Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Hollister, California, USA
Journey back in time to Hollister, California, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Hollister, California, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Hollister
Hollister, San Benito, CA
The town, then located in Monterey County, was founded November 19, 1868 when the San Justo Homestead Association purchased the property from William Welles Hollister (1818–1886). Undecided about a name for the new town, an association member, Napa vintner Henry Hagen, was tired of Saint and Spanish names in nearby towns and suggested the name Hollister. The City was incorporated on August 29, 1872. The western portion of San Benito County, including Hollister, was separated from Monterey County in 1874. The county was expanded eastward in 1887 to include portions taken from Merced and Fresno Counties.
The town, then located in Monterey County, was founded November 19, 1868 when the San Justo Homestead Association purchased the property from William Welles Hollister (1818–1886). Undecided about a name for the new town, an association member, Napa vintner Henry Hagen, was tired of Saint and Spanish names in nearby towns and suggested the name Hollister. The City was incorporated on August 29, 1872. The western portion of San Benito County, including Hollister, was separated from Monterey County in 1874. The county was expanded eastward in 1887 to include portions taken from Merced and Fresno Counties.
Sourcekids.kiddle.co
Have family roots in Hollister?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
VINTAGE HOLLISTER
Hollister Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Hollister, California, USA
Postcard
San Benito Street, looking North
Hollister, California, USA
Postcard
Hollister Grammar School
Hollister, California, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1875&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fhollister_ca_3.jpg&description=Hollister, California, USA - Residence of R. P. Lathrop, Hollister, Cal.
"The Lathrop Hay Company was a Hollister-based hay producer. Founded by L. B. Lathrop in 1873. Lathrop had been an orchardist in San Jose, but had moved to Hollister in 1873. He produced a huge crop of hay the next year, but because the Southern Pacific Railroad had not been completed to Hollister, he had no way to get it to market. He built a large storage warehouse near the railroad depot site and stored the hay until needed. He billed his new company as "Lathrop Hay Co., known everywhere as the largest hay company in the world." In 1893, the company expected to produce 27,000 tons of hay for shipping out. Between June 1 and August 18, the company shipped 492 freight cars at 11 tons each.
His son, R. P. Lathrop, later took over the company. By 1920, the warehouse site in Hollister had grown from 10 acres to 37, with four corrugated iron warehouses and 19,600 tons of hay capacity. The plant had a mile of railroad spur tracks, six draft horses, stables, a track scale, and office building. The warehouses were spaced out over the property for fire prevention. The company was charging $1.50/ton to store hay for a year, and was also buying and selling hay as well. R.P. Lathrop claimed Lathrop was supplying a fifth of California's hay demand..."
vasonabranch.com/ packing_houses){kind=small}
Residence of R. P. Lathrop, Hollister, Cal.
"The Lathrop Hay Company was a Hollister-based hay producer. Founded by L. B. Lathrop in 1873. Lathrop had been an orchardist in San Jose, but had moved to Hollister in 1873. He produced a huge crop of hay the next year, but because the Southern Pacific Railroad had not been completed to Hollister, he had no way to get it to market. He built a large storage warehouse near the railroad depot site and stored the hay until needed. He billed his new company as "Lathrop Hay Co., known everywhere as the largest hay company in the world." In 1893, the company expected to produce 27,000 tons of hay for shipping out. Between June 1 and August 18, the company shipped 492 freight cars at 11 tons each.
His son, R. P. Lathrop, later took over the company. By 1920, the warehouse site in Hollister had grown from 10 acres to 37, with four corrugated iron warehouses and 19,600 tons of hay capacity. The plant had a mile of railroad spur tracks, six... Read more
"The Lathrop Hay Company was a Hollister-based hay producer. Founded by L. B. Lathrop in 1873. Lathrop had been an orchardist in San Jose, but had moved to Hollister in 1873. He produced a huge crop of hay the next year, but because the Southern Pacific Railroad had not been completed to Hollister, he had no way to get it to market. He built a large storage warehouse near the railroad depot site and stored the hay until needed. He billed his new company as "Lathrop Hay Co., known everywhere as the largest hay company in the world." In 1893, the company expected to produce 27,000 tons of hay for shipping out. Between June 1 and August 18, the company shipped 492 freight cars at 11 tons each.
His son, R. P. Lathrop, later took over the company. By 1920, the warehouse site in Hollister had grown from 10 acres to 37, with four corrugated iron warehouses and 19,600 tons of hay capacity. The plant had a mile of railroad spur tracks, six... Read more
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to HOLLISTER
CALIFORNIA Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy
Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.
CALIFORNIA - NEVADA - Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain - Crystal Clear Waters with Mark Twain Quote - Nature-Inspired Bathroom Décor
Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Hollister: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Hollister through the years.
1895 - Hollister
Hol'lister, a post-village, capital of San Benito co., Cal., in the beautiful and fertile San Benito Valley, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 94 miles S.S.E. of San Francisco. It has 5 churches, graded schools, 2 banks, 2 public halls, 3 hotels, and a steam flour-mill. Three newspapers are published here. Pop. in 1890, 1234.
1916
Hollister, a banking post-town, capital of San Benito co., Cal., In the beautiful and fertile San Benito Valley, on the Southern Pacific R, 94 miles SSE. of San Francisco. It has an important trade in live-stock, grain, fruit, and wine. Pop. in 1900, 1315.
1920 - San Benito Couple Hurt in Accident. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Spencer Injured When Motorcycle Brakes Fail to Work.
HOLLISTER, May 25. - Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Spencer of this city met with an accident Sunday, while descending the Quien Saba grade. The brakes on their tandem motorcycle refused to work, throwing both of them off the machine. Mrs. Spencer injured her hand to such and extent that it was necessary to remove her to the Hazel Hawkins hospital, where one of the fingers was amputated. Mr. Spencer escaped with but a few body bruises.
Hollister, California has its own unique charm and offers a variety of things to see and do. Here's a list to get you started:
San Benito County Historical Park:
Dive into the local history at this park, featuring historic buildings and exhibits. It's a great spot for those interested in the area's past.
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club:
Enjoy a round of golf at this scenic course surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Hollister.
Pinnacles National Park:
Just a short drive away, Pinnacles National Park is known for its towering rock formations, caves, and diverse hiking trails. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Veterans Memorial Building:
Check out this community center, often hosting events, meetings, and local gatherings. It's a good place to connect with the community.
Leal Vineyards:
If you're a wine enthusiast, Leal Vineyards is a must-visit. Take a tour, sample some local wines, and enjoy the serene vineyard setting.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park:
Explore the historic town of San Juan Bautista, featuring the famous Mission San Juan Bautista, the largest of...
Read more
Dive into the local history at this park, featuring historic buildings and exhibits. It's a great spot for those interested in the area's past.
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club:
Enjoy a round of golf at this scenic course surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Hollister.
Pinnacles National Park:
Just a short drive away, Pinnacles National Park is known for its towering rock formations, caves, and diverse hiking trails. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Veterans Memorial Building:
Check out this community center, often hosting events, meetings, and local gatherings. It's a good place to connect with the community.
Leal Vineyards:
If you're a wine enthusiast, Leal Vineyards is a must-visit. Take a tour, sample some local wines, and enjoy the serene vineyard setting.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park:
Explore the historic town of San Juan Bautista, featuring the famous Mission San Juan Bautista, the largest of...
GENEALOGY IN HOLLISTER
Discover YOUR Roots: Hollister Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Hollister through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Hollister, California, USA
We currently have information about 3 ancestors who were born or died in Hollister.
View ancestors by year of birthCONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Search Hollister Genealogy
Search by place or by ancestor name to keep exploring families connected to Hollister.
SEARCH BY PLACE
Find Family by Place
Not the place you were looking for? Start another place search and choose a location from the suggestions.
SEARCH BY ANCESTOR
Find Family by Name
You can enter part of a name if you are unsure of the full name or exact spelling.
Updated: 10/12/2023 3:12:34 PM
COMMUNITY
Discussion & Local Contributions
Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.