Goleta Magazine 2018 - 53

history

Third grade Students at
Ellwood School participate
in 2018 Pioneer Days.

Pioneer Days
Goleta students reenact life on a lemon ranch
Pioneer Days, the signature education program of at Rancho
La Patera & Stow House has successfully engaged local children for nearly ten years. Inspired by stories of the pioneering Stow family, students are offered a unique experience to
go back in time and ask - 'what life was like for eight-year old
children on an early 20th century lemon ranch in the rural
Goleta Valley?'
Pioneer Days gives 3rd grade students, who study local history as part of the state-mandated curriculum, an opportunity
to explore firsthand early California ranch life. The multidisciplinary program spans several weeks and addresses curriculum in history, while weaving in lessons in the sciences,
math, language arts, and physical activities.
With a focus on "reuse" children are shown practical demonstrations and participate in interactive activities. As they re-

live and experience pioneer life, they recognize the change
and continuity of California's diverse culture at the turn
of the century and the contributions that each immigrant
group made to our community.
The program reaches children of differing learning styles
by incorporating practical activities at the ranch that utilize
all the senses with traditional classroom learning. This is
especially important for helping the many ESL (English as a
Second Language) and other language-challenged students
in our local schools to acquire the necessary education for
academic success.
The hands-on program was developed in collaboration with
Goleta Union School District, and is also offered to all public
and private elementary schools on the South Coast.

WHO WAS THE STOW FAMILY?
In 1871 W.W. Stow purchased 1,100 acres of fertile Goleta Valley land for $28,600 for his son,
Sherman. Rich soil, a temperate climate, and an irrigation system enabled the newcomers to
create orchards and gardens of the sort that made Southern California the envy of the world.
The first orchards of almond and walnut trees were laid out in 1873, and in 1875 3,000 lemon
trees were planted in the first commercial planting in California. Sherman Stow, a founding
member of the Johnston Fruit Company, and his wife Ida had six children and began their life
on one of California's most lovely historic ranches. A portion of the property, La Patera Rancho,
still operates as one of Goleta Valley's most productive ranches.
2018 * 2019 EDITION

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Goleta Magazine 2018