I decided to include a property some 4 miles from Cedar Ridge in this historicalsegment of the CRRPOA Newsletter. Most of us who live here know about Sierra Glen Ranch and some of us have enjoyed picking berries at the Ranch, taking the children on field trips there and have savored their fresh pies.

Located on Big Hill Road, this property has a spectacular view, open areas and commercial orchards and Christmas tree farm.

But the story starts in Waltham, Maine. Solomon and Nahum Haslam made their way west. The brothers settled in the Columbia area. Each had 2 sons. One son, William was born in 1831, Solomon in 1832. In 1879, Solomon married a girl of 19.

In March of 1872, Solomon received a Federal Land Grant for a large section of, part of which is the Sierra Glen Ranch today.

But the more interesting part of the tale is the story surrounding Solomon. Seems that he shot & killed Sam Brooks. He
and Brooks had squabbled over a claim for some time. One day, it got out of hand and when Brooks
“called him names” Solomon shot in “self defense” and was exonerated for the crime. A local doctor told the Court that Brooks was seriously ill and had only about 6 months to live at the time of the shooting. Solomon died in April of
1888, leaving the wife, Anna & 3 small children.

Nahum Haslam owned 830 acres from east of Columbia through Yankee Hill,to near the present Belleview school. Part of this land was the Haslam Ranch, now Sierra Glen. Nahum Haslan was killed by a runaway team (not an uncommon
tragedy in those days)in November of 1886.

The Sierra Glen parcel was also owned by Charles Segerstrom who bought the land for the timber rights. This harvest was primarily used for the Carson Hill Mine. In 1921 orchards were re-planted by Wilber Robertson for owners Segerstrom & Burden. Bunk houses for workers were built on the property. Wilber Robertson and Vernon Hatler were in school together, Vernon, the youngest of 10 children, becoming a teacher at the early Belleview school. It was “portable” and placed on Big Hill Road, not far from the current mobile home park. Wilber Robertson and Montgomery were trustees of the school.

Currently the ranch is owned by Don & Carol Jones who’s father formerly owned the property. Don and Gaye Wolfe have worked as managers in recent years and have brought the orchards up to date with modern methods of pest control and marketing advances. When Sierra Glen opens with the first harvest of berries (usually in mid-June) it is a short drive with a beautiful view of the foothills. Take Big Hill Road about 2+ miles from Belleview school intersection.