Library Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2009.1. |
Object Name |
Thesis |
Title |
The Del Mar Ranch: from the German Rancho to The Sea Ranch, California |
Author |
Clark, Susan |
Summary |
Master's Degree Thesis written by Susan Clark for Sonoma State University. Available online at http://hdl.handle.net/10211.1/1558 PDF attached Author's Abstract (pp. iv-v): Purpose of the Study: The area encompassed within the boundaries of the Del Mar Ranch, or currently The Sea Ranch, has been largely ignored by historians of both Sonoma and Mendocino counties. There are two basic reasons for its neglect in county histories written during the past 120 years. First, although the area is only 105 miles from San Francisco, it has always been remote and reachable only by narrow, curving roads, which were frequently rendered impassable by heavy rains. Second, the area's remoteness led to a traditionally sparse population. The purpose of this study is to examine what groups of people have settled on this five thousand acre strip that lies along the shore of the Pacific, beginning at the mouth of the Gualala River and stretching ten miles southward. Questions addressed include: How did the area's isolation from the Bay Area both nurture and constrain settlement? In what way has climate and geography mitigated the negative aspects of isolation and largely determined the way the land has been used? Procedure: Secondary sources yielded background material on annexation, German immigration, Sonoma and Mendocino county development, cattle ranching, logging, prohibition and sheep raising. Research in primary sources provided the majority of information. Maps, county directories, tax assessment rolls and censuses revealed specific land owners, occupations and affluence. Extensive research in the Sonoma County iv Recorder's Office was required for successions of title, leases, mortgages, registered brands and vital statistics. Depositions, exhibits and testimony from nineteenth century law suits over land ownership were examined in the California State Archives in Sacramento. Interviews with long-time residents provided details about day to day life, technological methods and community attitudes. Conclusions: The geographical proximity to the Bay Area nurtured commercial activities on the Del Mar Ranch from 1845 to 1964 by providing ready markets for livestock, lumber and other locally produced goods. The isolation of the area, which was so geographically close to the more populated Bay Area, attracted bootleggers during Prohibition and the United States government officials during World War II. Since 1964 the environmentally sensitive Sea Ranch development has been successfully sold by Oceanic California, Inc. to city dwellers as a place to escape the rigors of city life and find regeneration in nature. The 105 miles that separate the area from San Francisco and cross the coast ranges are physiographically difficult and traditionally have served to isolate residents from more densely populated areas inland. Although the original Germans sought markets nearby for their cattle, they wanted to live their personal lives away from American influence or domination. Later Russian Baptists came to establish a religious colony that was tightly linked to a parent church in San Francisco, yet they sought to live apart where they could practice their own traditions without outside influence. Today's Sea Ranchers, who have chosen to leave their families, friends and businesses in more urban areas, have formed a remote community that is bonded together by a passion for solitude, privacy, quiet and a commitment to live lightly on the land. |
Publication Date |
1990/ / |
Search Terms |
Del Mar Mill Del Mar Landing Del Mar School House History of the Sea Ranch Richardson Family Ohlson Family Del Mar Ranch |
Subjects |
Historical studies History Ranches |
People |
Ohlson, Ed Ohlson, Elmer Boeke, Alfred Clark, Susan (Berlogar) Bihler, William |
Physical Description |
Black binder, 259 pages, photocopy of original |