Now booking our big barn for events! Learn More
1928 – 1960
William Maggini, who started Swank Farms
William Magini came back from war to where he was born (San Benito County) and married Viola Kruz. He bought a modest piece of land and grew prunes, apricots, peaches and walnuts, later adding tomatoes and seed crops. Through the years, the farm expanded into all seed crops.
1960 – 1974
William & Viola with their grandchildren
In 1960, Mr Magini rented the ranch out to the farmers. In 1964, he succumbed to a heart attack. His widow Viola Magini then requested her daughter Frances Swank and her family – husband Elliott Swank and one of their boys, Dick Swank to move from Calistoga, CA to Hollister.
1974 – 1992
Elliott Swank
Frances Swank
Till1986, the Swank Family continued their Dairy business and growing hays. In 1986, due to Government buyout, the Swanks sold the cows. Dick Swank, who has been an instrumental part of the Swank Dairy and milking cows since he was 10 years old, decided to start growing vegetables in 1992.
1992 – 2000
Young Dick Swank as a Dairy Man
Elliott Swank in the early days of Farming
Dick started growing tomatoes, Indian Corn, Gourds and ornamental Pumpkins, slowly expanding the produces portfolio to Sweet Corn, Cauliflowers, Broccolis, Beets, Carrots and Melons. Swank Farms vegetables became known at all Farmers Markets in the vicinity and beyond.
2000 – 2018
By 2000, Swank Farms expanded its reach to all leading Farmers Markets and started delivering to the popular restaurants. Apart from farming, Dick always wondered about the nicke crop that could improve his business. That’s when his friend Steve Henderson gave him this idea, “why don’t you do a Corn Maze?” The idea clicked with Dick and he rolled out his first Corn Maze across a modest landscape of 8 acres. First Corn maze received a blow of bad weather, but it showed its early sign of success. People just loved it! In the very next year, Swank Farms Corn Maze added a Scary Maze and it was a super success! Swank Farms Corn Maze, over next following years, kept on adding exciting farm and other activities.
In 2018, after 18 successful years of Corn Maze, it was time to move location. Swank Farms chose the land attached to the home ranch to offer a better experience of the Maze and Farm.
2020 Onwards
Swank Farms Corn Maze has become favorite Family Fall Fun Destination in Bay Area and even beyond. In 2021, Swank Farms launched its 8000 sq ft Barn with a beautiful view of the farm landscape and the mountains. Immediately, Swank Farms Barn became popular for hosting various events.