Hoffer School - Banning History Banning History 6 Fruits Growing fruits to sell has been an important part of the Pass area growth. Many of the trees were first planted in the late 1800's. Crops included apricots, peaches, pears, prunes and almonds. In 1893, Banning fruit won a prize at the Chicago World's Fair. A cannery was started in 1913 to pack fruits for selling and shipping to distant places.
Many fruit producing trees still stand in Banning, but are no longer a big business.