Fruit Handled in 1903

Fruit Handled in 1903 

Bayfield County Press – Friday, June 19, 1914

 “Our last stop will be at the Bayfield Fruit Growers Association building where early strawberries will be shown. The value of these late berries can best be determined by inquiry from your home commission merchants”. The following statement of fruit handled in 1913 is transcribed from the January Association reports. The Association organized in 1911.

During the year 1912 when handled in carloads of all commodities, 101 box cars. During the year just ended we have handled about 190 cars, very nearly double the number from last year. We paid out for all purposes in cash during the year just ended $91,660.02 at a cost of $8286.02 for labor, expense, and interest, which amounts to about 9% on the amount paid out, leaving about 1% on the gross business for profit.

153 acres of strawberries on the Bayfield Peninsula produced 23,831 crates at $1.41 per crate, or a net profit to the grower of $221.92 per acre. 6 acres of Currants produced 992 crates at $1.25 per crate, or a net profit to the grower of $207.41 per acre. 8 acres of red raspberries produced 1582 crates at $1.80 per crate or a net profit to the grower of $356.03 per acre. 1.25 acres of black raspberries produced 328 crates at $1.84 per acre or a net profit to the grower of $345.50 per acre. 1/4 acre of gooseberries produced 83 crates at $1.60 per crate or enough profit to the grower of $553 per acre.

This history brief was written by Robert J. Nelson. Generously sharing our local history through his research and writing.