Preserve your family legacy or honor someone special
and become part of history on the Courtyard
of the Branch Millstone Exhibit.

The South County Historical Society invites you to participate and become part of the history of the Arroyo Grande Valley by purchasing an engraved stone for yourself, friends, relatives, children, businesses, in memory of significant dates, places or for loved ones that you wish to memorialize forever.  The stones will be placed at the courtyard of the Branch Millstone Exhibit in Heritage Square. The Branch Millstone is rich in history making its way from Mexico via clipper ship to its final resting place here in Arroyo Grande. Click on icon to your left to view the Exhibit. (when the image opens click the arrows on the bottom right corner of the image to enlarge to full size)


The Letter.   Francisco Ziba Branch received this letter dated July 13, 1844, notifying him of the arrival of his millstones from Mexico.  It read:

            
            Dear Sir:

                  I embrace the opportunity of informing you that I shall be in San Luis (Bay) on Thursday next, wind and weather permitting, and shall be very happy to see you on board the ship.

                 The balance of your acct. is $20.70 and if you can make it convenient to send in the hides I shall feel obliged.  W. Breck owes $7.75 – do me the favor to remind him of it.

                 I have on board for you two millstones.  Don’t fail to call on me as I am certain that we shall trade.

              Yours very truly,  W.D.M Howard

The Millstones, a historic journey.

White sails off Cave Landing in Alta California not only signaled fun for the ranchero families, it brought wonders to this coast from far off places.  Many of those things, such as the millstones purchased by Francisco Ziba Branch in 1844, improved their way of life.

Beginning their journey in Mexico, the Branch Millstones were carried by the sailing vessel “California”, and then by cart, from Cave Landing to the upper Arroyo Grande Valley.  

Here, at Rancho Santa Manuela, Francisco and his wife, Manuela, built the mill and used water form the Arroyo Grande Creek to power it.  This mill became the first industry in the Arroyo Grande Valley.

In 1951, the surviving stone was gifted to the Arroyo Grande School District by Fred Jones, grandson of Francisco and Manuela.  It served as the base of the flag pole at the new high school, and was officially dedicated by the Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande in 1971.

In 2008, the South County Historical Society relocated the stone to make way for new construction at the high school.  Soon it will stand in Heritage Square as a reminder of Arroyo Grande’s founding family.  As the valley’s oldest artifact, it is the only visible remains of the Branch family’s 1837 Mexican land grant named for Manuela Branch, by her husband.

Your Opportunity of being part of the Arroyo Grande Valley's History.

By purchasing a stone you will help in the cost of preserving and showcasing this, the oldest artifact in South San Luis Obipso County.  The Millstone will be brought back to life in an interactive exhibit, that is being designed by RRM Design, using the original Branch Millstone.  Your brick will be in view of the Exhibit which will be located between the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and the Society's Barn Museum, just over the Swinging Bridge in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande.

Your $125.00 donation will purchase a stone, 4 inches by 8 inches
with your inscription, (2 lines, 18 characters per line, including spaces)

A donation of $500.00 will purchase a square paver, 1 foot by 1 foot with your inscription. (4 lines, 18 characters per line, including spaces)

                                                                     

Your $2,500 donation will purchase one of two park benches,
with your inscription, which will sit in the viewing area of the Millstone Exhibit.
Benches Sold!  Pavers and Stones still available!!



Click To View Conceptual Courtyard with Benches

Purchase a 4 X 8 Stone.  You will be contacted for your inscription information. 

Site Developed and Maintained by: Vivian KrugŠ  Copyright 2008