Pierce Point Ranch Dairy

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photo by Donald Kinney

Seventeen ranches once flourished here in Point Reyes--all the way back to the mid-1800's.   CLICK for my other posts on Pierce Point Ranch Dairy.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

They were called "Butter Ranchos" because in the days before refrigeration milk and cream that would have quickly spoiled was alternatively churned into butter and cheese. Waste skim-milk fattened up hogs that would eventually also make it to the dinner tables of hungry San Franciscans.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

The problem with the Pierce Point Ranch was its remoteness--at the very northern isolated tip of the Point Reyes peninsula. Getting products to market was a major difficulty.

This was overcome with a large bit of seafaring bravery. Butter and cheese and also livestock was boated to San Francisco by way of small schooners. Eventually at the nearest town of Point Reyes Station, rail and ferry service began, making "shipping" more convenient and safer.


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