Another Good Memory: The Fruit Stand

The fruit stand on Pearblossom Hwy is a rich source of good memories. Some of my earliest in fact.

When I was growing up, the town of Littlerock, California was known for peaches and pears. Hwy 138, aka Pearblossom Hwy was lined with fruit stands. Each farmer selling their crop for the year.

The fruit stand was my family’s summer hang out. Before my brother and I were born my mom’s brothers and sisters, many who lived in the LA area, would come and help with harvest. My dad and whoever was helping, would fill the pickup bed with ripe peaches and pears. My mom and aunts sold the fruit at the stand.

Yes. People Really did sell Fruit Along the Highway

When my brother and I were old enough to help, we got to pick peaches and pears too. Peach fuzz on the arms was never a good thing.

We got up early before the high desert temperatures increased. We always had a competition to pick the most. As well as trying to keep up with dad. He always won. Me, being the youngest trailing a lug box or two behind my older sibling. All three of us filled the pickup. Then headed to the fruit stand.

In those days we rode in the back of the pickup sitting on the wheel wells. Choosing small pears that wouldn’t be missed, we threw our hardest overhand at telephone poles. Another competition I always lost. That’s okay. A simple entertainment helped pass the time. Never any complaints of boredom.

All in all growing up in Littlerock, picking peaches and pears was a great way to grow up. I never had a birthday cake, but chose a peach cobbler for my August 26 celebration.

Wishing I had a Littlerock peach or pear about now!