Struble Ranch

History

Struble Ranch Time Line

In 1918, our farm was purchased by Marion Rufus Struble from the original owner of the ranch, Dick Cook, who was part-owner of a saloon in Loomis. The ranch at that time was named Alta Vista, high view, because of the spectacular 360 degree view from the top of the hill where the farmhouse was built. The view today continues to be amazing as we can see the surrounding areas of Auburn, Newcastle, Penryn, Folsom and Sacramento from our hill.

In 1956, Harold and a handful of local farmers plant the first Mandarin orchards in Loomis.

In 1961 Harold and his sons Jim and Bill harvest and sell their first mandarins. They were sold in brown paper bags out of the family garage to neighbors and friends. This tradition continues today.

In 1984, Harold and Ruth's son Jim, plants a second and larger block of Mandarin Oranges, as well as several Clementine Mandarin and Navel Orange trees.

Today, the farm is managed by Jim and Jan Struble with the help their children and other family members. The farming tradition is continuing on into the fourth generation of Strubles, and as we enter into our 50th citrus harvest, we invite you to come visit and learn about mandarins directly from the farmer, Jim Struble. His love of farming is evident in the pride he takes in his orchard and the wonderful fruit it produces.

Still Making History

Barn Quilt

A barn quilt is a colorful quilt pattern painted on a large plywood square and mounted to a barn. There is a widespread movement across rural America to hang painted quilt squares on barns and historic buildings. Each quilt has a name and story behind why that pattern was chosen. Jim and I have designed, graphed and painted what we believe to be the first Barn Quilt in Placer County. Our 4 ft. square quilt pattern represents the beauty of the oranges that we grow and was named "Citrus Beauty". We chose this pattern because it represents the mandarins natural beauty from the bloom, the small mandarin forming, the green leaves protecting the young immature fruit, up until the harvest of the ripe mandarin.

Just finished, we also have a second barn quilt on display. It is aptly named "Dozer Dream'n". We have several farm tractors and two restored Caterpillar tractors which are used on the ranch, so this choice came naturally. Come and enjoy our farm and all that we have to offer.