Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Hills, CA
Moulton Museum conducted oral histories with Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton’s grandchildren at each of their households. Several community resident interviews were also conducted at Moulton Museum, Aliso Viejo Ranch, and OC Public Libraries. The Oral Histories Collection provides a daily perspective of life at Moulton Ranch starting with Lewis’ arrival in 1874 until the selling of the ranch in the 1960s. These personal oral histories allow Moulton Museum to continue sharing the rich history of Orange County’s ranching community to this day.
Stephanie is from California and grew up on her family’s cattle ranch near Yosemite. Her family has been ranching since the 1880s, showing California’s long history of farming.
Woody is a botanist who grew up managing his family’s apple and pear orchards in Julian. His family has been farming fruit for over 100 years, and he respects California’s rich farmland.
Wade is the president of Bar M Cattle Company in Maxwell, California. He continues his family’s long ranching history and works hard to keep their traditions alive.
Todd has always been a rancher. He runs his family’s ranch and keeps the Moulton family’s cattle ranching traditions going strong.
Jeff manages his family’s beef cattle business and teaches his kids about their ranching heritage. He is proud to keep California’s ranching traditions alive for the next generation.
Jane is the granddaughter of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton. She continues her family’s ranching traditions and is dedicated to preserving their heritage while making her ranching path.
DJ runs the family ranch with his brothers in Maxwell. He also farms almonds and walnuts, mixing new farming methods with old family traditions.
Barney lives in Phoenix and works in the family’s grain business. He stays connected to the Moulton family’s agricultural legacy and contributes to the farming community in Arizona.
Deke, a grandson of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, grew up on the Moulton Ranch. After serving in the Army Reserves and Air National Guard, he became a farmer in Maxwell, showing his family’s strength and resilience.
Marion was born in Canada and moved to the U.S. as a child. Her journey reflects the hard work and perseverance that have shaped her family’s ranching legacy in Maxwell.
Glenn, the grandson of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, values education, hard work, and family ties. He is committed to passing these values on to future generations.
Bob is an OC Historical Commissioner who has helped develop Orange County. He has worked on projects like the Aliso Viejo Ranch revitalization to preserve the area’s history.
Jane grew up in Villa Park and reflects on her family’s legacy at Moulton Ranch. Now living in San Diego, she shares her experiences growing up in a ranching family and creates her legacy through education and motherhood.
An interview with Franklin “Woody” Barnes about his life experiences in Julian, CA, at Manzanita Ranch. He shares his experiences of childhood, adolescence, college, military service, and agricultural traditions. Highlights significant events, such as gaining electricity and appliances when sister Mary Alice (Joe) was born. Discussing their father’s dedication to building a rock house and mentioning their grandfather’s awareness of the dangers of tobacco, the narrative reflects on family connections and nostalgia for simpler times.
The oral history interview with Christy Mathis provides an overview of her life and the legacy of ranching in California. Born in 1942 in Orange, California, Christy recounts her childhood experiences, including family tradition, capturing the historical and cultural significance of ranching practices across generations. Born on August 10, 1942, in Santa Ana, California, Christy shares memories of her family, including her parents, Emma and Joaquin, and her siblings, Judy and James. She recounts her childhood experiences, such as playing in the sandbox, her passion for sports, and her education at San Juan High School. Christy also mentions local traditions, such as Swallows Day, highlighting her upbringing in San Juan Capistrano during World War II.
An interview with Lewis “Lewie” Mathis, who grew up in Villa Park. He moved to Moulton Ranch with his parents, Charlotte and Glenn, when they operated it in the 1950s. He shares about roundups, supervisors, and cowboys. He married Christy Mathis and moved to Lompoc, CA. Mr. Mathis reflects on his mother’s unique personality and storytelling skills, as well as her roles as a homemaker and her culinary talent, notably in her preparation of black-bottom pie.
Eddie Grijalva’s oral history interview at the Moulton Museum offers a compelling narrative of his life growing up in El Toro, California. Eddie shares the story of his parents, highlighting his father’s experiences facing prejudice while seeking work in Orange County. He recounts childhood memories of living in a house without utilities, relying on kerosene lamps and wood stoves, and the communal spirit that defined his upbringing.
This interview with Lewis “Lewie” Mathis, Jane Barnes, and Deke Mathis was conducted by Bob Bunyan at the Aliso Viejo city chambers. The family members answer questions about their upbringing and experiences on Moulton Ranch. As grandchildren of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, they resided on the Moulton Ranch, starting in 1951, when Charlotte and Glenn Mathis managed the operation.
