In 1960 Ed and Julia Malkowski began selling farm fresh fruits and vegetables at the corner of US 31 and Free Soil Road. The Orchard Market fruit stand was a small structure. During those early years a snow fence was rolled across the front the the market at night for security.
By 1966, the business, originally shared with a partner, was fully owned by Ed, Julia and sons Gerald, Len and Dan. At that time crops being raised were apples, cherries, peaches, strawberries, and potatoes. To make a more complete line of produce, biweekly trips were made to Bay City and Grand Rapids produce markets.
By 1970, Ed retired and son Bob entered the partnership. Gerald and Len took over the farming responsibilities while Dan and Bob maintained the market operations. Through the years, several additions have been made to the original market building. In 1978, the restaurant and bakery were added; and in 1986 came the addition of Orchard Market in Ludington.
The farm, also, has evolved over the years. We continue to grow a wide variety of produce for the markets and concentrate on items like Strawberries and our locally famous "Extra Sweet" Sweet Corn, early to late season Peaches and a wide variety of early to late season Apples.
Ed and Julia worked very hard on the farm and in raising their seven children. They instilled in their family a strong Christian faith and the importance of hard work. Then and now the Malkowskis value their close family ties. Sons Ed, Jr. and David found their life's work in education; while daughter Mary Helen managed Orchard Markets's Family Restaurant and Bakery until her retirement.
Today, Gerald, Len, and Dan have each retired from ownership in Orchard Market though they continue to offer their expertise to the remaining owner, Bob. Continuing the family tradition, Bob and his wife Teresa have been joined by son Kyle and their daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Bill Sturgeon.
At Orchard Market, we appreciate family. The bonds we have shared with our own to those we share with our extended family, the people with whom we work.
Closing for the Season25-Oct-2011
2011 was a wonderful year with lots of great weather and an abundance of crops. Thank you so much fo..
