South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Peach of a Man
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
1. A Peach of a Man Marker
Stanley Johnston graduated from the Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) in 1920 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. He served as the superintendent of the South Haven Experiment Station from 1920 to 1968, where he focused on the improvement of fruit varieties, including peaches, blueberries, apricots, strawberries, and raspberries.
Johnston's research resulted in the development of the eight Haven peach varieties: Halehaven, Kalhaven, Redhaven, Fairhaven, Sunhaven, Richhaven, Glohaven, and Cresthaven. The typical harvest period for peaches was three weeks, but with the development of the Haven varieties, this period was extended to seven weeks. Johnston produced the Goldcot apricot, another significant accomplishment, being the first apricot variety able to withstand harsh Michigan weather. He is also credited with bringing the blueberry industry to the South Haven area, by developing a hybrid of the highbush and lowbush blueberry that is able to be grown throughout Michigan.
During the city's Centennial celebration in 1969, Oakland Park was renamed Stanley Johnston Memorial Park in his honor.
Erected 2022 by City of South Haven, Historical Association of South Haven, South Haven Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kayski
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 42° 24.364′ N, 86° 16.587′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker can be reached from Black River Street south of Dyckman Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Stanley Johnston Park at the top of the hill along Black River Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Farming Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Strike Up the Band! (within shouting distance of this marker); Algonquin Legends of South Haven (within shouting distance of this marker); Captains of Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Catskills of the Midwest (within shouting distance of this marker); Evelyn S (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Historic Harbor (about 300 feet away); Coastal Crossroads (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.
More about this marker. Marker is part of South Haven's Sesquicentennial Trail.
Regarding A Peach of a Man. Marker is part of South Haven's
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
2. A Peach of a Man Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
