From settling in the 1880’s to row crops in the 1920’s, Solari ranch created its craft…

While the rush to grab gold drew many settlers to the Cali coast, the real gold was the discovery of the rich San Joaquin Valley loam fanned from the deepest soils of the Delta marshlands. Maybe gold didn’t pan out for most, but the first wave of European families (such as that of Louie Solari, Sr. in the late 1800s) took what they knew and applied it to a much kinder, flatter terrain, free of rocks, nestled between two rivers. At the time, orchards and fields didn’t fully meet their potential until the distribution channels of truck farming were created. This new method of transportation improved perishables’ ability to be delivered to the wider population. The movement spurred major agricultural innovation in the region: land-leveling, refrigeration, and eager labor from the next wave of European Immigrants in the 1920’s. The Solari family, along with other local farming families, turned the Linden area into a diverse agricultural setting. Steve Solari started the family fruit stand at the original home site, selling apples and peaches, where he gained a following of loyal customers over the years. His sons, Louie and Willie Solari (4th generation farmers) continued the tradition. In 1977, Louie became one of the pioneers to launch the growth of the "Certified" Farmers’ Market community.  He was a founding board member for the original Stockton Farmers’ Market, promoting his favorite phrase, "From tree to you!," with his unique Farmer Lou flare.  Since the passing of Louie and Willie, we have decided to continue the tradition of growing juicy, fresh-tasting freestone peaches from some of the ranch’s original trees.  Although on a much smaller scale, we have chosen to grow the same original varieties that our father, uncle and grandfather grew years ago, in the spirit of our farming roots. Whether you order online and come out to pick them up or buy them at the farmers’ market, we hope you enjoy this delicious treat as much as we enjoy growing it!