Roberts/Motte Homesteads and Ranch
A favorite plaque, because it is so out of the way. This is on the Parkfield Grade, in Fresno County north of the famous hamlet of Parkfield (it's famous because it's one of the most seismically active places in California. Parkfield, which I believe is actually in San Luis Obispo County, is reached only be a couple of one-lane roads. Coming from the general direction of Coalinga, on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley, that involves coming over the grade mentioned above. It's country suffused with a particular California beauty -- dry, spare oak woodlands with some gray pines over the top of the summit, which is about 4,000 feet in elevation. The plaque? It commemorates one family's pioneer story:
Victor Roberts
Born 1854, Passed 1930
Victor Roberts was a pioneer to this area, immigrating from France to California in 1871. He homesteaded 160 acres of land, on the banks of Jacalitos Creek, at the base of Parkfield Mountain, through years of had work, he developed a fine 15,000-acre cattle ranch.
Marcellin Roberts
Born 1866, Passed 1960
Victor’s brother, immigrated from France in 1891 after serving in the French army. Marcellin homesteaded 160 acres near the top of Parkfield Mountain. He built his house with a view of the valley below. He helped build the Parkfield Road and became the county road boss.
Baptiste Motte
Born 1881, Passed 1977
Baptiste was a nephew of Victor and Marcellin Roberts. Baptiste immigrated from France in 1897 and homesteaded 160 acres, on a branch of the Jacalitos Canyon. This branch became known as Motte Canyon. In 1910, he moved into Coalinga and worked in a grocery storm owned by A.P. May. Baptiste started his own grocery market in 1919 and it remained in business until the Coalinga Earthquake in 1983.
Vince and Lois Motte, Family Trust
Submitted by Dan Brekke