Author: Cindy Lambert

In the mid-nineteenth century, French winemakers imported species of grapes from the eastern coast of the United States and Canada to see if they could mix them with European varieties to make new kinds of wine grapes. But as is often the case with plants sent around the world, the grapes were not all the winemakers got. A species of tiny aphid came along for the ride.

Recently, we discovered a pamphlet entitled “The Resources and Attractions of San Luis Obispo County California…for the Homeseeker, Capitalist and Tourist” from the Board of Trade of San Luis Obispo County California dated 1887. The board of trade was an organization that served to advance and protect business interests; it played a significant role by promoting and protecting the interests of its members. Seven prominent citizens and members of the San Luis Obispo Board of Trade wrote on subjects in this compelling pamphlet with authoritative voices. The authors included: C.H. Phillips, E.W. Steele, P.H. Dallidet, Jr., R.E. Jack, Myron Angel, W.M. Armstrong, and W.D. Haley.

We are always searching for and discovering unusual objects to share with our readers. The gems we are sharing this month are great posters from the Wine History Project’s archives. Not only do they provide us with historic information, but upon closer investigation these posters focus on lesser known people who were part of San Luis Obispo’s wine community in the 20th Century, more than 30 years ago. We love to celebrate these growers and winemakers because each is a colorful thread in our local wine history.

The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California is first published in 1869 as a weekly newspaper and was founded under the ownership of H.S. Rembaugh & Co. The “company” is Walter Murray, who was also the editor. As there are so many people unable to read English, one or two columns are printed in Spanish. The paper is 28 x 36 inches in size, with seven columns and four pages. Murray starts the paper after the demise of the San Luis Obispo Pioneer which has a short lifespan.

Weather, especially rainfall, has been an important observation in the history of the United States. In fact, by 1849 the Smithsonian Institution supplied weather instruments to telegraph companies and helped to establish an extensive observation network. By the end of 1849, 150 volunteers throughout the United States were reporting weather observations to the Smithsonian regularly. In 1869, weather data was collected by the telegraph service in Cincinnati, Ohio and they produced weather charts.