Key Ingredients Michigan Foodways

Whitehall Foodways: Fast Facts

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are prolific in Whitehall

Asparagus
The Whitehall and Oceana County area is among the nation's leading asparagus producing regions.

Pumpkins
The New Era Canning Company is one of the nation's largest producers of canned pumpkin. The pumpkin grown in the area is similar to that of a hubbard squash, which can withstand cold winter temperatures through January.

Frozen Foods
Peterson's Farms in nearby Shelby produces 125 million finished pounds of frozen fruits and asparagus in addition to 5 million gallons of single strength apple juice and juice concentrates.

Migrant Work and Restaurants
The number of migrant farm workers in the Whitehall area has grown in recent years. In the 1950s and 60s, many of the workers worked on pickling farms in Oceana County. Now, many pick produce such as apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, and celery. Others are experienced in working the food freezing operations in the area, including Peterson's farms. The confluence of migrant workers has led to an increase in the number of Mexican markets and restaurants in the region.

Wines
According to MSU Extension, the Whitehall and Oceana County area has many of the characteristics of a successful wine region. It has tourism traffic, proximity to the lake, hilly terrain, and a history of fruit production. The region is included in a 20-year plan to support 10,000 acres of wine grape production and 3 million cases of Michigan-produced wines annually by 2024.

Community Cookbook

The library has produced a community cookbook highlighting local food traditions and ethnicity in West Michigan. The cookbook, Remembered Recipes, Shared Stories ... A Culinary Journey Along the Shoreline, includes 140 recipes and accompanying stories from cooks and bakers from Hart to Holland.

Country Dairy milk is delivered as far away as St. Paul, Minnesota

Dairy
The Country Dairy is one of the leading milk producers in the midwest. Their Michigan milk is delivered as far away as St. Paul, Minnesota, Indianapolis, and Chicago.

Fish
The commercial fishing industry is no longer active in the area. However, recreational fishing is significant, with whitefish and perch among the frequent catches. White Lake hosts an Annual Perch Festival (on January 20-21, 2007). And, the Cherry Point Farm and Market in nearby Shelby holds weekly fish boils.

References:

Miller, D. P. (2005). Project Green: Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council Research and Education Advisory Committee: Funding Priorities.

Personal interview. (2006. November 28). Carlson, B. (White Lake Library), Goralski, R. (Tartan Hill Winery), Russell, C. (White Swan Inn), Scholl, S. (Scholl Farms), Swanson, J. (Country Dairy), Van Loon, A. (White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce), White, T. (Women's Lifestyle Magazine), Wolfe, K.

Peterson's Farms. (2006). A little history. [online resource].

White, T. (2006. November 30). Personal communication.

Key Ingredients Michigan Foodways
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