photo courtesy of Chris Jepsen
Local historian Chris Jepsen will discuss “Rudy Boysen and the Boysenberry” at the October 9, 2025 meeting of the Orange County Historical Society, held 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange. The event is open to the public.
The Boysenberry’s story is so improbable, it’s surprising it survived to go into commercial production. The tale winds across California like a vine – from Merced County, to Napa, to Fullerton, to Buena Park, to Tustin, and to Anaheim where Rudy Boysen (1895-1950) became the city’s beloved Parks Director. Come learn about the Boysenberry, the creative and hardworking Mr. Boysen, the critical contributions of Walter Knott, and how the berry – after nearly disappearing from the world at least twice – is making another comeback.
Chris Jepsen is the longtime president of the Orange County Historical Society and an independent historian. He’s a frequent lecturer; has created museum exhibits and historical tours; and has written for historical journals, magazines, and his own blog: The O.C. History Roundup. He wrote the first significant article about Rudy Boysen and the Boysenberry for OCHS’ journal, Orange Countiana, (Vol. XII, 2016,) and continues to research the subject today.
photo courtesy of Chris Jepsen