The History of Copper River Farm

How Copper River Farm Got its Name

Copper River Farm is named after our dog (may he rest in peace): River, who used to love to eat the honey bees. When Jim would go to extract the honey, River would go with him and eat the bees. The bees stung his lips and tongue, but he loved their sweet taste.

Because River's registered AKC name was Copper, we thought it fitting to name the farm "Copper River" after our bee-munching friend.

The Kelderhouse homestead in Port Oneida

Left: Kim and Jim planting seeds.

Copper River Farm began out of Jims love for growing that started when he was young on his grandparents farm in Port Oneida. The farm was based on self sustainability, a model Jim seeks to achieve on his own farm. Copper River Farms first products were honey, dried flowers, and maple syrup. Jim and Liz sold their products at local art and craft shows, and the Traverse City farm market.

Dried flowers fell out of popularity, so Jim expanded into fresh cut flowers and vegetables. The challenges of maintaining a honey and syrup operation proved to be more than they had anticipated. So they focused on what they did best: growing things. Throughout all of this Kim was born and Liz and Jim went to floral design school. For a time the Traverse City farm market was good and busy for cut flowers, but after seeing the success of cut flowers, other farmers followed suit. The large amount of cut flowers for sale drove the price down to a low that no one could make a living on. In addition the Traverse City farm market had become a frenzy of farmers and customers. For theses reasons Copper River Farm chose to disappear for awhile, but we are back now and committed to supporting the growth of the Leelanau county farm markets.

Copper River Farm

Owner: Jim Kelderhouse

In Business Since: 1990

Main Crop: Specialty Cut flowers

Other Crops: Herbs and Vegetables

Services: Floral Design or

bulk flowers for weddings,

events, and home decorating.

We can do just about anything!