USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 61
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 61
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The growing of crops in winter, what to grow in winter and what to grow in summer, the problems of irrigation, of fertilization, everything in new lines and from a new viewpoint were all to be considered and had as far as possible to be settled and were taken up and settled by practical experience. There were not any fruit stands with all their alluring and tempting exhibits of both vegetables and fruits, not to speak of our gor- geous displays of the most beautiful flowers by skilled florists. Eighteen hundred and seventy-five and we had a newspaper which in more ex- perienced hands might have been a help, was but of little advantage except for what little local news it contained. The time had not come for a good newspaper, the field was limited and so was the newspaper. which led but a precarious existence for a year or two. James H. Roe made another start in that line in 1878, which was more in sympathy with the trend of affairs because he was in the "swim" himself the paper on January 1, 1880, was in the hands of L. M. Holt, a live man with nothing but news- papers, to engage his talents.
The increase of population. the coming in of fruit, the establishment of citrus fairs and the outlet for the expression of views in the columns of the newspapers all fitted in for the formation of the Horticultural Club to enquire of those who had made success in any particular line just how it was done and so the club came in as a necessity with the newspaper to give expression to views propounded. This was before the State came to take a part or the National Government took a hand in sending out trained experts to mingle among the producers and show more excellent ways. The State University was in a weak condition. almost begging students to come, especially for an agricultural course, quite unlike what it is today, almost begging would-be students not to crowd too much.
E. I. Wickson, too, in his youthful vigor. was working along, giving voice in his paper to the newer problems. Professor E. W. Hilgard at the head of the State University also had some able views which were presented from time to time in publications for general distribution. The Southern California Horticultural Society in more general form was in its way spreading the light with its special organ.
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Such was the situation when the Riverside Horticultural Club origi- nated and was operated, all striving to the same end-How we might get a greater knowledge of the newer conditions under which we were placed. The club held meetings about once a month at the members' houses. The East Side had a local club of its own. Each of the papers gave full reports of all meetings, which were read with a great deal of interest by everybody. The Los Angeles papers would also report meet- ings when subjects discussed were of more than local interest. The range of topics discussed took in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and produced important results.
Irrigation, cultivation, fertilization, frost protection, and in fact, everything pertaining to the fruit growers' welfare both in and out and in occasional instances the club was able to give the State authorities important information. The State University did not have the financial support that it has had since that time. Members of the State Legisla- ture frequently had no direct interest in what have since proved to be the specialties of the State and gave the State authorities but a half- hearted support. The Horticultural Club usually conducted its proceed- ings without any outside aid, but occasionally an outsider who was an expert in any specialty was invited to give a paper on his specialty. Then came the Farmers' Institute, which was a distinct advance on the club, for the club was self-supporting and got no outside aid. The Farmers' Club was a semi-official affair, supported in part by State funds and favored by papers on special subjects on important local topics by spe- cialists or those who had made a success in their own locality. The suc- cess of the Farmers' Institute, however, depended on the interest taken by the people each locality by itself, the subjects taken up having always a local flavor. These all had their day and are now in leading centers of population superseded by publications, National and State, on any given industry, which are distributed free or at a small cost.
Many of the benefits and discoveries in general use had their origin or suggestion in the farmers' meetings. A perusal of the minutes and records of the meetings makes very interesting reading. J. H. Reed was one of the active members who by his persistency succeeded in calling the attention of State and National authorities to some important matters.
Especially was this so in regard to the handling of oranges and other citrus fruits in the matter of decay in transit to prevent mildew or rot. In response to repeated application, G. Harold Powell was sent out by the department at Washington. So succesful was he that what hereto- fore had been a serious drawback is now almost eliminated. Mr. Powell proved to be so good a man that he has since been retained by the Cali- fornia Fruit Exchange where he is one of the most valuable men in the fruit shipping and marketing industry. In this way by small beginnings great results have been achieved.
WORK OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FARM BUREAU. (By R. E. Nebelung.) Entering into the fourth year of its existence, the River- side County Farm Bureau finds itself a strong, active agency with a county-wide membership, ready to function ou any problem in the inter- est of agriculture generally. Originally started as a war-time measure to stimulate food production, it has passed through a stage of transition to a general clearing house for agricultural problems, of whatever nature they be. While the Farm Bureau idea was first conceived by the United States Department of Agriculture and was sponsored by it and its poli- cies more or less dictated by it, it has now been placed entirely in the hands of its members, the farmers, and they are the sole shapers of its
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policies. Neither the United States Department of Agriculture nor the State College of Agriculture have any voice in planning the program of the organization. Certain university and Department of Agricultural Extension employees, as the farm advisor or county agent, assistant farm advisor and home demonstration agent, work through the Farm Bureau, simply for the reason that it has been found the best medium through which to reach the farmers. These employees are in no way financially aided by the Farm Bureau, and have no vote in determining any of its policies. The difference between agricultural extension service and farm bureaus should be realized by all Farm Bureau members as well as by others. They do work together, however, but simply for the reason given above, that is, because the Farm Bureau is an established organization through which the farmers can be reached.
What then, briefly, is the County Farm Bureau, it may be asked? It is a Riverside County farmers' organization for the mutual benefit of all who live front the land, promoting better agriculture, better homes and better community life.
It is a co-operative organization for the study and promotion of better agricultural methods, increased returns and more attractive environment.
It is the central clearing house where all special agricultural interests merge in the common interests of all.
It is the officially recognized agency through which all of the agri- cultural extension work emanating from the United States Department of Agriculture and the State College of Agriculture is done.
It is the regularly recognized organization through which the services of farm advisor, home demonstration agent and agricultural club leader are obtained for the county.
The scope of work embraces the dissemination of agricultural infor- mation through regular center meetings, special meetings, field demon- strations, excursion trips, discussion meetings, solicited farm calls and correspondence.
Acquisition of agricultural information through test plots and dem- onstrations conducted by members and through exchange of experience of successful farmers.
The Farm Bureau furnishes the vehicle for community effort along any line, such as better roads, flood control, rural telephone extension, drainage districts and rural sanitation. It is the one best agency for clarifying opinion on legislation affecting farmers.
Where co-operative marketing associations do not exist, the Farm Bureau has entered the field very successfully in encouraging their organ- ization as a separate body.
The Farm Bureau is a very potent factor in the development of rural leadership.
Through the Farm Bureau any farmer may secure free the services of any specialist in State or Federal agricultural institutions.
The organization offers the opportunity for farmers to work co-oper- atively toward the solution of any problem facing them of an educa- tional, legislative or business nature.
Membership includes affiliation with the county organization which gives a member subscription to the Farm Bureau Monthly, a four-page agricultural journal without advertising, post card notices of all center meetings and demonstrations privilege of voting for officers and directors, and general information service.
Affiliation with the California Farm Bureau Federation, composed of thirty-five counties and a membership of 20,000 farmers.
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Membership in the American Farm Bureau Federation, an organ- ization of 1,500,000 farmers in thirty-seven States. The State and National organizations stand pledged to represent the farmer in a State- wide and nation-wide way in educational, legislative and business mat- ters affecting farmers.
The above covers briefly the function of the Farm Bureau and some of the benefits to be derived from such an organization. How much good can be accomplished depends largely upon the interest taken by the membership, for in so far as the local centers and the county unit are concerned, their usefulness depends upon the community and county co-operation existing. The Farm Bureau has been very instrumental in developing such a spirit in all parts of Riverside County.
There have been, during the year 1920, sixteen local centers actively at work. These have taken up various local problems agricultural, eco- nomic and problems of general community betterment. At one meeting there may be a talk by some authority on some phase of farming, such as dairying, dry farming, etc., or, there may be interest in such ques- tion as "The Business Side of Farming." Another meeting may be purely social, and this is a phase of the farm center program that should not be overlooked. A meeting may be given over to a discussion on the improvement of the country home, as to sanitary conditions, avail- able conveniences and beautifying the farmstead. In fact, any problem of general community interest and betterment is usually brought up at the meeting.
Local farm centers, with the help of specialists, have held many field demonstrations, such as deciduous fruit and vine pruning demonstra- tions, gopher control demonstrations, hog and dairy days, scaly-bark control demonstrations, moisture penetration demonstrations, and others of local interest. These have been well attended and have meant a dis- tinct gain to the farmers. At one deciduous pruning demonstration there were about 250 growers present.
The County Farm Bureau begins where the centers leave off, that is, deal with problems that have become too large for the centers to handle, or with problems of county-wide interest. The board of direc- tors meets once a month in the Farm Bureau office in Riverside. The president of the Farm Bureau, who during the past two years has been Mr. J. E. Wherrell, of Riverside, conducts the meeting. Here the local directors present their problems and they are discussed or passed to the State or National Federations should this action seem justified.
The County Farm Bureau, backed up by the centers, has helped make the Southern California fair a success. It has put up an active fight to the Railroad Commission against increased power rates. It persuaded Governor Stephens to be present to talk to the farmers on Farm Bureau Day at the fair. It conducts a very successful two-day dairy short course in Riverside. It has been the biggest factor in pre- venting and controlling fires, especially in the hills, bee ranges and grain fields. Mr. O. K. Kelsey had charge of this work and served many days and nights without remuneration. It has been a big factor in bringing each part of the county, in a measure, to realize the needs of the other sections. It has been, in fact, as stated previously, the central clearing house where all special agricultural interests have merged in the common interest of all.
The board of directors has been a wide-awake, progressive set of farmers, with the interests of their communities, the county and all agriculture at heart. Mr. Wherrell, the past president, has given unstint- ingly of his time to make the Farm Bureau work a success. He and
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his board of directors conducted the work with no thought of per- sonal gain except such personal gain which may be derived from per- forming a service for the community.
So much for the past. The future holds every promise of bigger accomplishments than the past, and Doctor Gordon, of Nuevo, the new president, is following in the footsteps of his predecessor in showing a sincere interest in agricultural betterment that is bound to be rewarded with helpful results. More reward is not asked. Such service as is given gratis by the officers and directors of the Farm Bureau is service that money could not buy. A good Farm Bureau year is looked for during 1921, both as to members enrolled and results accomplished.
BEEKEEPING IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY. In the sixtieth anniversay number of the American Bee Journal, dated January, 1921, that veteran beekeeper, Mr. J. E. Pleasants writes under the heading of "Sixty Years of Bee- keeping in California": "Mr. L. L. Andrews got his start by digging
RIVERSIDE COUNTY BEE RANCH
twenty-four colonies of bees out of rock-caves and trees. He added to these by purchase and increase until he now has 1,000 colonies and his crop this year from orange and sage was sixty tons of honey."
Mr. Andrews is author of what follows under this head:
Beekeeping in Riverside County reaches back to the early seventies. About 1872 there was an apiary in the Temescal Valley, a few miles east of what is now Glen Ivy and Cold Water Canyon. The bees were brought in by a negro from Mexico or a district near the Mexican bor- der. These are the first bees of which we can find any trace. In the year 1874, Mr. James Boyd hauled bees for Mr. D. McLeod from near where Escondido now stands to the Temescal Valley. This apiary was later sold to Morse and Compton, as was noted in the Riverside Press of December 28, 1878. Mr. Compton at this writing, January, 1922, still resides in the Temescal Valley and keeps an apiary on the same location, one quarter of a mile from Lee Lake. This territory is near where the San Diego and San Bernardino County line crossed the val- ley before Riverside County was cut off.
There was honey on exhibition from San Diego County at the fair of the Southern California Horticulture Society held in Los Angeles
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in October, 1878. There was also honey from the apiary of Captain Webb of Box Springs and it was pronounced as "white as paper." In the Riverside Press of December 27, 1879, is an item which reads: "Anderson Brothers of Temescal have received returns from their honey crop of 14,400 pounds. This honey has been kept for two years for a better market and was sold in San Francisco for 15 cents per pound. The cash receipts were $2,160." Temescal Valley, like other vast tracts of land throughout Southern California, was covered with wild brush of all kinds. Black sage, white sage, wild buckwheat, sumac, wild alfalfa, etc., were found in abundance and, furnishing plenty of nectar, offered promising locations for the apiarist.
The general conditions found in the early times have not materially changed. These ranges still produce large crops of sage, wild buck- wheat and sumac honey following rainy seasons. Other apiaries were located from time to time over the country that now comprises River- side County until at the present time there are probably 40,000 colonies in the county.
During the early years of the industry only comb honey was pro- duced, but gradually markets, conditions and experiences changed until now very few apiarists attempt to produce any comb honey at all. They are convinced that much more profit is made by producing extract honey.
Bees are mostly kept in apiaries of from 50 to 200 colonies or hives, it having been proven by experience that apiaries of this size located two or three miles apart give the best returns. Crops varying from nothing at all in some of our very dry seasons to as much as two, three or even four hundred pounds per colony have been reported. These last figures are very rare and an average of sixty pounds per colony is considered a good crop.
With the introduction of the orange groves and alfalfa fields, a grad- ual change has come over the methods of many beekeepers. The honey producer soon discovered that by moving his bees to the orange groves for the early honey and later moving them to the sage, alfalfa or wild buckwheat, that he had two or three chances for honey where he had only one if he left them on the same location the year round. He also learned that the orange and alfalfa, being irrigated, were sure producers of nectar, while the wild plants, having to depend upon the elements to furnish moisture, were uncertain. Migratory beekeeping, therefore, has increased very materially within the last fifteen or twenty years. Several carloads of bees are brought into the county annually from Utah and Idaho. These are brought in during the fall, kept near the orange groves during the winter and spring, and shipped back to their summer home for the sweet clover and alfalfa honey. Some of these apiaries are run for honey production on the oranges, while others are run mostly for increase, the owners expecting to get a good honey crop in the Northern States to pay them for their labor and expense.
The bee industry is becoming more popular every year. Men from every walk of life are becoming interested and often teachers or pro- fessional men buy an apiary and devote a part or all of their time to the work.
While the orange honey is classed as the best honey on earth, it is only a small per cent of all of the honey produced in the county, when we have a good crop. That vast territory known as the back country, lying in the south and east part of the county, is the home of thousands of beekeepers nestled away among the canyons and hills and on small mountain ranches. Their apiaries are seldom, if ever, moved, the owners preferring to make a crop of honey when seasons are favorable and
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getting a living from the ranch or by other means when the honey crop fails. Some phenomenal crops are sometimes reported by these out of the way beekeepers. It is hard to picture a more carefree existence than that of the man so situated. During the winter months he can do such work as he likes about the ranch or in preparing bee material for the next year's honey harvest. Or, if he enjoys that sort of thing, he can take his dog and gun and spend an hour on a hunting trip after quail, rabbits, ducks or even deer-in season-to say nothing of the trout streams a few hours away by auto.
With the onward march of progress, beekeeping has not lagged behind. Where a few years ago we used old dobbin for all of our haul- ing and the traveling to and from the apiaries, the auto has now taken his place until we seldom see a horse-drawn vehicle around an apiary any more. This has shortened the hours necessary to spend on the road and made it possible to successfully run apiaries miles away from home.
We must not forget to speak of the satisfaction of being able to draw supplies to and from an apiary at any hour with no fear of the horse getting stung or running away. In the olden days we often spent most of the night in hauling a load a distance of only ten or fifteen miles. Now we do the same work with less annoyance and are home by ten or eleven o'clock. Perhaps no county in the world offers as many sources of honey or, in other words, such a diversity of honey producing flora or so many different elevations at which honey is produced, as in Riverside County. From the manzanita of the high elevations of the San Jacinto Mountains, some five or six thousand feet above sea level, to the mesquite and alfalfa around the Salton Sea, about two hundred feet below sea-level, we find a variety of climate and honey-producing plants surpassed by none. Practically all of the honey is produced between the months of March and September, leaving a long period when little or no work is done with the bees. Beekeeping is a thriving industry in Riverside County and is growing more popular as the years go by. To give an idea of the extent to which our industry has grown, and of its stability, we will state that the 40,000 colonies of bees in Riv- erside County, during the year 1920, produced 1,500 tons of honey, valued at $350,000.
THE STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE has grown from small begin- nings. Here again Riverside can well claim to have been the first to see the need of a State board of horticulture. It is a long time to look back to the time in the absence of any law regulating the introduction of plants and trees from other States and territories and from foreign counties when our people found (something that if introduced into our settlement) on some trees might prove very deleterious to our best interests, quietly bought up the lot brought in from outside and burned up to prevent possible danger to our best interests. Again we have seen infested trees stripped of every part of their foliage, that foliage burned and the rest of the trees well scrubbed with a disinfectant. It seems a long way from that time to the present when nothing in the plant or fruit line can be brought in without a thorough inspetcion and in some cases nothing in certain lines can be brought in at all.
We had county boards of horticulture in 1881, a State board of hor- ticulture in 1883 and a State quarantine law in 1899, with a State hor- ticultural commission in 1903. From these first efforts have grown up all that we have now, regulating everything in regard to fruit and plant culture, from the seed to the placing of the product on the market, and even after it is put on the market. To one not acquainted with the
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work and daily routine of these commissions and commissioners the question might quite readily arise : What is the use of all this burden- some array of laws and regulations? The reply might well be that with- out them our whole fruit industry and many of our other agricultural operations would, if not entirely cease, at least be very much crippled.
When we look back to the pioneer in his toilsome journey over the trackless wilderness carrying with him a few seeds or plants (with his cow, maybe, tied behind the wagon) planting, sowing, watching and enjoying the results where everything was healthy and without natural enemies, we are led to inquire why today the farmer and fruit grower are able to get along at all, like for instance, the first apple trees planted and brought to fruitage in Riverside. The trees were healthy and with- out scale and the fruit perfect and without coddling moth or other insect pests. Soon we began to have San Jose scale which came from the out- side which was so discouraging that most of the trees were dug up in despair. Other parasites crept in insiduously to plague the grower. There were then no quarantine laws or any information about plant dis- eases or insect pests. After a time we heard of parasites that would eat up the San Jose scale and of insecticides that would be fatal to whatever it touched, and of sprays to subdue the coddling moth, also regulations in regard to the packing of fruit and laws that would permit the sale of fruit unless approved by the inspector, laws enough to make the pioneer of the very olden time give up the struggle in despair.
After all, these laws, commissions and inspectors are all necessary and probably the only agents that will permit of a successful fruit industry.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLAYS. Riverside County's mountains of clay will play a prominent part in the near future developments in Southern Cali- fornia. Already huge plants are taking a hold and operating with Riverside clays. However, their operations and the present size of their establishments are but tiny initial plants compared to the gigantic work- ings and undertakings that will belong to the future. Nowhere else west of the Mississippi are there known deposits of such value and scope today. The highly paid scouts or the big companies have searched carefully all over the country so it is not likely that other ranking deposits will be discovered.
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