Pictured are co-authors Becky and Ernie Morales at this past Saturday’s book signing. Photo Courtesy of Bob Crum.

(Standing l-r) Sue Bolton, Kathy Briggs, Dennis Beeghly, Lynne Edmonds (seated l-r) Co-Authors Becky and Ernie Morales and Evie Ybarra.

Submitted By Martha Gentry, Director of the Fillmore Historical Museum

Becky and Ernie Morales and Evie Ybarra were at the Fillmore Historical Museum on Saturday, September 2, 2017 to sign their new book “Rancho Sespe.” The book is full of photos and stories about the families who worked and lived in the close knit community of Rancho Sespe in the 1920s through the 1960s . There were school events, parties, birthdays, and weddings to attend and a rich heritage of family history.

The long history of the ranch itself was an example of the changes that were happening in California from its beginnings as Spanish mission lands, through its ownership by the Carrillo family in 1842 and its eventual sale to Thomas More and his brothers. The sale of the ranch to Thomas More by his brothers in the 1850s eventually led to More’s murder over property and water rights as homesteaders fought for the lands surrounding the ranch.

If you wish to purchase the book or just learn more about the Ranch, visit the Fillmore Historical Museum where there is a large collection of Rancho Sespe information and memorabilia. The museum is located at 350 Main Street, Fillmore, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9-12 and 1-4 and Saturdays from 10-3. Phone: 805-524-0948 for more information about tours and hours.