Draft:Saline Valley Farms

Saline Valley Farm (SVF) was an experimental cooperative farm in York Township / Washtenaw County, Michigan. Harold Studley Gray, grandson of the first CEO of Ford Motor Company, was born in 1894. He held a Master's degree in Economics from Harvard University. Development of the original tract of land (637 acres) began in 1932, utilizing the original farmhouse and out-buildings. The first employees, Harold and Marion Vaughn, arrived with their two sons on April 4th, 1932. The Vaughns were hired as the General Managers. Harold Vaughn had a degree in Horticulture. By 1934 the SVF group had a total payroll of 52 employees. Operations were carried out with horse, tractor, and human power.

Existing buildings were updated, and new buildings erected including a store to sell farm products, recreation hall, creamery, livestock barns, poultry barns, carpenter shop, boiler house, garages and residential homes. Acton Creek which ran through the property, was dammed up to create Lake Ella Lee, for recreation.

The SVF farm products included: peaches, apples, pears, raspberries, cherries, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, asparagus, cucumbers, beets, corn, beans, peppers, honey, and maple syrup. Chickens were raised for both meat and eggs, as well as for pedigree stock and hatching eggs. Hay, straw, alfalfa, field corn, and silage were grown for the livestock. Livestock included cows, pigs, and sheep. Processed goods included jelly, jam, fruit pie filling, fruit juices, pickles, chili sauce, milk, cream, butter, ice cream, canned meat, sausages, smoked meat, fruit and vegetables. Fresh items included meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. Panel trucks ran delivery routes to supply these fresh, frozen, and canned products to homes and stores around southeast Michigan.

In 1937, a Board of Director's was formed. It consisted of 1/3 elected members of SVF, 1/3 appointed by Harold Gray and 1/3 representing customers. In 1940, the Board called for setting up Corporation under the Cooperative Laws of Michigan which enabled sales of stock to employees, investors, and customers. Approximately 20 resident families worked and socialized together. Each family had their own home or apartment on the property, were paid in accordance with their job and skill set, and had freedom over their beliefs and leisure time. Although this cooperative arrangement was mutually beneficial and had communal qualities, SVF was not a religious or political Commune.

Following WWII, many SVF farm families transitioned to more lucrative employment opportunities. By 1953 the corporation was no longer profitable and farm operations ceased. SVF had often provided inexpensive lodging to young travelers, and following the closure of farm operations, SVF officially became an American Youth Hostel (AYH).

The owner, Harold Gray, retired and put the property up for sale in 1969. Since then, the land has been the property of The Teamsters Union and other various developers. In the 2000s, Guenther Homes began developing the site into a large residential community.