Continue past the animal corrals to the edge of the fields just beyond. » Map
These fields are planted in the types of crops George Patterson cultivated 100 years ago. Early immigrants to this country brought their foods with them – including corn from Mexico, tomatoes from Peru, and cabbage from Germany. The natural abundance of the East Bay allowed these new crops to thrive, and the area became known as the breadbasket of San Francisco.
By the late 1880s, farm crops – such as wheat, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, and sugar beets – had all but replaced native plants on this land, and the care and harvest of these crops became increasingly mechanized. Today, we use both modern and historic equipment in our fields.
Harvesting wheat with a binder undated, Security Pacific National Bank Photo Collection, Los Angeles Public Library.
Ardenwood - Harvest, History & More..., 04m:10s
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