 Honoree
Burleigh Crane was an innovator and pioneer in many ways in the production of wild blueberries on the barrens of Washington County, including controlled burning, irrigation, fertilizers, mechanical harvesting, weed control, and planting trees for windbreaks.
Francis J. Nicholas, 2021 Honoree
The late Francis J. Nicholas is honored as the longtime manager of the tribal blueberry operations in Columbia Falls, previously the Northeastern Blueberry Company and today known as the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company. Francis passed at age 80 in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Julia, and four daughters.
