Something intriguing is unfolding in the economic landscape. Ten-year Treasury yields and the price of gold are both signaling contrasting visions of inflation and deflation. Over the past month, yields on the ten-year Treasury note surged from 1.98 percent to 2.34 percent, while gold has seen a decline of nearly $100 an ounce during the same period.
This raises a pressing question: Who is correct—Treasury yields or gold? Will we face inflation or deflation?
As we made our way east on the 60 freeway from Los Angeles to Oak Glen last Saturday, these concerns faded from our minds. The further we journeyed from the city, the less significant the answers seemed to be.
Oak Glen, situated just beyond the sprawling urban landscape of Southern California, feels like a different world. The air is crisp and refreshing at its mile-high elevation. The local residents are friendly and relaxed, a stark contrast to the hectic pace of city life.
In this tranquil setting, you’ll find no stoplights or fast-food chains; there are no billboards or unsightly transmission lines marring the landscape. Such distractions dissolve as we ascend the winding mountain roads.
Oak Glen, California
The built environment here scarcely affects the natural setting. Only a narrow, winding mountain road leads you upward, flanked by apple orchards that grace the gentle hillsides nestled between the majestic mountain slopes.
Memorable Experiences
The reasons behind Enoch Parrish’s decision to settle in Oak Glen in 1866 remain a mystery. Perhaps it was the enticing deal he struck—trading four mules and a wagon for 160 acres of land without any paper currency involved.
Initially, his journey was challenging; Parrish spent his first decade tilling the soil in pursuit of cash crops like potatoes. However, he also planted the region’s first apple orchard, a venture that required patience as it took ten years for the trees to bear fruit.
By 1876, Parrish opened the first apple orchard in the Glen, introducing a distinctive fruit to the Southern California market. While the warmer basin valleys primarily yielded citrus fruits, the cooler mountain climate proved ideal for apple cultivation, positioning him closer to the burgeoning population below.
Others soon followed suit, including the Wilshire family and the Rivers brothers, establishing their own apple orchards. These humble beginnings transformed the area’s landscape and fortunes, with Los Rios Rancho—the Rivers Ranch—still thriving today. Many of the original orchards that flourished over a century ago continue to operate.
Today, you can find fresh apple cider, apple butter, and delectable baked apple pies available at quaint family stands and farmhouse eateries. The sweet aromas of barbecue and bakery delights fill the air. Surprisingly, only a small fraction of Southern California’s 22 million residents are aware of this hidden gem, and even fewer venture far off the beaten path. These are the cherished experiences we treasure.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
Our adventure took us to Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen for some good old-fashioned family fun. We had a wonderful time picking apples with the kids, enjoying roasted corn, sipping sarsaparilla, and watching the sun dip beyond the horizon from a handcrafted wooden chair.
As the stars twinkled high and the temperatures cooled, we indulged in a bountiful harvest feast at the Hawk’s Head Tavern, a candle-lit colonial pub. Dishes featured in the spread included pumpkin soup, Sally Lunn bread, apple cheddar muffins, corn pudding, bubble and squeak, English roast beef, apple dumplings, and an abundance of hot spiced cider.
Colonial Public House, Riley’s Farm
During our delightful feast, the Riley’s Farm Theatre Company transported us back to the American colonies of the 1770s. They performed a lively drama centered around historical figure Samuel Lane from Stratham, New Hampshire, a farmer and shoemaker whose journals provide a fascinating glimpse into colonial life.
With live 18th-century fiddle music, dancing, and even a colonial duel, the tavern radiated warmth from several glowing fireplaces. Though we attempted our hand at a tomahawk throwing contest, we didn’t find much success. Our loud cheers when we let the tomahawk fly failed to secure us a place in the contest as it did not stick to the target.
Toasts were made, and pewter tankards were raised. The ongoing debate over inflation versus deflation went unnoticed. Instead of economic woes, the ambiance was filled with gratitude and joy. One toast particularly stood out at our table:
“May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven a full half-hour before the devil knows you’re dead.”
Cheers to that!
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
Return from Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead to Economic Prism
