California Fruit Exchange. Incorporated in May 1901 with member associations from Loomis, Newcastle, and Penryn, it grew to be the largest fruit grower’s cooperative organization on the Pacific coast.

LOOMIS, CA (MPG) - Loomis developed as a major Gold Country fruit growing hub after local prospectors transitioned to agriculture in the late 19 century. Placer County became known as the birthplace of the California fruit industry.

That agricultural past is celebrated today through the Loomis Legacy Loop, a self-guided tour highlighting the pioneer families, orchards, railroad and businesses that helped build the town.

The route includes 14 historic fruit-crate labels recreated as colorful outdoor murals and tiles throughout Loomis. The artwork recalls an era when family-owned orchards covered much of the Loomis Basin and fruit packing and shipping were an important part of everyday life.

The Town of Loomis began incorporating agricultural murals onto local buildings in the mid-1990s to celebrate a time when orchards and fruit packing were a significant part of the community. The Valley of the Gods mural on the Nelthrope building and the California Fruit Exchange mural on what is now the Ace BBQ building were both created around that time.

“As we developed the Loomis Legacy Loop, we worked with the Loomis Historical Society to ensure the murals reflected our history and, whenever possible, were located near buildings where fruit was packed. This helped connect the artwork to the actual places and stories behind it. The building owners deserve special recognition for allowing these murals on their properties. Their willingness to participate has helped preserve an important part of Loomis history, while adding beauty and character to downtown. The murals are more than artwork; they are a lasting reminder of the people, businesses, and agricultural industry that helped build our community,” former Mayor of Loomis and former Executive Director of the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce said.

The Chamber developed a proposal for the Loomis Town Council and requested funding to create what is now known as the Loomis Legacy Loop.  Working in partnership with the Loomis Historical Society, downtown business owners, and local artists, eight new murals were added to compliment the existing murals around town.

When asked what the biggest challenge was in translating vintage fruit crate labels into murals was, Knisley said, “One challenge I recall was figuring out how to reproduce the artwork on buildings with such different surfaces and materials. Each surface brought its own considerations for applying the murals and ensuring they would last over time.”

By the early 20 century, Loomis had become the second-largest fruit shipping station in Placer County. “Mountain Grown” became a familiar slogan associated with Placer County peaches, plums and pears. During the 1940s, the Loomis fruit district shipped about 4,500 train cars full of plums each summer.

The railroad was essential to that success. The historic Loomis Train Depot served as a transportation hub where the Central Pacific Railroad carried locally grown crops to markets nationwide.

Visitors following the Legacy Loop can see the restored depot as well as historic fruit sheds where packed crates were once handled by workers before being loaded into refrigerated rail cars.

Other stops offer glimpses into the families behind the industry. The Holly Glen mural is a detailed reproduction of vintage fruit-crate artwork reflecting the orchards of the Loomis Basin, while the Wil-Mar label tile recognizes the area’s ranching heritage and the farming pioneers who helped establish the community.

The route also follows Taylor Road, itself a link to the area’s transportation history. Originally a Native American trail between the Yuba and American rivers, the route later accommodated wagon traffic and became part of the Lincoln Highway in 1913 and, later, Highway 40.

Visitors can also explore Loomis’ Main Street heritage, including preserved brick-and-mortar storefronts dating to the early railroad era.

The High-Hand Fruit Shed is one such building dating back to that time. In 1926, the Loomis Fruit Growers Association built High-Hand Fruit Shed as its main packing facility.  During peak harvest seasons it employed up to 100 workers who sorted, packed, and shipped “Mountain Grown” plums and peaches globally under the High-Hand label.

The Legacy Loop’s public art serves as more than decoration. By reproducing the labels once attached to crates of locally grown fruit, the project preserves memories of nearly 70 years of agricultural packing heritage.

For those walking through downtown Loomis today, the murals, depot and historic buildings provide a reminder that the town’s agricultural roots remain visible — if you know where to look.

“I believe the Loomis Legacy Loop is a hidden gem that is still waiting to be fully showcased. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project was never fully completed or marketed to the extent we had originally envisioned. Nevertheless, those who discover the tour are often impressed by the beauty of the murals and the history available through the mobile app. It gives visitors an opportunity to explore downtown at their own pace while learning about Loomis’s agricultural roots,” Knisley said.