Ranch History
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The Porters were one of the first pioneer families to settle in the Russian River Valley where they farmed for three generations.
In addition to the renovation of the Porter homes, Fred built barns and auxiliary buildings to support his extensive diversified farming program.
An Excerpt from Kate's Journal
Fly fishing brought my father, the late actor Fred MacMurray, to the Russian River Valley in the late 1930's. The majestic Redwoods shrouded in fog, the crystal clear streams and the fast moving currents of the Russian River reminded him of his ancestral Scotland. On one of his fishing trips, he was introduced to the Porter family, one of the first pioneer families to settle in the valley. Daddy was able to buy the Porter Ranch in 1941 at the age of 32.
Fred's diversified farming included Milking Shorthorns, Romeldale Sheep, Rhode Island laying hens, orchards & vegetable gardens.
An Excerpt from Kate's Journal
MacMurray Ranch mirrors the history of agriculture in Northern California. The Porters harvested and dried plums; Daddy, prompted by the needs of World War II, designed a diversified farming program and as the demand for beef grew, he introduced Scottish Black Angus cattle to the ranch, another nod to his Scottish heritage. And in the future, the landscape would eventually be transformed again - this time to vineyards that would produce world-class Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Daddy's interests at the ranch always reflected the agricultural needs through the years.
Fred spent nineteen years breeding & improving the great Angus breed beginning with the imported bull, Pyros of Islip, from Scotland.
Hollywood on and off the ranch with some dear old friends.
An Excerpt from Kate's Journal
Daddy grew up in Wisconsin and his musical talent led him to Hollywood, where his career in acting spanned over fifty successful years in theater, radio, film and eventually television. It was in Hollywood, on a picture prophetically titled, Where Do We Go From Here, that he met my mother, the actress June Haver. Although he loved filmmaking and his career as an actor, his heart always found its way back home to his beloved ranch, where he raised his family and found the solitude and quiet that renewed and refreshed his soul. He always said he was a lucky man. Indeed he was. And I was a lucky daughter to have known him.
A loving restoration of the homestead that honors its history, preserved its furnishings and restored its spirit.
