FAMILY FARMING
In the true pioneering spirit, Charles T. Peltzer left the security of his 960 acre wheat farm, in Pretty Prairie, Kansas with his wife and nine children in 1913 to try his luck in the untamed West.
A 20 acre site was selected in Anaheim, which consisted of one-year old citrus trees and nine dairy cows. This location was successfully farmed by the family and was eventually acquired by their son, Victor Peltzer. He, in turn farmed it until its eventual sale to Walt Disney in 1954. Of course this location become a part of the fabulous Disneyland. It is still possible for family members to still identify original locations of the house and barn marked by the continued use of the larger trees that were original to the property.
The Victor and Irma Peltzer family relocated in East Anaheim where a now much expanded citrus operation continued to flourish. Then in December of 1963 , son Charles T. Peltzer II, now representing the third generation combined forces with father Victor and formed the first Peltzer Pine Farm.This location was on Jefferson Street in East Anaheim, which was chosen as a temporary location in order to compare the then remaining citrus to the new Peltzer Pine planting. We know that many of our older customers remember well our first location on Jefferson. It was a natural that the conversion of the last remaining citrus was completed in 1970 to the Anaheim location of Peltzer Pine. This change was mainly because of a citrus disease aptly named "Quick Decline" and basically signaled the end of most citrus in Orange County. Another problem that took care of virtually all of the remaining citrus was named "subdivision" and "high property taxes"! These last two were even more efficient at removing citrus than the dreaded "Quick Decline".
Along with the re-location from Jefferson Street to the Miraloma Avenue farm, a second Peltzer Pine was begun on North Batavia,Orange. Ground preparation and first trees were planted late in 1968, and the first harvest was December 1972. Eventually there was a total of 8 farms. Now there are only 2.
There is a lot of work that goes into providing a choice Christmas Tree, much more that would ever be imagined. We start from seed that is specially ordered from New Zealand. We then plant the seed in our own nursery and after great difficulty getting started, we then transplant to the field for four years of constant care.In the field, the trees are irrigated frequently and treated for insects and pests as required. Then after four years of nearly monthly pruning and careful shaping, we offer these trees to you as the best we can grow as full-time farmers. And with Mother Nature co-operating we feel that these trees are among the best available. And we are still finding ways to further improve our quality and service to you. So now you know that the "Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree" that you choose required so much care, all of which was carefully planned and carried out for four years plus.
Charles T. Peltzer II, owner of Peltzer Pines, is a third generation farmer in Anaheim. This is the 59th
anniversary of Peltzer Ranch, Inc. & Peltzer Pines 50th anniversary. In 1966 he sold his first Christmas trees and is still providing Orange County with beautiful trees forty five years later.
Nick, fourth generation & son of Charles owns a Palm Tree Nursery. Visit his web site www.peltzernursery.com for information about the most beautiful palm trees available in Orange County.
Charles Jr., fourth generation and youngest son of Charles has the only Pumpkin Patch on a real farm
in Temecula. Be sure to visit his web site www.peltzerfarms.com about all the activities including pig races that take place at this unique Pumpkin Patch.
When you visit one of our farms, chances are very good that you will have been waited on by a fifth generation grandchild and a large number of local students. So you can see that it is traditionally a caring operation with everyone contributing in an invaluable way.
GIVING TO OUR COUNTRY'S HEROES
For local Orange County business owner, Charles Peltzer, the holidays are the perfect time to give to our local heroes. With 3 live Christmas Tree Farms, filled with so many trees you would think taking care of his loyal Orange County customers that he wouldn't have the time to be orchestrating his largest donation campaign to the military in the past 19 years. Over 1,000 trees are donated to the Military bases in Southern California. You would think that this would deplete his supply of Christmas Trees just when the peak of his season is here, but due to thoughtful planning, (4 years in advance) and his generous nature Peltzer Pines has plenty of top quality trees for everyone!
Ever since Desert Storm in 1991, Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farms has been making sure that our local service men get to experience the joy of having their own Christmas tree. It was many years ago when Peltzer realized that lower ranking servicemen barely have the money for necessities. To purchase a Christmas tree would be a hardship.
He made it happen for those families in 1991 and he has not stopped since. The program has just gotten bigger and better. Now, he actually plans over 4 years in advance how many trees he will be donating and how many trees he will need for his customers. That's how long it takes the trees to mature. This way he is able to consistently (ensure) have a bountiful amount for his customers and also be able to give great quality trees to the Military.
Charles Peltzer, has been the one to initiate and execute this effort to ensure that the families that protect our freedom and give so much to our country are taken care of and have a tree of their own. The Christmas trees are actually growing here in Orange County on his 3 farms. They are cut fresh and picked up that day. The Military provides a small crew and truck to transport them to the base but the trees are 100% free and clear to the families. These trees are fully donated and it is so wonderful to know that some of these families are able to enjoy this tradition despite the hard economic times.
It is a long standing tradition with many families in Orange County to come to Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm and pick their tree in November. They line up at bothfarms located in, Brea and Silverado Canyon. Then, when they are ready to bring it home, they come back and cut it down themselves with our supervision or have it freshly cut.
This tradition of donating to the Military started in 1991, when Peltzer Pines had 8 Christmas tree farms in Orange County. There are now only 2 farms. It was his desire to provide what support and joy that he could to the Military families by making sure they had a Christmas tree to enjoy. Just knowing that these families get to experience the joy and excitement of gathering around a Christmas tree is all that he had hoped for. This year will be the 22nd year he has been reaching out and donating his trees.