Life on an Early California Ranch

In the 1820's life in Mexican California was peaceful and carefree.  The Spanish population was small, the grasslands were vast.  Estates were huge with large herds of longhorns. The climate was perfect, the Indians were missionary trained, poverty was non-existent, hospitality was bountiful.  There was only barter for trade, no currency, and few stores and towns.  Cattle hides and tallow were exchanged for supplies, furniture, tools and luxuries.

Ranches were self-sufficient.  Women supervised the cornfield, orchards, and gardens, while the men rode the range.  Each "don" ruled his domain like a feudal lord, fathering a dozen or more children, sheltering countless relatives, and lodging any passing traveler while managing an army of Indian servants, artisans, and "vaquero" (cowhands).  Each day began and ended with prayers, but without schools, most were illiterate.  Entertainment was ranch-centered with dancing, horseraces or cockfights..

The eldest male ruled the family, while his son ran the ranch.  The son must have the father's permission to make major decisions on the ranch and disobedience could result in corporal punishment by the patriarch.  Children were raised fondly, but strictly, needing permission to be seated when indoors. 

The ranch required many servants, mostly Indians - one for each child, two for the wife, four to grind corn, and six to prepare meals along with washer women and a dozen spinners and seamstresses.  Life on the ranch was orderly and structured by the patriarch.  Rules served the sole purpose of making the ranch run smoothly for generations.

Next time - America's Original Cowboy, the Vaquero
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Today in Pioneer History:  On December 1, 1884,  Elfego Baca, legendary defender of southwestern Hispanos, manages to hold off a gang of 80 cowboys who are determined to kill him.  You can read the rest of this story at http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/elfego-baca-battles-anglo-cowboys.

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