Published in the April 30 – May 13, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mike Monroe
Mike Monroe
Once in a while, a rare opportunity presents itself that captures so much of Morgan Hill’s history and beautiful landscape. And this is one of those occasions.
A panorama of the valley from beneath a canopy of oaks and a heritage dating from the 1860s awaits us to absorb and enjoy at the Rhoades Ranch.
As Cochrane Road approaches Anderson Dam and Coyote Creek once again flows on its way to San Francisco Bay, there is a corner property that has such a story to tell.
Even before the early pioneers, including the Murphy and Fisher families, there were the Native Americans (the Matalan of the Ohlone people) who for hundreds of years gathered and processed acorns along the creek, fished for steelhead trout and hunted deer. Back then, the Coyote Creek’s waters ran free, spilling out of a gorge known as Coyote Canyon.
After Mr. Fisher passed away in 1850, his widow Liberata remarried and began selling parcels of Rancho Laguna Seca to eager new settlers, with the Phegley’s purchasing 160 acres in the 1860s. Their home is still on the property and in excellent condition thanks to the succession of owners who have respectfully maintained and enhanced the site. Mr. Ira O. Rhoades, an executive with the Southern Pacific Railroad, purchased the ranch in 1911 intending to build his retirement home and commissioned Andrew P. Hill, Jr. to design a grand house completed in 1920. Mr. Rhoades did not actually retire, rather devoting his remaining energies to forming the Sunsweet cooperative, of which he was president in 1923.
His son William and William’s wife Katherine planted the orchards and sold their fruit in town. Katherine later sold the ranch to the Thomas family, which is another great story because of Mr. Thomas’ substantial contributions to development of the California strawberry industry.
The Rhoades property covers a little more than 12 acres and includes eight structures. Wear comfortable shoes for the home and walking tour. The Historical Society will host light refreshments following the tours. Picnic tables will provide respite if the temperatures warm up. The walk takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday May 31. Advance ticket prices are $35 and are available at BookSmart, 80 E. Second St., or the society’s website www.morganhillhistoricalsociety.org. Event day tickets will be $40.
Mike Monroe is a business owner and amateur naturalist. He is docent for Santa Clara County parks and an Adopt-a-Creek member.
