Local : Historically Speaking
The Strawberry Institute
Harold Thomas studied , taught , and researched plant pathology at UC Berkeley , doing Ph . D . research on fungi that were threatening California ’ s orchard and grape industries . He collected wild fruit from Oregon , Alaska , Peru and Chile , and expanded the strawberry-breeding program to improve disease resistance and fruit quality . Between 1929 and 1944 , he also collaborated with George Darrow at the USDA , and Earl Goldsmith , foreman of the UC Deciduous Fruit Field Station at Santa Clara . Their research is widely credited with changing the character and scope of California ’ s strawberry production and value as a fresh market fruit .
In 1945 , Thomas established the Strawberry Institute at Rhoades Ranch and it gained prominence in horticultural research and strawberry breeding . In 1966 , the Institute merged with Driscoll Strawberry Associates , Inc ., which Thomas directed until his retirement in 1974 . He was heralded as the “ Father of the California Strawberry Industry .”
Thomas was also active in the local community for many years , serving as a Trustee of the Live Oak High School , on the Central Santa Clara Valley Conservation District , and as a member of the Lions Club of Morgan Hill .
Today , the orchards that once surrounded Rhoades Ranch have given way to urban development , but this historic district preserves an important chapter in the story of our unique agricultural heritage .
Have a Berry Happy Summer !
The strawberry is native to North America and a member of the rose family . Thousands of years ago , wild strawberries were abundant , and California ’ s Indigenous peoples enjoyed them as part of their diet . During the early- to mid-1800s , strawberry crop cultivation took hold , “ strawberries and cream ” was all the rage , and the first strawberry festivals were held . With the advent of refrigerated railroad cars , berries could be enjoyed nationwide . Today , roughly 90 percent of U . S . strawberry output originates in California . Learn about CA strawberry farming and find tasty recipes ( like Strawberry Shortcake ) to enjoy on the Fourth of July and all Summer long at : californiastrawberries . com .
ABOVE : William Geyer Rhoades . He and his father IO Rhoades converted the Rhoades Ranch into horticultural property , planting 125 acres in orchard . Rhoades Sr . transferred ownership of the property to William in 1920 . After his death in 1935 , his wife Katherine Garnett Rhoades managed the ranch until 1945 . LEFT : Phegly House and Barn . A single wall ( board wall ) house constructed in the early 1860 ’ s during the early American settlement period of Santa Clara County . Its wide plank redwood construction was typical of the pre-railroad period ( mid 1850 ’ s - late 1860 ’ s ). The redwood lumber for this and other south Bay Area homes of this era was harvested from the nearby Coastal Range mountains . ( source : National Park Service / Registry / Rhoades Ranch ). BELOW : Harold E . Thomas in the strawberry test field . Thomas established the Strawberry Institute at Rhoades Ranch in 1945 , Directed Driscoll Strawberry Associates , and is considered the “ Father of the California Strawberry Industry ”
Images provided by Morgan Hill Historical Society : morganhillhistoricalsociety . org
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