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Lemon
Cove, A History of Premium Citrus
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community of Lemon Cove is nestled in the Sierra foothills below Sequoia
National Park. The town was initially known as Lime Kiln. Lime Kiln Hill
forms the Eastern boundary of Harrison Ranch, and separates the Ranch from
Lake Kaweah. |
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Lemon Cove, 1914 |
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Lemon Cove was founded by J.W.C. Pogue who moved to the area
in 1868. The Pogue family settled in the Dry Creek area (opposite the Kaweah
River from Harrison Ranch), where Pogue planted oranges and introduced
lemons to the San Joaquin Valley. Lemon Cove proved an ideal climate for
lemons, winning a blue ribbon at the 1885 Los Angeles Fair. Lemon Cove
Orange fruit could be harvested several weeks earlier than Southern
California groves, and could be shipped to eastern markets in time for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Planting of lemons and oranges continued in the
area, on south and western facing foothills and warm coves.
The citrus industry prospered in Lemon Cove, with
several successful growers and packing houses in the area. The history of
Lemon Cove’s citrus industry is captured in the Crate Labels that were used
until the late 1950's when cardboard boxes replaced the wooden fruit crates. |
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The Pogues home, built in 1879 still
exists on Sierra Drive, Lemon Cove’s main street. The home later served as a
hotel and is now the headquarters of the Lemon Cove Woman's Club.
Today Lemon Cove remains an agricultural
community with Oranges, Lemons, and Olives still the prominent crops. |
