San Gregorio was a bustling village

When the Americans took over California, the old ranchos were cut up into smaller parcels. Then the San Gregorio Valley was made up of several ranches. The crossing of the Old Stage Road and the Buelna's old road over the mountains was a natural spot for a village. The opening of a Levy Brothers Store raised the prestige of the hamlet.

During its heyday in the 1860s, San Gregorio could boast such diversions as Kinear's Hall and Palmer's Dance Hall in addition to Moore's Saloon. All the farmers congregated at the saloon on Saturday night to hear the news and exchange stories. Periodic Balls were held at Palmers, and Temperance Meetings were held at Kinear's. In addition, Magic Lantern Picture shows or traveling stock companies performed at Kinear's Hall.

Going to the City meant a trip to Pescadero, as Pescadero at that time had two churches and was a bustling community. The people of San Gregorio also traveled to Half Moon By for special events, such as the annual Portuguese Chamarita celebration.

San Gregorio even had its own Chinatown in back of where Levy Brothers Store was located. The Chinese, all men, were not workers from the railroad, but farmers who tried to make a living with small crops grown in the hills. Eventually they all left.

The people of the valley had large families, and they realized that they needed a place to educate their children. They opened a one-room school with 28 students of various ages. The first teacher was not actually trained as a teacher, but was an educated man named Mr. White. The school terms were determined by the cycle of crop seasons, as the children were needed on the farms for critical work.

The population of San Gregorio itself was probably never much over 100, but it was the center of an area that had more people. A 1939 Almanac describes it as a farming hamlet with a population of 107. Hunting and fishing, without the restrictions of seasons or laws back then, drew people from quite a distance. The San Gregorio State Beach offers picnicking and fishing even today.

The Cabrillo Highway was built a little west of San Gregorio, so it was no longer quite as convenient a stop along the road. Today San Gregorio consists of the Peterson and Alsford General Store, Gas Station and Bar. The old store, originally opened in 1889, is a delight. They carry an indescribable assortment of stuff, from clothing to cast iron skillets. They even have entertainment on some nights. It's a friendly place. Stop in some time.

Rediscovering the Peninsula appears in the Monday edition of the Daily Journal. For more information on this or related topics, visit the San Mateo County History Museum, 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City.