I came across these photos today.  Both images are undated and neither are attributed to a photographer, but they were filed under 1900. They look like they might be autochrome images.

Both pictures feature poppy fields in Waterford, California, which is about 15 miles east of Modesto.

Poppies, Waterford, California
Middlebury College

Holsteins and poppies
Middlebury College

I’m always searching for this hidden part of California culture. I know it when I see it or hear it, but it’s difficult to describe. It was much more prevalent in the early twentieth century but I occasionally find traces of it still exist.

These pictures are a good example of this mystery genre and there’s some music too. The best example I could find is from the documentary The Second Gun. I believe the composer was Travis E. Pike. I’ve asked musician friends what this genre is called but I haven’t found anyone who knows. For the time being, we’ve named it NorCal Vineyard Folk music.

If you’re curious, here’s a 30-second snippet the documentary featuring this mystery music. (Because it’s a clip instead of a full video, I can’t embed it in this post.)

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx8MI7UKdDedfHh3dBtddBm0IkKSFbtcsX?si=svs1NlTd6A7ZJJPL

I hope you have a happy weekend–perhaps a delightful surprise or a grand adventure awaits you!

President Theodore Roosevelt driving through the Wawona Tunnel Tree, in Yosemite Nat’l Park. May 15, 1903. Underwood & Underwood