Oakwood Fruit Farm is an officially recognized Century Farm dating back to 1904. Four generations of the Louis family have managed the farm.
100+ YEARS OF HISTORY
Click on each image below to learn more about our history
Click on each year below to learn more about our history
1904
Oakwood Fruit Farm was founded in 1904 by Albert Louis. At that time, the farm focused on selling trees, operating as a nursery. In addition, they grew large crops of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. The farm sits among the ridges and coulees just east of Richland Center. The soils are fertile and the topography allows cold air to drain from the ridges where trees are planted.
FIRST GENERATION
Albert Louis with wife, Agnes Louis, sons, Karl and Bill, and daughter, Eva around 1912.
1930s
The family orchard expanded when Albert's son, Bill Louis, quit teaching to join the operation in 1934. Bill would start planting trees to produce apples to sell.
SECOND GENERATION
Bill Louis with wife, Lucy, son, John, and daughters, Dorthy, Mary, and Joan in 1950.
1950s
Albert's grandson, John Louis, became involved in 1955 after graduating from high school. Most of the orchard expansion has occurred since then. The first plantings utilizing semi-dwarf rootstocks were made in 1956. For the past 20 years, all trees planted have been smaller, dwarf size, apple trees.
THIRD GENERATION
John Louis and family in 1974.
1970s
Our fourth generation - Judy Louis Alvin, Albert's great-granddaughter, and her husband Greg Alvin joined the family business in 1979.
FOURTH GENERATION
Judy Louis Alvin at age 4.
1990s
Steve Louis (wife Jody) joined the family operation in 1992 after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in horticulture.
THE ORCHARD TODAY
Today the orchard consists of over 180 ACRES. We produce over 20 APPLE VARIETIES, ripening from early August through October, along with grapes. We sell much of the fruit at retail through the farm market, but a wholesale division of the company moves a significant amount of fruit as well as custom packing fruit.
During our busy fall weekends you can see 3 generations of Louis family working together as the 5TH GENERATION joins, helping run our retail store. We are truly a family owned and operated orchard business!
