History

What started out as a dairy and potato farm, was expanded to include apple orchards which were planted by Henry’s son Walter, in the 1920’s. The planting of apple trees was inspired by Walter’s wife Edna Spiegelberg, whose family grew apples in Lorain. Walter’s son, Robert and his wife Erma inherited the farm and added peach orchards, pumpkins, and continued the potato and dairy operation.

In the 1930’s, the farm was officially named Grobe Fruit Farm. Robert’s son James started the famous pumpkin pile under the tree in the 1950’s.  He married his wife Annette in 1965, and she joined him in his efforts to add sweet corn to sell at the market. They decided to sell the dairy herd to devote more time to apples and increase their fruit production.

James’ son, Allen, is a 1990 grad of Michigan State University in fruit and vegetable production and management. Together with his wife, Laurie, who has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cleveland State University, they have worked hard to add to the farms commercial production. They have built a commercial apple cider facility, commercial apple packing plant and advanced food safety programs, as well as added other vegetable lines to cater to a larger customer base. The farm has sold their wholesale apples through Fruit Growers Marketing Association for the past four decades. This allows the farm to team up with other apple growers in the state to sell apples.

The upcoming sixth generation will be promoting new food safety techniques and increasing production as well as efficiency of the business. Allen and Laurie’s oldest son Brett graduated from Ohio State in 2017 and married his wife Brooke in 2019. Both have degrees in Agricultural Business and have worked to expand the farm in new and exciting ways. Brooke has worked to expand the retail farm market and agritourism and pick your own business. Brett has grown the cider to mill to reach apple cider customers across the state. Allen and Laurie’s younger son, Keith graduated from the Ohio State university in 2021, also with a degree in Agricultural Business and is working on the farm full time as well. Keith has expanded production in many of the stone fruits, including everyone’s favorite, the famous Grobe peaches.

The Grobe family added their newest fruit and vegetable market in 2012, named Grobe Fruit Farm Express. This farm located on State Route 301 in Lagrange, had already been run by the Grobes for nearly one hundred years prior. They decided to add a seasonal market for the residents of LaGrange and Southern Lorain County to enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables that they sell.

As we say, “From our field to your table.” It just can’t get any fresher. Our business and family have grown from the people of Lorain County choosing to be our customers. We have created friendships that have lasted lifetimes. We sincerely thank and appreciate all our customers.