What is the importance of Cashmere in the novel, The Orchardist?

Cashmere, Washington, is a small town near the 25-acre property owned and overseen by Talmadge. Cashmere, and is surrounding environs, are full of mountains, valleys, and canyons, among which orchardists thrive. The area is famous for apples and apricots, and these are sold each week at market in Cashmere. Cashmere itself is a friendly town where everyone seems to know everyone, and which begins to steadily expand when the railroad comes through. The railroads mean new markets for farmers and orchardists, who make much more money by selling their produce to distributors. It is to Cashmere that Jane and Della first come and steal fruit from Talmadge’s stand, only later to appear on his property outside Cashmere.