‘Picture olives in our valley, groves of gray-green trees were here’

Upon a recent holiday visit to the historic Graber Olives in Ontario, I rediscovered olive history, grading, curing and canning, beautiful grounds, a mosaic mural and charming poem by Marge Bowler - native of Chino.

Since 1894, delicious Graber Olives have been grown and processed by the Graber Family method - fully tree-ripened with delicate, rich flavors. They are truly a unique food delicacy and a part of our family holidays since I can remember.

Visitors are welcome and may browse leisurely in the two gift shops, which feature olives, fine foods, olive oils and gifts including Cucamonga wines from Galleano Winery.

Graber Olives is located at 315 E. 4th St. in Ontario. December hours 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed major holidays.

Call 800 996-5483 or visit graberolives.com to learn more.

Here’s Marge Bowler’s poem.

Picture olives in our valley. Groves of gray-green trees were here. For they found proper climate, And they flourished year by year.

Then orange groves would take the space, And they crowded other fruit, These would go north to other land With the orange in pursuit.

But olive curing need not go If the plant could work the same. Trucks could bring the olives here Where the process had brought fame.

Thus the home of Graber Olives Was and is Ontario Though the groves themselves are nourished In the valley where they grow.

Place a warm throw or blanket at the end of the bed to prevent guests from having to search for more covers in the middle of the night, along with a pile of pillows to satisfy individual tastes in firmness.

Welcome guests with a simple arrangement of cut blooms from your garden or fragrant evergreens.

Bring toilet paper and toiletries out of hiding, placing them on open shelves or in baskets around the bathroom so guests can find them easily. Outfit each tub with a bath mat to avoid falls, and remove slippery floor rugs.

Fill pretty containers such as teacups with Q-tips and cotton balls and display them on the washroom counter for anyone who’s forgotten their own.

Leave an ample supply of clean towels for each guest, and add a few luxuries for a spa-like vibe; a beautiful soap, special hand lotion, or cozy robe and slippers.

Adriana Donofrio • deasypennerpodley

Glendora (626) 926-9700 • adonofrio@dppre.com