The History Behind Halter Ranch In Paso Robles
- Paso Robles History Museum
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
The property that is now home to Halter Ranch has a long and interesting history. Before we dive into their history, we want to thank Hansjorg Wyss and Halter Ranch for supporting local Paso Robles history as Winery Partners with the Paso Robles Historical Society. We welcome and are grateful for their continued support.
The Timeline & Brief History Of Halter Ranch
1880: Pioneer Edwin Smith received the homestead of 640 acres in
‘Las Tablas’ from his father-in-law, Dr. William T. Lane
1881: Edwin, a ‘business magnate’ of the area, who dealt in farm
produce and hogs, built a grand Victorian home as a residence for
himself and his wife, Alice. This fine building cost over $4000. Edwin
later kept a stable for thoroughbreds at the Smith Ranch and also
became heavily involved in quicksilver mining.
1885: A chimney fire led to the destruction of this ‘mansion,’ save for a
grand piano. The Smiths rebuilt immediately “with a grandness
unmatched in the area.”
1903: Edwin Smith lost his ranch through bank foreclosure.
1903 - 1912: The Smith Ranch had several owners (Frost, Graffen, Clemons.)
1912 - 1943: Harlan Blake owned the ranch and called it Bertanna Ranch. The original holdings of 640 acres grew to 2150 acres. “A wealthy man, he was able to indulge a passion for acquiring unusual possessions such as the entire set used in a Douglas Fairbanks motion picture.”
1943: John F. “Jack” MacGillivray III purchased the 1,600 acre portion of the Blake cattle ranch for $56,000. The MacGillivrays raised safflower, cattle, & barley and lived in the Victorian home.
1960s & ‘70s: The MacGillivrays hosted barbecues, offered
membership to their private hunting club on the property, and provided lodging to bring in additional income.
1967: The MacGillivrays, with the help of neighbors, built a small
airstrip on the property.
1970: Ronald Reagan flew to the ranch after being invited by the Paso
Robles Republican Women’s Club for a Barbecue event. This event
launched Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign.
1990: The movie “Arachnophobia” was filmed at the ranch, featuring
the Victorian farmhouse.
1992: John ‘Fraser’ MacGillivray IV published the book Adelaida.
1995: Fraser MacGillivray moved forward with a multi-phased vineyard
project.
2000: Hansjorg Wyss purchased 900 acres from the MacGillivrays and named it Halter Ranch after his mother, Alice Halter.
For more information, visit halterranch.com/blog or the Research Room at the Paso Robles History Museum!
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