Little Bit of History

In the early 1900s, our ranch was known as Boa Vista Ranch. Karl Visman, Sr. first came to Boa Vista Ranch and began working for Mr. Charles and Ida Schaeppi in 1917. Early on, potatoes were planted at Boa Vista Ranch. In 1939 the World's Fair came to Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. Boa Vista entered these same potatoes in the Agricultural Competition, winning a $100 first prize for producing 475 regulation sacks of commercial quality potatoes from one acre. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Karl Visman, Sr. began planting experimental varieties of pears, plums and grapes. Throughout these times, lack of sufficient water to irrigate these orchards was a big problem. Another big challenge was the freezing temperatures during the Spring blossom time. Smudge pots were used to save the crop on those frigid, freezing nights. Pear decline disease came along and destroyed many tres and entire orchards during the 1960s. Most pear orchards were removed; planting instead went to apple trees. Carl Visman, Jr. was instrumental in this key development of Boa Vista Orchards. Planting early and late season apple varieties provided the roots for our family, extending the harvest season through diversification. These accomplishments have given our family its roots and bright future for many generations!