MIDDLETOWN >> The almost 23,000-acre property in the southeastern corner of Lake County, now apparently slated to become a world-class travel destination, boasts a varied and fascinating history predating the creation of the County.
Its transition from large-scale cattle-ranching to winemaking between 1952 and 1980 will be described by Bill Wink, who will appear as the speaker for Gibson Museum’s Fireside Chat on Saturday, May 12, at 3 p.m.
Wink moved to the Middletown area in 1956 from a small farming town in Nebraska.
It seemed a dream come true to the eleven-year-old when he and his family moved in with his Aunt Dora and Uncle Earl Huston on the Guenoc Ranch. He was far less impressed by their home in the house once owned by famed actress Lillie Langtry than by the bevy of horses and thousands of cattle his uncle was charged with caring for.
Even after Bill and his family moved into town, Bill spent every free moment at Guenoc Ranch. When old enough to get a work permit he became an employee of the ranch during the summer, learning about raising cattle and working in the hay fields. During school months he just worked there whenever possible, for free.
He claims his 45-year relationship with Guenoc Ranch taught him never to ride upstream after you take a drink from that stream and that cow manure isn’t dirty if it never hits the ground.
Wink returned to Guenoc after years away from Middletown in 1981 to help develop Guenoc Winery.
He served the community on the boards of several service groups: the Middletown Merchants Association, the Middletown Luncheon Club, and the Middletown Senior Center. He also volunteered at Middletown School District, serving on various councils and committees and coaching junior varsity basketball.
A longtime collector of local history, Bill believes strongly that history must be preserved, so it does not become mere folklore.
Fireside Chats are free of charge, although donations to support Gibson Museum are welcomed. The talks begin at 3 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. Questions are welcomed after the speaker’s initial presentation.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to view the exhibits, enjoy refreshments and chat with friends.
Gibson Museum is located at 21267 Calistoga Rd. (Hwy/ 29), across the street from Middletown Square.
For further information, phone 809-8009 Thursday, Friday or Saturday afternoon or write to info@friendsofgibson.com.
