Last Saturday morning, we embarked on a journey at dawn, as the gray light faded into a bright blue sky. Autumn’s vibrant hues surrounded us, and the distant mountain peaks loomed larger as we ventured forth. The remnants of the night’s chill lingered in the crisp air.
Much like Jonathan Harker’s expedition to Transylvania over a century ago, we too headed east. However, our path diverged from his, skipping cities like Vienna and Budapest, and avoiding the steep inclines of the Carpathian Mountains.
Instead, we wove through the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, transitioning from Angeles National Forest to San Bernardino National Forest. Finally, we ascended to the quaint Oak Glen village, perched a mile above the Los Angeles Basin. We had successfully escaped the sprawling concrete landscape of Southern California.
In this mountainous retreat, we encountered no stoplights or fast-food chains. The scenery was unmarred by billboards, power lines, or graffiti, creating a serene backdrop for our adventure.
Oak Glen, Valley in the Mountains
The narrow, winding road led us deeper into the mountains, flanked by a scattering of apple orchards that adorned the gentle slopes amid the rugged terrain. As we climbed higher, the pine trees arched over the road, and sunlight sparkled through the drifting clouds.
Like Harker, we had a specific purpose in mind: a fateful rendezvous with Dracula.
Amongst the Apple Orchards
The reasons for Enoch Parrish’s settlement in Oak Glen in 1866 remain a mystery. Perhaps he was drawn by the prospect of acquiring 160 acres of land for the price of four mules and a wagon. Remarkably, no official paperwork was required—just a handshake sealed the deal.
Initially, it seemed Parrish had made a poor investment. For the first decade, he toiled in the dirt, cultivating potatoes—a crop he could easily sell. However, the returns were meager and barely profitable.
Yet Parrish had a clever plan. He planted the area’s inaugural apple orchard and eagerly awaited a change in fortune. After ten long years, the trees finally bore fruit, and in 1876, the region’s first apple orchard opened its doors.
The apples were a novelty in Southern California at that time, capturing the attention of the local populace. The warmer basin valleys were ill-suited for apples, primarily yielding citrus and berries instead. The cooler mountain climate provided an ideal setting for apple cultivation, conveniently located near the growing cities below.
Before long, the Wilshire family and the Rivers brothers established their own apple orchards, transforming the landscape and economy of the region. Today, Los Rios Rancho—The Rivers Ranch—and other original orchards from over a century ago continue to thrive.
Visitors can enjoy freshly pressed apple cider, apple butter, and homemade apple pies from quaint family-run stands and local eateries. The delightful aromas of barbecue and baked goods waft through the air.
Despite this charm, only a small number of Southern California’s 22 million residents are aware of this hidden gem, and an even smaller fraction make the effort to explore its delights.
Is Fed Chair Nominee Jay Powell, Count Dracula?
It was amidst these apple orchards that we were supposed to confront the famed Count Dracula. As evening descended, and the stars adorned the sky, we encountered the vampire archetype, initially mistaking him for Federal Reserve Chair nominee Jay Powell.
Riley’s Farm, Just Prior to the Encounter with Count Dracula
This oversight was understandable. Like the legendary Dracula, Powell too possesses a predilection for low interest rates and easy credit. In essence, he drains the lifeblood of wage earners, savers, and fixed-income retirees. There’s a looming sense that he’s coming for you.
Since joining the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in 2012, Powell has overseen some of the most drastic monetary policies in history, and he has backed them wholeheartedly, casting no dissenting votes during his tenure.
As Fed Chair, Powell will undoubtedly adhere to the doctrines established by Greenspan, Bernanke, and Yellen. He will continue to extract wealth and resources for Washington and Wall Street, making our mistake of confusing him with Dracula somewhat excusable.
As we enjoyed Bavarian bread, savory beef, and mashed potatoes, washed down with warm apple cider, the Riley’s Farm Theatre Company brought Bram Stoker’s classic tale Dracula to life. In the candlelit ambiance of the packing shed, we watched the iconic characters—Count Dracula, Abraham Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, Renfield, and the Weird Sisters—interact in a truly undead revival of the story.
Alas, it seems that Powell’s bloodsucking policies of unchecked credit creation may also prove to be eternal. Perhaps it’s time to consider acquiring a Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin or two.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
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