In 1947, the first trees were put in the ground in a field north of Manito by Earl Talbott. Earl, his brother Bob and cousin Lacey sold their first trees in 1954 for 65 cents. In 1964, the cut-your-own sales were moved to the present location and the Manito farm was closed. Bob's daughter Susan and her husband Brian Frank began helping with the trees in 1977 and they purchased Earl's share of the tree farm when he retired in 1988. They purchased the rest of the farm a few years later from Bob. The next generation of the Talbott family has joined the operation -- our son Chris Frank is farming full time. Chris' wife Alex, our son Will and his wife Jennie also help during the sales season.
Each year thirty to forty seasonal employees are hired to help the family with planting, shearing, wreath making and sales. These employees include high school and college students, local farmers, retirees, and friends. Scott Friedrich, a local farmer and longtime friend, has been involved with the tree operation for over 30 years.
