Madhava History
An Original Honey Jar
In 1972 there were a couple of budding hippie entrepreneurs in the foothills of Boulder. One climbed the mountain to pick herbs. One set up down in the canyon by the river. Mo took his herbs and blended some tea. Bart discovered that people wanted good local honey. The Grateful Dead played at C.U.'s Folsom Field that summer. Yeah...you know, what a long strange trip it's been...for Madhava...for all of us...we can still hear you Jerry!
Bart Utley named his company Madhava Honey. He and the founders exemplified the spirit of the 70s. The company was conceived at the very first Rainbow Family national gathering in Granby, Colorado during the summer of 1972. Today, 37 years later, the company is located at the base of the foothills near Lyons, just about 20 miles as the crow flies from where the original gathering was held that summer. Some of the "family' coalesced into a group. They formed a circle and meditated together on the mountain, and from that experience came the birth of an idea: to establish a commune with a honey business at its center, to reflect their ideals and support their intended lifestyle.
The Original Farm
So, the founders came down the hill, full of energy and vibe. They indeed followed through on their plans immediately. Bart had been buying honey from local beekeepers; Chip had just received an inheritance. Jay, Peter, John, Carol, Paula, H, and Adam rounded out the group. Bart had the honey, Chip had some money. H's father was a banker, and he convinced him to give them a $10,000 startup loan. Soon, they purchased a farm Southeast of Longmont, moved right in and began business as Madhava Honey, Ltd. "Madhava" is a Sanskrit word Bart had chosen, meaning "one born in a pool of honey and sprinkled with pollen;" to us, "Born of Honey."
And, a beautiful scenic farm it was; small at five acres, but perfect for the commune's needs. The farmhouse must have been 100 years old. We found remnants of a Conestoga wagon in the field that probably belonged to the original settlers. And, we still have the old wood stove that warmed and fed the homeowners over the years, including ourselves.
Our First Farmhouse
One of the outbuildings was converted into honey packing and storage rooms. Resourceful and conscientious, the entire place was put together with recycled materials that were salvaged from the army hospital that was razed in Denver that year-right down to the leftover paint...we ended up with a pale green and light purple production room!
Although the experiment with communal living didn't pan out, its dissolvement led to the hiring of Craig Gerbore, 24. Craig was connected through Chip, and took over in 1976 and ran it as a one-man operation. One man and five goats, that is, as he inherited the commune's goats. The company has been under his direction since.
A pig on our first farm
From these beginnings, Madhava has survived and thrived. Our company has been at the forefront of the Natural Food movement from the beginning. We understand the needs and desires of our customers in a way few others can.
Madhava is still a grassroots company, same management for 33 years now, still buying from family-owned beekeeping operations, and small enough to keep focused on our original intention-to supply the best quality, all-natural sweeteners to our terrific customers, one jar at a time. I say sweeteners because in addition to the honeys, we now offer agave nectar, a pure and organic alternative to sugar. It comes from the heart of the agave in Central Mexico. It looks like honey but pours more easily and has a lighter taste. Whichever you choose, sweeten and enjoy in good health!
Our first delivery truck
|