A Journey Through Five Decades of Holiday Traditions
From humble beginnings in 1969 to becoming a beloved Bay Area destination, discover the rich history of Alhambra Valley Christmas Tree Farm and the Scheberies family's dedication to creating perfect holiday memories.
Milestones in the Alhambra Valley Christmas Tree Farm story
The Griffin family acquires a portion of Rancho Boca de la Cañada del Pinole and establishes the farm in Alhambra Valley which at that time was one of the preeminent agricultural areas in the Country. Immediate neighbors of the farm included the Swett Ranch and Winery as well as the Strentzel-Muir fruit ranch. In its early years the farm served as a focal point of Alhambra Valley by donating land for the Alhambra Valley School House and also hosting the Farm Bureau and Grange events.
Excerpted from the Sierra Club report of the funeral: "…when the procession that formed for the march to the grave, in the most delightful of all delightful spots in the Valley of the Alhambra, it was made up of men and women unashamed of streaming tears. Robins and larks sang along the way; the vineyards and orchards were animated with them… The pallbearers were W.E. Colby and Congressman-elect J. Arthur Elston, representing the Sierra Club; Frank V. Cornish, who represented the Wisconsin Society, and Elam Brown, Frank Swett and George Griffin, neighbors."
After years of growing traditional crops such as grapes, fruit and hay, and also raising livestock, 3rd generation owner, Tom Griffin, entered into a partnership with the Jones family to grow Christmas Trees on the property. This successful partnership lasted for 45 years.
Due to age, health and other circumstances, the condition of the Christmas Tree Farm had deteriorated from its prior luster and was the subject of concern in the community which feared that the farm may simply join the long list of other urban farms that have closed in the face of operating in what had become an increasingly urban and challenging environment. The farm was listed for sale and customers were notified that the Tree Farm was closed.
In 2014, the Griffin family made the decision to select the Scheberies family as the purchaser of their property. The Scheberies, though lacking previous farming experience, were motivated by a commitment to provide their children with a rural lifestyle and a connection to the land. Following the completion of the sale, the Scheberies relocated to Alhambra Valley and undertook the task of reestablishing the Christmas Tree Farm. The majority of farm operations are managed by Mark and Bea, with support from their children, Wyatt and Ellie, who assist when academic obligations permit.
