Published in the May 27-June 9, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mike Monroe
Mike Monroe
Before the thermometer launches into the uncomfortably warm range, I thought it would be fun to stroll around the flat pasture at Harvey Bear Ranch Park and swap stories about the interesting people who once lived in the foothills east of Morgan Hill.
Hopefully, we will be able to enjoy the cool morning breezes as the fog burns off back toward the coast. The subtle smell of salt air and the residual dampness left by the departing mist on the grasses will make our walk pleasurable and give us another reason to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Harvey Bear County Park.
As I was reading about ranches along the eastern foothills, I came across an article that referred to C.H. Barrett of the Crystal Springs Ranch which became Hill Country, the home of the former Flying Lady Restaurant and today’s Fry’s American Institute of Mathematics.
The Bear Ranch and Barrett Ranch were neighbors. Mr. Barrett’s full name was Carey Hadden Barrett and he hailed from Canada. I believe that Carey Lane that runs between Tennant Avenue and Maple Avenue was his namesake, just as are Barrett Elementary School and Barrett Avenue.
The Barrett family lived in Minnesota for a time before emigrating to California in 1897. Mr. Barrett was involved in real estate (Barrett and Macks) and served as the ranch foreman for the immense Catherine Dunne Ranch. He was also a trustee for the newly incorporated town of Morgan Hill in 1906. One of his important responsibilities as a trustee was to chair the committee in charge of windmills.
Mr. and Mrs. (Gertrude) Barrett had one son, Guy, who served in World War I and later married Caecil Bradford who lived on San Pedro Avenue. Sadly, during his service he was exposed to mustard gas and passed away in 1922, leaving behind Caecil and two young sons.
The Barrett family had at one time run a herd of dairy cows on the ranch but they also leased out some of their land for other ranching activities. One of those enterprises was most unusual.
A magazine article dated from early 1914 in “The Craftsman” by Eloise Rorrbach talks about the Crystal Springs Turkey Ranch near Morgan Hill. The account was entitled “A Thanksgiving Business” and relates how three women from Mississippi decided to try their hand in the poultry business.
Clara handled the ducks, Olive the chickens and Lennie took charge of 800 turkeys — all thoroughbred Mammoth Bronze. Their range exceeded 500 unfenced acres up and over the Santa Catherina Hills behind Fountain Oaks where they were neighbors of Charles Kellogg. This was certainly a great idea as the demand for first quality poultry was keen in San Jose and up the Peninsula with the exception of dealing with the competition – coyotes, bobcats, and a host of hungry hawks. The ladies tended their brood with shotguns always at the ready. When I read about these determined women all I could say was “Wow!”
I only had dinner once at the “Flying Lady” and I’m sure there are a bunch of stories about Hill Country I’d like to hear. Please join us for our last walk before the summer heat arrives and the coolness of the fall season returns.
Keep on sauntering!
Mike Monroe is a business owner and naturalist. He is a docent for Santa Clara County Parks.
