In 1903, three men—William Freestone, W.D. Freestone, and George Larkworthy—had the dream of beginning a family-run pickle company. On January 23rd of that year, the Freestone Pickle Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan with a charter for manufacturing of pickles, vinegar and kindred lines. The principal office was located in Benton Harbor, MI, with plants in that city as well as in Bangor, and several receiving stations located throughout southwestern Michigan. By 1911, all activities of the company were consolidated in Bangor, MI.

As the original founding fathers passed away and the next generation stepped into their shoes, the company went through several name changes—first, “W.D. Freestone & H.W. Freestone, Co-partners” after William Freestone’s passing in 1938, and then the “H.W. Freestone Company” following the passing of W.D. Freestone. Although the name changed, the company remained in the Freestone family, and Rex and W. Donald Freestone H.W.’s brother and son, came on board. At that time the plant consisted of an 18,000 bushel tanking yard, a processing and bottling room, and a two-story building for the storage of supplies and finished product. Distribution was limited to Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

The company operated as the H.W. Freestone Company from 1947 until 1991, when the company was reincorporated as the Freestone Pickle Company, Inc. The incorporating officers were W. Donald Freestone, President; Michael R. Hescott, Vice President; Rose Marie Freestone, Treasurer; and Jennifer M. Hescott, Secretary. These officers represent the fourth and fifth generations of the Freestone family involved in the production of quality pickle products.

Today, the Freestones invite you to savor the taste of their pickles and related products, crafted by one of the oldest family-run pickle producers in the country. From our family to yours…enjoy!!!