ToquiNotes: Miss Saltwell Pumpkin Farm? Not Exactly the Same, but New Business to Bring Area Fall Fun
By Jeff Toquinto on August 02, 2025 from ToquiNotes
With temperatures recently feeling like they were above 100 degrees, the last thing on many folks’ minds is fall. However, it is at the forefront of the mind of Chad Pill – and for good reason.
This fall, Pill will be opening a new local business not far from Bridgeport, and its specialty will be an item loved by kids and adults associated intimately with the fall season.
Shinnston will be the site for a new local venue to get your pumpkins in a fun way. The business is called Pappy Jack’s Pumpkin Patch and is located on a family-owned farm that was purchased by the late Jack and Naomi Cunningham in the mid 1950’s.
Jack Cunningham is where the “Pappy Jack’s” comes from in the business name. It seems fitting for the business to have his moniker on it as “Jack” used the land for farming to sustain cattle, the base for his oil and gas business and there was a private runway on it to take and land his plane.
So, how did it go from a multi-use piece of property to one that is gearing up to provide entertainment for individuals of all ages? Pill and 
his partner Jennifer Walker figured it out after years of trying to figure out what to do with the family land.
his partner Jennifer Walker figured it out after years of trying to figure out what to do with the family land.
“I’ve tossed the idea around for years. This farm was primarily used to produce hay for cattle for so long, and that was just up until six years ago when my grandpa (Jack) was still living,” said Pill. “Jennifer and I moved into the farmhouse while building a home in Shinnston. We eventually concluded that it would make a good pumpkin patch.”
Pill said it also something to provide additional income in an endeavor they could be enthusiastic about. They believe they have found it in this business venture.
“What better way to keep the family farm alive than by providing a place where people can have some fun,” said Pill.
The fun will go well beyond pumpkins with entertainment for everyone. Individuals can pick their own pumpkins, by pumpkins already harvested, paint pumpkins, take advantage of playground equipment, an obstacle course, a fire pit, two resident miniature donkeys and
other animals at a stable on the property, a corn maze, and more.
other animals at a stable on the property, a corn maze, and more.
For those who want to make it an entire evening, they can. There are plans for food and drink vendors to be on hand during the fall season, and Walker said there will be plenty of “fall-inspired coffees and treats.” They are planning live music and other events in the weeks leading up to the opening.
“We just want a place where families can slow down, make lasting memories together, and even add this to their annual fall traditions,” said White. “… We’re working hard to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and share our love for 
community and connection. We’re thrilled to invite families to come roam the patch, find their perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride, and meet some friendly farm animals.”
community and connection. We’re thrilled to invite families to come roam the patch, find their perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride, and meet some friendly farm animals.”
The cost of entrance has not been determined. The number of pumpkins available will be determined by Mother Nature. However, it should be in the thousands.
“We had planted over 10,000 seeds during the whole month of June,” said Pill, a lifelong Shinnston resident. “Depending on a number of factors, we could see as low as 6,000 pumpkins up to as many as 10,000.”
The opening on the 18-acre piece of property is planned on weekends from September 20 through the first weekend of November. And for those who spent years at the Saltwell Pumpkin Farm, this is not too far away.
“It’s listed as Shinnston, but closer to Wyatt. From the Saltwell Pumpkin Farm, it’s about a 10-minute drive,” said Pill.
The address, for those who plan on visiting, is 4747 Cunningham Run Road, Shinnston, 26431. Once business begins, for those wanting just to purchase a pumpkin, you do not have to enter the paid premises to get one.
Anyone wishing to follow the activity on Pappy Jack’s Pumpkin Patch, can do so via social media. You can visit their Facebook page by clicking HERE.
Be sure and take advantage of the area’s newest business this fall. And also, be sure to take advantage of other local businesses that have been open and offer some similar fall activities.
Editor's Note: Top and third photo shows Chad Pill planting pumpkin seeds, while the early returns on the labor is shown in the second photo. Bottom photo shows Pill, far left, and Jennifer Walker, far right with Jennifer's daughter Rokzen.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.