Simonian Farms facts for kids

Simonian Farms is a special farm in Fresno, California. It's not just a farm; it's also a popular market where you can buy fresh fruits and other foods. Plus, it has a cool museum! Many people visit Simonian Farms because of its delicious produce, beautiful vineyards, and interesting history.

Discover Simonian Farms

Simonian Farms is a well-known spot in Fresno, California. It's a family-owned farm that has grown into a fun place for everyone. You can find a market selling fresh local foods and a museum that shares the history of the area.

How Simonian Farms Began

The story of Simonian Farms started a long time ago, in 1901. A man named Baghdasar Simonian, who came from Armenia, founded it. He arrived in Ellis Island, New York in 1892. Baghdasar settled in Fresno and began farming. His family already knew a lot about farming from their home country.

Baghdasar started by growing raisins. Over the years, the farm grew bigger and bigger. Later, his son Michael took over the farm. Today, the farm is managed by Bonnie and Dennis Simonian. They are the third generation of the family to run the farm. Under their care, Simonian Farms became even more special, adding the market and the museum.

What You Can See and Do

Simonian Farms is still located in the same spot where it began, on Clovis & Jensen Avenue. It's a big place, covering about 80 acres! That's like 60 football fields! The farm grows more than 180 different kinds of crops. You can find many seasonal fruits like cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, and pomegranates. They also grow berries like blackberries and boysenberries, along with figs and persimmons.

The farm also has vineyards, which are fields where grapes grow. These grapes are used to make special wines. In 1995, even President Bill Clinton visited the farm! The Simonian family was later invited to attend his inauguration in 1997.

Step Back in Time at the Museum

In 2012, Simonian Farms opened its museum, which is called "Old Town." This museum has a fun western theme. Inside, you can see many old items, like classic cars, tractors, and old farming tools. It's like taking a trip back in time!

The museum also has a special area called the Route 66 Shooting Range, which is a fun activity for young visitors. When the museum was being built, Bonnie Simonian said they hoped to share the history of the Fresno area from the 1850s to the 1960s. It's a great way to learn about the past while having fun!