Shadelands Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shadelands Ranch House
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Shadelands Ranch House
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 Location in California
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| Location | 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, California |
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| Area | 2.7 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Eckers & Sells |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001915 |
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1985 |
Shadelands Ranch is a historic place in Walnut Creek, California. It was started in 1856 by Hiram Penniman. This ranch was one of the first and biggest farms in the Ygnacio Valley. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its past.
The Ranch's Early Days
Hiram Penniman came to California in 1853. Three years later, he bought 500 acres of land. This land was part of a larger ranch called Rancho Arroyo de Las Nueces y Bolbones. Hiram named his new farm "Shadelands Fruit Farm."
Hiram planted many different kinds of fruits and nuts. He grew peaches, pears, apricots, grapes, almonds, and walnuts. His most important and profitable crop was prunes.
Changes in Ownership
In January 1897, Hiram Penniman became sick. His oldest daughter, Mary, took over managing the ranch. The ranch faced tough times because crop prices dropped. Mary had to get help from her sister Bessie's wealthy husband to pay for things.
After Hiram died, Mary owned the ranch. When Mary passed away in 1909, ownership went to Bessie. Bessie and her husband, Albert Johnson, mostly managed the ranch from far away. Albert's main businesses were in Chicago.
In 1921, Bessie hired Edmund Moyer and his family to live at the ranch. They helped supervise it. Bessie died in a car accident in 1943. Soon after, Albert became very ill.
Becoming a Museum
In 1947, Albert Johnson created the Gospel Foundation. This organization was set up to manage his many properties after he was gone. Albert died from cancer in 1948. He gave all his property, including Shadelands Ranch, to the Gospel Foundation.
The Gospel Foundation managed Shadelands until 1970. At that time, they gave the remaining 1.5 acres of land and the ranch house to the city of Walnut Creek, California.
Since 1972, the Walnut Creek Historical Society has managed Shadelands Ranch. It is now a historical museum open to the public. The ranch house still has much of the Penniman family's original furniture. In 1985, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
See also
