Garden Grove A History Of The Big Strawberry
Garden Grove is a city located in Orange County, California, and is known for its agriculture and rich history. One of the most notable crops that have contributed to the city's fame is the big strawberry, which has been a staple in Garden Grove for decades. The city's agricultural background dates back to the late 1800s when it was primarily a farming community. In this article, we'll delve into the history of Garden Grove and its famous big strawberry.
The Early Days of Garden Grove
Garden Grove was founded in 1874 by Alonzo Cook. The land was initially used for farming, with crops such as grapes, walnuts, and oranges being the primary source of income. The community grew, and by 1906, the city was officially incorporated. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that the big strawberry became a part of Garden Grove's agricultural landscape.
The Arrival of the Big Strawberry
The big strawberry was introduced to Garden Grove by a man named Rudolph Boysen. Boysen was a horticulturist who was experimenting with different types of berries, and he eventually created a hybrid of the raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. The resulting fruit was larger than any strawberry that had been seen before, and Boysen called it the "boysenberry."
The boysenberry quickly gained popularity in Garden Grove, and farmers began to cultivate it alongside other crops. However, it was the big strawberry that really took off. The climate in Garden Grove was perfect for growing strawberries, and the large size of the fruit made it a hit with consumers. By the 1940s, Garden Grove was known as the "Strawberry Capital of the World," and the big strawberry had become a symbol of the city.
The Big Strawberry Festival
In 1958, Garden Grove held its first Big Strawberry Festival. The festival was a celebration of the city's agricultural heritage, and it featured a parade, a carnival, and of course, plenty of big strawberries. The festival was a huge success, and it became an annual event that drew visitors from all over the state.
Over the years, the festival has evolved, but the big strawberry remains at its core. Today, the festival features live music, food vendors, and a beer garden, but visitors can still enjoy strawberry-themed treats like strawberry shortcake and strawberry lemonade. The festival is held every year in late May, and it continues to be a beloved tradition in Garden Grove.
The Legacy of the Big Strawberry
While the big strawberry is no longer the main crop in Garden Grove, it remains an important part of the city's history and identity. The city has even erected a statue of a giant strawberry in Village Green Park, which serves as a reminder of the city's agricultural roots. The statue is a popular spot for photos and has become a symbol of Garden Grove.
Today, Garden Grove is a thriving city with a diverse population and a strong economy. However, its agricultural heritage and the big strawberry will always be a part of its history. The city continues to celebrate its past with events like the Big Strawberry Festival and by preserving historic sites like the Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village. Garden Grove may have come a long way since its early days, but it remains proud of its roots and the big strawberry that helped put it on the map.