CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN

______________ Since 1917

1221 H Street Sacramento CA 95814 (916) 444-0845

by CCA Second Vice President Sheila Bowen

For many years now one of my family’s favorite landing spots has been sitting around the kitchen table in my father and mother-in-law’s home. Carver and Alice Bowen have an open door policy for family and friends. While their kitchen table seats six comfortably, it is not unusual to have 10 to 12 people tucked in around the table with two or three babies and toddlers either on the floor playing with toys from Grandma’s toy box or propped on the laps of those table attendees. Often these gathering have four generations in attendance. With the 17th great grandchild due in January, Grandma’s toy box has seen a lot of action. There are toys from three eras and the sixty-yearold toys are as popular as the newer ones. Refreshments are served in everything from highball glasses to sippy cups and delicious snacks appear out of nowhere to be devoured by hungry ranch hands, handymen, neighbors, family and littles who all seem to have spontaneously converged on the kitchen.

The conversation is fun and lively. When asked about memories of her grandparents’ kitchen table, my daughter, Alicia, put it this way.

“From early morning cattle drives with a hot breakfast waiting for us in Grandma’s kitchen, to ending any given day of work on the ranch with drinks around the kitchen table – my grandparents’ kitchen was always the center of good food, hot coffee, stout pours of whiskey, stories from the day and a place where the history of the ranch was passed down. Sitting there together, stories would unfold of not only our ancestors but also a running history of horses, dogs, and many other characters that left their mark on the ranch. Nothing could top the day off better than drinks and a good visit around my grandparents’ kitchen table.”

All 10 of the grandkids remember summer afternoons swimming in their grandparents’ pool. The sun warmed the top six inches of water; it was the nine feet below that which would test their resolve. It only took a few minutes to adapt to the contrast of the hot day to the cold water, and then it was fun and games the rest of the afternoon. After drying off, the swimmers would slip into the kitchen where a bowl of Dewar’s chews was waiting as a special treat on the kitchen table. This table was where the grandkids sat for holiday meals and the laughter coming from the kitchen was infectious. At 91 years old, Carver Bowen is the fourth generation to call this ranch home. He is the branch in this family tree that knew both the early pioneers in this ranching family and the generations descended from them. The stories he told around the table were the oral history of his family and this ranch. These stories were laced with humor and hardships, tragedies and triumphs, everyday routines and life changing events. They didn’t all get told at once. They came out over time. Many were told and retold over the years and others were less familiar to those listening. There is a respect and reverence in his voice and demeanor when he speaks of his parents and grandparents. It’s as if he knows full well the hard work they put in to make this ranch a reality and the love and nurturing that they gave him. Our family would like Carver and Alice to know that we appreciate the love they have shown to their family, the guidance they have given, the hard work they have put in and of course the fun they provided around their kitchen table. With the holidays approaching, I extend my best wishes to each of you and your families. May your get-togethers be fun and teeming with memory making moments.

Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication # 8-3600) is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson, Mo. National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106, (334) 271-6100. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: 4 California Cattleman October 2022 California Cattleman, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

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