copyrighted Marin County Free Library. Anne T. Kent California Room February 6, 1976 Copyright 2009, Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library
Description
Manuel was the eldest son of Manuel T. Freitas (1853-1923), the pioneer Marin rancher, banker and landowner. Manuel joins three of his brothers, Carlos, Louis and Walter, in recalling memories of their father. This interview covers their father's arrival from the Portuguese Azores Islands in San Francisco in 1896 and traces their father's commission business, banking experience, the purchase of six ranches in Marin, and ranch life, including chores and duties. Manuel explains the break-up of the ranches (approximately 6,000 total acres) to sub-dividers (i.e. Terra Linda) and describes the changes in dairy farming over the years. The interview takes place at Carlos’ office at 960 Fifth Avenue in San Rafael. From 1974 to 1984, Carla Ehat, with partner Anne Kent, and later Genevieve Martinelli, interviewed a broad spectrum of Marin County's long-time residents, from ranchers to politicians, including descendants of early pioneer families. This program was co-sponsored by the Marin County Free Library and the Moya Library in Ross. The resulting archive, consisting of nearly 300 recordings and their corresponding transcriptions, are housed in the Anne T. Kent California Room at the Civic Center branch of the Marin County Free Library.
Oral Histories Ranchers Bankers Immigrants Dairy farming Ehat, Carla Kent, Anne Thompson Freitas, Manuel T., Jr Freitas, Carlos R Freitas, Louis G Freitas, Walter F Freitas, Manuel T., Sr
Place
Marin County (Calif.) Terra Linda (Calif.) San Rafael (Calif.)
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
