Beuham-Stark Orchard

While fruit trees and small orchards were common elements of each farm on North Manitou Island, the most extensive fruit orchard planted by an individual on the island is the Frederic M. Beuham Orchard. Beuhan was the first to attempt large-scale commercial fruit farming on the island, initially planting 500 fruit trees and vines, much more than needed by a single man or even the population of the island. The orchard proved profitable enough to merit expansion by contracting with the Stark Brothers nursery firm in 1894. Although no buildings remain on the property today, 160 acre clearing still contains as many as 700-1000 living apple trees, representing the legacy of commercial fruit cultivation on North Manitou.

photos coming…