Goleta Magazine 2020-2021 - 53

history

Experience Rancho
La Patera & Stow House

Left to right: Lake Los
Carneros, a popular spot
for a scenic walk and bird
watching. A child pictured in
the education center. Stow
House pictured below.

Enjoy the outdoors at Goleta's local treasure
Between Los Carneros Road and La Patera Lane, among
towering trees and lush gardens, stands a Goleta landmark
that boasts one of the most serene and bucolic properties
in all of Goleta. Those who work here, volunteer here, and
attend our events have a special connection with this unique
property, equal in beauty as it is rich in history. Rancho La
Patera & Stow House has long been a cherished part of the
local Goleta community since the 1960s.
Stow house is home to many local events such as Fiesta
Ranchera, the Old-Fashioned 4th of July, seven free weeks
of Music at the Ranch, the beloved Fiddlers' Convention
& Festival.

With the current health crisis, community events are on
hold, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beautiful
grounds. Visitors are encouraged to experience the historic
Rancho La Patera & Stow House by walking through the
gardens, bird watching and exploring Lake Los Carneros.
The staff and volunteers at Goleta Valley Historic Society
have been holding virtual events, including History Happy
Hours. In October, the 49th Annual Santa Barbara Old-Time
Fiddler's Festival will be held online for viewers to enjoy
from anywhere!

HISTORY LESSON
Rancho La Patera & Stow House was purchased by William Whitney Stow, legal
counsel for the Southern Pacific Railroad, for his son, Sherman Stow in 1871. The
fertile Goleta Valley land created bountiful orchards and gardens of almond, walnut, and lemon trees. The ranch stayed in the Stow (and later Van Horne) family
until the 1960s. A portion of the property, La Patera Rancho, still operates as one
of Goleta Valley's most productive ranches.

For more history, visit www.goletahistory.org

2020 * 2021 EDITION

http://www.goletahistory.org

Goleta Magazine 2020-2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Goleta Magazine 2020-2021