Come ‘Pick the Best’ at Schultz Fruitridge Farms!
Originally only 80 acres, Schultz Fruitridge Farms was started in 1951 by Victor and Dorothy Schultz. Currently run by second and third generation Schultz family members, we are proud to have expanded our fruit and vegetable farm to over 300 acres, including the addition of a bison herd located in nearby Schoolcraft, MI, and a farm-to-table restaurant and microbrewery with Texas Corners Brewing Company.
Now, as our third generation Schultzes carry on the family tradition, we are more excited than ever to provide Southwest Michigan with quality fruits and vegetables.
History:
The history of Schultz Fruitridge Farms started with Victor and Dorothy Schultz many years ago. Dorothy grew up on a fruit farm outside Dowagiac, MI, while Victor was from Benton Harbor.
Victor had an early interest in flying and spent much of his free time at the Benton Harbor airport, washing airplanes in return for rides. This was also when he met Charles Lindberg while he was making a cross-country tour after his solo flight across the Atlantic. After high-school, Victor was accepted to Michigan State University as an engineering student, but only attended one year due to lack of funds for tuition - the Great Depression hit hard during this time and jobs were scarce. With WWII looming, Victor enlisted in the US Army with hopes of becoming an Army Air Corp pilot. After five days of written tests, he was one of a small handful (5 of 300) who passed and were accepted for pilot training. Victor was stationed in North Africa during WWII, where he was responsible for aerial reconnaissance. He flew the 1,100 horsepower P-51 Mustang fighter.
In 1945 Victor was united in marriage to Dorothy Leitz. After his service they bought a grocery store and home by Sister Lakes. Shortly thereafter, they heard of a farm for sale in the Mattawan area. The Mattawan farm had a crop of peaches that year, while most other farms did not. Finding a farm with such a good record, Vic and Dorothy decided to sell everything and moved out to the 80 acre Mattawan farm in 1951. Here they raised their three boys including Bill Schultz who still farms today.
Since then, we have been growing and expanding, living the American dream. Our farm produces a greater variety of crops now, and we still take great pride in producing quality, local foods.
