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Early settlers turned to agriculture

Summerland’s climate was idea for growing apples and orchards were planted in the early 1900s
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By the early 1900s, Summerland was booming.

Gold and furs had brought large numbers of people to the area, and by 1905, many had settled here, turning to agriculture.

The climate was ideal for growing apples and orchards were quickly planted.

Water from the lake allowed orchards to grow, such as this one, near today’s Trout Creek Park.

From left are James Gartrell, Gilbert Thornber, Fred Gartrell, A. Smith and J. Tait are shown here at the orchard lake on Gartrell’s property.