The Fruit Growers Cooperative, incorporated in 1933, was a joint enterprise of growers for the purpose of harvesting, processing, and marketing their produce (cherries and apples). During its life, the co-op absorbed at least one debtor company, the Pulaski Canning Company; acquired facilities in Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Juddville; and served as a major outlet for Door County cherry growers. Suffering from short crops, and unable to diversify or find new markets fast enough, it suffered several financial setbacks in the early 1970s. The final reverse came in 1972 when the co-op could no longer acquire bank loans to cover its losses and debts, and went bankrupt.
