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| Most Germantown residents have
probably stopped at one of the Philips' Farm roadside stands at some
point to purchase produce. However, it's unlikely that they have ever
stopped to think about how that fresh produce made it to the stands.
Chances are it made it there with the help of George "Bud" Davis, who has worked and managed Phillips Farm for more than 50 years. Davis. 71, began working for Jean Phillips' father, Herbert King, in 1946, planting and managing the crops. Today, he still works part time on the farm and helps in a multitude of ways. Davis, who goes about his work in a quiet manner, was honored for his
landmark achievement several times this year. Jean Phillips took it upon
herself to write President Clinton about Davis' accomplishments, hard
work and dedication. Clinton responded with a personal letter of
recognition to Davis. The letter is now framed and hanging in Davis'
Frederick home. "It's a pretty big deal." Davis said. George Davis was honored this year for 50 years of working on Phillips Farm in Germantown. Connie Morella recognized Davis' 50 years of service by having a flag flown over the national capitol in his honor. Because Phillips supplies a number of local Giant Food stores with produce. Their produce buyer gave Davis an original poster from the game when Cal Ripken broke the record for the most consecutive games played. Davis has always loved baseball, so this was especially meaningful to him. The Phillips family took Davis, along with a number of friend and family, to a Frederick Keys baseball game where again he was honored when his name was flashed on the scoreboard.
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 Jean Phillips made sure that Davis was honored in many ways because
she knows that his work on the farm over the years has been instrumental
in its success. "I can't imagine the farm without him,"
Phillips said. "Everyone looks to him for advice and guidance. He
is also like a father figure to me."
Davis planted all theb corn this season and continues to be an asset
when it comes to mechanical work and picking crops. "He is a
tremendously focused worker and can still out pick many of the young
kids," Phillips said. |
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