WHEN THE VALLEY MEANT 'WHEAT"

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2012

Lots of people believe that before the great aqueducts were built, the San Fernando Valley was a desert. It's true that our vast Valley has long been an arid place, but it has always had a water supply. And at one time wheat was our most important crop. Agriculture has been part of Valley history. long before imported water.

 Wheat farm in the San Fernando Valley the close of the 19th century.

I. N. Van Nuys lived in this important ranch house, from which wheat production operations formed one of the first great economic engines of the San Fernando Valley. The photo was taken around 1882.