Simonian Farms
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture, Agritourism |
| Founded | 1901 |
| Founder | Baghdasar Simonian |
| Headquarters | Fresno , United States |
Area served | Fresno, California area |
Key people | Bonnie Simonian, Dennis Simonian |
| Products | Fruits, grains, honey, vineyards, wines, cultivated fields, orchards |
Simonian Farms is a family-operated agricultural enterprise and produce market situated in Fresno, California. It is recognized for its diverse offerings of locally grown fruits, grains, honey, vineyards, cultivated fields, and orchards. Over time, the farm has evolved into both a museum and a favored attraction for tourists.
History
The farm was established in 1901 by Baghdasar Simonian, an Armenian immigrant who arrived at Ellis Island in 1892. Initially, the operation focused on raisin cultivation. Utilizing agricultural expertise brought from Armenia, the Simonian family expanded the farm through successive generations. Leadership transitioned from Baghdasar to his son Michael, and presently the third generation, Bonnie and Dennis Simonian, oversee the farm’s development into a combined market and museum.
Location
Situated on its original 80-acre property at Clovis & Jensen Avenue, Simonian Farms cultivates more than 180 varieties of crops and seasonal fruits such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, pomegranates, blackberries, grapes, boysenberries, figs, and persimmons. The vineyard also contributes to the production of signature wines. Notably, President Bill Clinton visited the farm in 1995, with the family later participating in his 1997 inauguration.
Museum
Opened in 2012, the "Old Town" museum showcases a western-themed assortment of antique automobiles, tractors, and agricultural machinery. It also features a Route 66 Shooting Range designed to engage younger guests. Founder Bonnie Simonian explained that the museum aims to represent Fresno area history spanning from the 1850s through the 1960s.