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Presenter: Victoria Fisch

Highlights from forthcoming book of the same name by author George Fogelson, edited with additional research by Victoria Fisch. The Jewish community of Santa Cruz County was established during the Gold Rush era of California. Discussion of the history of Jewish influx to the state during this period, including socio-political environment in Europe at this time, and methods of travel to the Gold Country. Long term Jewish settlers in Santa Cruz became established merchants who were accepted members of society and reflective of patterns throughout the early history of California. The presentation will present an overview of the community, with focus on one family's trajectory from life in Prussia to peddling in northern California and then owning the longest operating department store in Watsonville, a town in Santa Cruz County. Includes information on relatives who settled in Nevada territory and the progenitor's experiences in the mining camps of the Sierra.