Document text
Fruit stand brightens town square photo by Melissa Martin Gus Wolf sells fruits and vegetables from a stand in downtown Gold Hill. The former public relations executive and graphic artist says it's something he's always wanted to do. Gold Hill residents eager to buy By Melissa Martin of the Mail Tribune GOLD HILL -- Strawberries from Santa Monica, Ruby Red grapefruit from Texas, comice pears from Medford. Customer Jerry Brown walked along a table lined with colorful mangos, cantaloupe, broccoli, tomatoes, lemons and limes. He was tempted by the bags of oranges hanging from the tent and the basket of red apples on the stool. "I'm a big fruit and vegetable eater; the brighter the color, the better for you," said the Gold Hill resident as he filled his bag with fresh produce. "You really have to work at getting five vegetable servings a day, but finding quality and a good price here helps." Brown is a regular customer of the Gold Hill Fruit Depot, the newest business in the town square. Proprietor Gus Wolf opened the fruit stand around Thanksgiving after leasing the land from Sweed Machinery and obtaining a conditional use permit from the city of Gold Hill. "I've always wanted to do this," said Wolf, who owned a public relations firm for 10 years. Wolf's job experience includes drawing for labels and catalogs in the art department at Harry and David. And he learned about hand-picking fruit, pricing produce by item instead of by pound, and customer service from a Medford fruit stand owner. As he spoke, he sliced an orange and handed a sample to a Gold Hill woman. "This is so sweet," she said as she bought a bag. "I'm sorry I didn't stop the other day when I saw you here." Wolf said he enjoys peddling a healthful product. And having his shop outdoors keeps overhead costs low and visibility high. "I came for the strawberries," said Chris Good, who lives nearby off of Old Stage Road. He was drawn to the stand by a six-foot-long sign advertising fresh strawberries. "But I think I'll take some apples, too, and lemons and kiwi. Everything I buy here is good." Wolf buys produce wholesale from Fresh Express, Harry and David, Naumes and local growers when it's in season. "His fruit is fresher and the price is right," said Brown, the first customer of the day. He is retired as a vice president of manufacturing from Rogue Valley Polymers. For one dollar, Brown could buy five zucchini, five Klamath bakers, five yellow onions, five kiwi, a bag of baby carrots, three tomatoes, and eight lemons or seven limes. And for some change, a Sweed Machinery employee bought a Washington red delicious apple and told the proprietor, "Thanks for lunch." "This reminds me of when I lived in Menlo Park, California, and I drove to a local ranch for fruit and vegetables," Brown said. "I could get big green beans and squash with the blooms still on them." Gold Hill Fruit Depot is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA