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 farm located in Walnut Creek, California. It was one of the first and largest farms in the Ygnacio Valley. Today, it is a museum where visitors can learn about its interesting history.
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The Story of Shadelands Ranch
Shadelands Ranch was started in 1856 by Hiram Penniman. He was an early American settler who came to California. He bought 500 acres of land from Encarnación Pacheco. Her family owned a large ranch called Rancho Arroyo de Las Nueces y Bolbones.
A Farm Full of Fruit
Hiram Penniman planted many different kinds of fruits and nuts. These included peaches, pears, apricots, grapes, almonds, and walnuts. His most important crop was prunes. Prunes were the most profitable crop for the farm. Penniman first named his farm "Shadelands Fruit Farm."
Family Takes Over the Farm
In 1897, Hiram Penniman became sick. His oldest daughter, Mary, then took charge of the ranch. The farm faced tough times when crop prices dropped. Mary had to rely on her sister Bessie's wealthy husband, Albert Johnson, for financial help.
When Hiram Penniman passed away, Mary inherited the ranch. After Mary's death in 1909, ownership went to her sister, Bessie. Bessie and her husband, Albert Johnson, mainly managed the ranch from far away. Albert's main business was in Chicago.
In 1921, Bessie hired Edmund Moyer and his family to live at the ranch. They helped supervise the farm. Bessie died in a car accident in 1943. Soon after, Albert also became very ill.
The Ranch Becomes a Museum
In 1947, Albert Johnson created the Gospel Foundation. This organization was set up to manage his many properties after he was gone. Johnson died from cancer in 1948. He gave all his property, including Shadelands Ranch, to the Gospel Foundation.
The Gospel Foundation managed Shadelands Ranch 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.
Today, the Walnut Creek Historical Society manages Shadelands Ranch. It has been open to the public as a historical museum since 1972. 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
