The orchard on Portola Road
Jelich Ranch’s story is rooted in Portola Valley. The Jelich family bought the property in 1909. Some of the trees growing here today were planted in 1913.
A family and a farmhouse
Walter Jelich Sr. purchased the property on Portola Road, and the farmhouse followed in 1915. The ranch’s archived history describes the house as a gathering place for the valley’s Dalmatian community.
The roadside orchard
Walter Jelich Jr. grew apples, pears and apricots. In recollections published by The Almanac, his son Ed describes childhood work around the orchard. The fruit stand and its mechanical apple polisher are part of the ranch’s remembered place in the valley.
A restoration, and a continuing story
Cindie and Phil White purchased the ranch in 2000 and restored the house and orchard. The Almanac’s restoration story records that chapter.
Today, the Jelich Ranch pantry includes orchard preserves, Raw Honey, Hot Honey and Peach Hot Sauce. Membership connects the pantry to the place through an annual farm visit, a complimentary annual gift and invitations to seasonal farm events and the yearly barbecue.