The current predominance of Silicon Valley tech industries in Los Gatos may hide the importance of agriculture and viticulture here during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is often repeated in newspaper articles of that time that the temperate climate was conducive to the growing of all kinds of crops, as well as for the health of ailing visitors. “The air is balmy and genial, sea air warmed without losing any of its salty savor.” No irrigation was necessary due to the abundant winter rains, and the agreeable warmth of the summer sun was perfect for drying fruits. The prominent Jesuit Novitiate College had 40 acres of orchards, vineyards, and an orange grove; the beauty of its location on the hillside was its own attraction. Another important business was the Los Gatos Co-operative winery, managed by Mr. W. B. Rankin.
Two of the most bountiful crops in Los Gatos were prunes and apricots, the processing of which provided plenty of employment for many residents of Los Gatos. The Los Gatos Canneries, which in the early 1900s employed 600 people during the summer months, was one of the largest such establishments in the state of California. The Los Gatos landscape has changed over the years to accommodate new industries and people seeking to live and work in the bounty of California.
California is still a state that relies on agriculture and viticulture - and the rest of the country relies on California as a result. The economy of California -- and many of its industries including tourism, technology and agriculture -- also rely on the immigrant community. We welcome your stories.
