Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the wine industry slowly set about rebuilding. Winemakers began to understand that clean, sterile environments were essential for the industry. Early efforts focused on stabilization.
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The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County retains in its archival collection eighteen black and white glossy photographs. These professionally taken photographs include images portraying wine making from between the mid-1940s and early 1950s. The Wine History Project obtained these photographs from a collector who presented them to us. They appear to be promotional pieces from the Wine Institute for the wine industry.
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Regular tending of grape vines is an essential part of viticulture practice and helps ensure a good crop. After all, a good crop is the foundation for good wine. Pruning dormant vines is one of the most critical tasks. A pruner must know what to remove and what to leave, and how to make an efficient, clean cut.
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Many farm and agricultural journals of the time, including American Agriculturist, created new departments and named them Service Bureaus. These departments acted as a consumer advocate and as an intermediary between companies and subscribers. The service was not free. For a minimum subscription, each member received a membership certificate and a sign. (Maybe in some cases, this was published on cardboard, depending on the level of membership subscription.)
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In 1892, Alden Spooner, Jr., leased and then purchased ranchland on the bluffs now known as Montaña de Oro State Park. The family owned the property, now referred to as the Spooner Ranch, for almost 50 years. Alden Spooner built the home that is now used to share the local history, past and present, with the visitors to the area.
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