Vintage Shoes at the Foot of the Bed

by Floyd Snyder

Title

Vintage Shoes at the Foot of the Bed

Artist

Floyd Snyder

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Vintage Shoes at the Foot of the Bed by Floyd Snyder

These shoe are sitting at the foot of the bed in the master suite at Montaña de Oro State Park inside the Spooner Ranch Museum.

SPOONER RANCH HOUSE, MUSEUM & GENERAL STORE
The historic Spooner Ranch House serves as park headquarters, museum and gift shop for Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos, CA. Built in 1892, the house offers unmatched ocean views, as well as a glimpse into the Central Coast’s significant agricultural history.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF SPOONER RANCH
Spooner Ranch occupies what was Rancho Cañada de los Osos y Pecho y Islay, a 34,000-acre Mexican land grant. The property passed through several hands until 1892, when Alden Spooner, Jr., built his ranch house overlooking the sea. He and his three sons planted grains and beans, operated a dairy, and raised cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. During the 1920s and 30s, they leased ocean terrace land to Japanese pea farmers. Except for the highest slopes, every acre visible from the ranch house was under cultivation.

The Spooner family also operated a 150-cow dairy considered one of the finest in the area. At the peak of the Spooner’s operation he had numerous outbuildings, a water-powered creamery, and a cliff side loading cute used by coastal steamers. In fact, during the 50 years they lived there, the Spooners contributed to San Luis Obispo County becoming the largest dairy county in the world.

Spooner built a landing at Spooner’s Cove where “doghole” schooners could moor to transport crops from the ranch. At least 18 outbuildings, a water-powered creamery, and a cliffside loading chute for coastal steamers once clustered near Spooner’s Cove. During prohibition Spooner’s Cove was known as “Smuggler’s Cove,” as illegal liquor from Mexico was brought ashore and sold to area speakeasies.

The Spooners sold the ranch to O.C. Field in 1941, who then sold it to Irene McAllister in 1952. She renamed the ranch “Montaña de Oro,” meaning “mountains of gold.” One legend says she named it so in reference to the beautiful gold wildflowers that cover the hills in spring. Another says she believed she’d strike it rich in oil and cattle there. Sadly, McAllister filed for bankruptcy within three years.

A group of local residents believed the ranch and surrounding coastlands would make a beautiful state park, and petitioned the state. California purchased the land and opened it as a State Park in 1965.

Montaña de Oro State Park

This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

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May 23rd, 2020

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