Tag Archives: History

The Death of Happy Jack (1879)

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Jack Elliott

A photo of a whiskey lovin’ drunk circa 1907. Nineteenth century police blotter from the Ventura Signal newspaper, March 1, 1879: Daniel Collins, commonly called “Arizona Jack,” or “Happy Jack,” died at Saticoy on the night of the 25th of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ventura County | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cuyama Viticulture

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Jack Elliott

“Unlike raisin or fresh grape production, where greater cluster size and quantity were preferred, wine grapes often produced superior vintages on rocky, sandy (e.g., Virg. Georg. 2.346; Colum. Arbor3.6), or even infertile soils, which tended to check productivity and overall … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Making Soap From Yucca Video

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Jack Elliott

Here is a demonstration of some traditional Native American backcountry know-how on making soap from yucca (Yucca whipplei). It is, admittedly, esoteric knowledge that is obsolete in the current age of abundance where innumerable soap varieties are available in countless … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Santa Barbara | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Carrizo Experience: Ten Hours on the Plain III

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Jack Elliott

This post is third in a series. Read the first here: The Carrizo Experience: Ten Hours on the Plain I: Ruminants on the Range. And the second here: The Carrizo Experience: Ten Hours on the Plain II: The Bedrock Mortars … Continue reading →

Posted in San Luis Obispo County | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Carrizo Experience: Ten Hours on the Plain II

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Jack Elliott

This post is second in a series. Read the first here: The Carrizo Experience: Ten Hours on the Plain I: Ruminants on the Range. Selby Rocks as seen from the Caliente Range, Selby Campground on the left at the foot … Continue reading →

Posted in History, San Luis Obispo County | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments