A long with mining and timber harvests, the Cedar Ridge/Comstock Ranch area was noted for its production of apples and pears. Today it is evident that the land is still producing a fine crop on the Abbott property on Kewin Mill Road. Mt. Elizabeth Apples were grown and distributed from the area of Fuller Road and Lake (near Brentwood Lake) and the old Bottemiller home, and trees can still be seen there. Sierra Glen Ranch remains a source of a variety of commercially grown fruits. However, the once profitable potato crop is gone.

With the absence of sugar maple trees, our early citizens most likely got their sweetener from molasses. Not until sugar prices dropped deeply after World War I did sugar become available to anyone but the rich. During the Gold Rush era, lima beans made their way up from Peru’s Lima although research suggests the bean probably originated centuries before in Guatemala. Perhaps all of this bounty was served on the English ironstone dishes circa 1883-1913 found in nearby Comstock Ranch in an archeological survey conducted in 1990 that revealed them. A large dairy was operated by John Greenley from 1860 to 1899 and then was run by the Silvas until 1966, when it was subdivided, now the general area of Greenley Road.

Although not a part of Cedar Ridge, all of this history indicated continued development and a need to establish a “new” community: a permanent one with home and schools for the diversity that was to come after the Gold Rush ended. Cedar Ridge Ranch subdivision is a newcomer to Tuolumne County history with twelve units being released beginning in 1947. The original developer Kennon Beard, had owned property here and “legend has it” that he camped out in Cedar Ridge to build his home with the most spectacular view he could find. Today his home is the Skytop Retreat with its breathtaking view and its ecological integrity. Its gardens have always had indigenous (pink volcanic granite) and plants. Hauling the granite up unpaved Belleview Grade was arduous. The original masonry in the house was done by Lorraine Abbott’s father. Beard was far sighted and outfitted the home with earthquake protection   and it was needed! In 1956 there was an earthquake along the Fallon fracture that “shook the nails right out of the walls in Twin Harte”

The last parcels of Cedar Ridge were in place in 1969. The development of the Abbott/Comstock Ranch began in 1974 when it began as a possible split called Idyllwild, then Forest Lake.

I am hoping to share stories of the personalities who have graced the area in future issues. Remember to share your family history with today’s generation. Dry facts can always be generated from County records but there’s nothing like a good laugh or cry about a relative or ancestor!

CRRPOA has membership applications for the Tuolumne County Historical Society if you wish to enlarge the heritage story.

Copyright 1998-2000
� Joan Lainen
Published here with permission of Joan Lainen