From 1850 - 1950
On April 19, 2002, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley opens a new exhibit which features views of the valley's agricultural past. The exhibit is titled: AGRICULTURE - FOR A CENTURY THE BUSINESS OF THE VALLEY. The Tri-Valley Community Fund is underwriting this exhibit.
From 1850 to 1950 the major business in the San Ramon Valley was agriculture. Historic photographs and artifacts will be used to show how farmers, ranchers and town businesses worked together to survive and prosper. The exhibit will close June 29, 2002. For exhibit specifics call Ralph Cozine at 837-3035. Ralph Cozine and Don Wood are curators for this exhibit.
Weidemann harvester
A restored vee cultivator, built by George Groom in his Danville blacksmith shop, will be featured outside of the museum.
The valley's agricultural history is similar to that of Central Contra Costa County and the Tri-valley. Over the years its products included livestock and dairies, grains, beets, vegetables, almonds, walnuts, grapes, plums and pears.
The Museum is located at West Prospect and Railroad Avenues, in the Danville depot. Docent tours may be scheduled by calling the Museum at 837-3750. The web site is www.museumsrv.org. Regular open hours are Tuesday to Friday, 1 - 4 pm, Saturday, 10 am - 1 pm. The Museum is supported by public contributions.
Each Saturday individuals will be on hand to talk with visitors about their experiences living and working on local farms or ranches. Visitors will be able to examine blacksmith tools and different grains, try a pear sizer and view short videos of local farming activities.