The following sketches are intended to convey to those not living in the
raisin districts of our State an idea of the men who have made a
specialty of the raisin industry,--men through whose experiences and
intelligent work others are now profiting.
While the raisin growers and packers can now be counted by the hundred,
and while all of them have in some way contributed to the development of
the industry, and as such deserve to be mentioned in the annals of this
industry, it has only been practicable to here refer to a few of the
most prominent. Where exactly to draw the line was not easy to decide,
and my intention has been not to slight or neglect any one, and should
any one find himself omitted he should account for it through my
ignorance of real facts. I should especially have wished to add to these
short notes more extensive accounts of the work and vineyards of R. B.
Blowers of Woodland, of the late G. G. Briggs of Davisville, and of
Robert McPherson of McPherson, but I have not been able to procure the
necessary data. These three gentlemen have all greatly contributed to
the development of the high standing of the raisin industry in this
State.