Has anyone heard of the Nolan Lake Fruit and Berry Farm in Bruce Township? If not, it was a fruit and berry farm located on Lassier Road and was around for over 20 years in the mid-1900s.
The June 23, 1955 issue of The Romeo Observer contained this photograph of Harold (H.A.) Herrmann - the owner and operator of the farm - sampling a bite from one of the freshly picked strawberries. He inspected the fruit just to see if they will be good enough to take to the market. Along with strawberries, the farm also planted peaches; plums; pears; cherries; quinces; a variety of vegetables (the newspaper failed to mention what kind); and flowers, including peonies, asters, and snapdragons.
The Romeo Observer ran an article about the farm in that same edition. It stated that H.A. and his wife Martha bought the old homestead from Mary and Julius Hillman in 1935. The Herrmanns previously had a grocery business located between Gross Pointe and Indian Village. The reason that they sold it was because the long hours became too taxing for H.A., and doctors advised him to move to the country.
It wasn't easy owning the ten-and-a-half-acred farm at first. The Herrmanns had to perform "comprehensive modeling sessions."
The previous owners raised a few crops, harbored a horse, and were retired. On the other hand, the Herrmanns wanted to do more with the farm, so they planted many fruit trees and vegetables into the ground. Fortunately, the previous experience of running a grocery store helped H.A. to learn about making top-quality food, merchandising, and "handling and all the trimming that makes for an appealing display."
While H.A. did the inspections, Martha supervised the female workers who harvested the fruit crops including strawberries. Two of those helpers are seen in this photo, yet their names are unknown. If anybody is able to identify them, please let me know.
Martha also was the chief berry packer. She would pack the berries into quart-size boxes. The fruits and vegetables would be picked in the morning, and then, the Herrmanns would bring them to the market later in the day.
Sadly, the Nolan Lake Fruit and Berry Farm didn't last for much longer. H.A. passed away on October 25, 1958. It's uncertain as to what happened to the farm after his death.
Regardless, the archives is more than grateful to have documentation about the farm's existence, including this picture.
To learn more about the Herrmanns and the Nolan Lake Fruit and Berry Farm, you contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org.
Source: The Romeo Observer, June 23, 1955, p.II-2 and II-7 and The Romeo Observer, October 30, 1958, p.A-1