In the 1920s, Walter Knott, who was struggling as a farmer, experienced an unexpected turn of events on his Buena Park, California property. A remarkable transformation was about to unfold.
Walter had been nurturing a unique set of berry vines that originated from the innovative work of horticulturist Rudolph Boysen. By combining blackberry, red raspberry, and loganberry, Boysen created the boysenberry. This hybrid became incredibly popular, leading the Knott family to sell an impressive amount of these berries, along with jams and pies, at a roadside stand along State Route 39.
Approximately ten years later, Walter’s wife, Cordelia, began serving fried chicken dinners. To everyone’s surprise, her cooking soon attracted long lines of patrons eager to taste her meals.
Understanding the adage, “if you can get them to stop, you can get them to shop,” Walter quickly expanded the venture. He opened several specialty shops to entertain guests as they waited for their meals. Before long, these shops became a significant tourist attraction. Continue reading
