Apple orchards have long been a feature of Tuolumne County.  While only a few are still in production, at one time, Tuolumne County apples were well known and highly sought after.  Tuolumne County even sold itself as "The land of promise for apple growers where good unimproved land can be secured at very a reasonable figure."  One man who made this promise a reality was Frank Ralph, who around the turn of the century planted 26 acres of apples between Tuolumne and Soulsbyville.  It is a matter of record that in 1919 that orchard produced 15,000 dollars worth of apples.  Records also show that Tuolumne County apples that same year were selling up to $2.00 a box more than other apples.  Frank Ralph was quickly joined in the apple business by brothers Galo and Walter who planted apples on their bordering ranches.  Walter's ranch is the sight of present day Cover's Apple Ranch.  The trees on the ranch today were planted by him in the 1920's.  In 1939 the ranch was sold to Albert Bowlsby who developed the ranch to its full production which during one year produced 17,000 boxes of apples.

Anthony Gotelli purchased the ranch in 1951 and operated it for the next 8 years, selling apples locally and in the San Joaquin Vally.  In 1959 Rudy and Esther Cover bought the ranch and introduced a change in marketing.  Apples were sold almost exclusively through the added showroom/salesroom.  Cold storage was also added to keep the fruit crisp and fresh long after it was picked.  Rudy sold to Louis and Evelyn Sonka in 1971.  Changing the name to Sonka's Apple Ranch was just one of the may changes affected by them over the next 13 years.  New trees were planted to replace old trees, and sprinkler irrigation replaced outdated flooding watering.  Two wind machines were also added to avoid costly freeze-outs in the spring.  Apple pies were baked and sold on the premises as well as fresh pressed cider.  Hal and Jude Bomgardner acquired the ranch in 1984.  During their tenure the bakery and gift shop were increased and the reputation of quality baked goods was further established.  Maintaining the Sonkas Apple Ranch name made the place seem as thought it had never had any other name and was often referred to simply as "Sonkas".  In 1987 a scale model railroad was constructed and continues to be a major attraction for young an old alike.

In 1998 the century old ranch once again changed hands.  Having been next door neighbors for the past 30 years, Joe and Carol Cover along with their six sons purchased Sonkas Apple Ranch.  Joe is the younger brother of former owner Rudy Cover and once again it is called Cover's Apple Ranch.  A devastating fire in September 2000 destroyed the entire bakery and gift shop facility.  In 2002, business was reopened across Cherokee Road, the train relocated and the Ranch began a new century of business.  It is our desire to perpetuate the longstanding reputation of quality homemade pies, turnovers, breads, etc. that Sonkas was once well known for.  The orchard, while past its prime production years is still capable of producing premium apples.  And every fall is again offering a selection of antique varieties of apples that are not readily available elsewhere.  These include Paragon and Stamin Winesaps, Arkansas Black, Common Red Delicious, Early Blaze and Golden Delicious.  The train runs on Saturdays and Holidays.  The century old barn is full of animals.  And the sales room includes a bakery and deli, plus a gift shop.  The Ranch is a family experience you will enjoy.