Caladero Pumpkin Flour introduced in 1920

Caladero Pumpkin Flour introduced in 1920

I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.  I am not a fan of Pumpkin pie but it is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in our household not only for dessert but for breakfast the next morning (not eaten by me I assure you).  You pumpkin-eaters may be interested to learn that in1920 Atascadero there was a dehydrating plant located on Traffic Way and Via.  Pumpkin flour was produced there and received a mention in the January 1922 monthly publication, “The American food journal.”  The following is excerpt from an article in the journal.

Rapid Development of Dehydration Since War.

Just as the wars of the last century stimulated the development of canning so did the recent war create a worldwide interest in dehydration. California also felt this call and supplied several million pounds of dehydrated vegetables during the war, the principal producer being E. Clemens Horst of San Francisco. Over 200 dehydrators have been built in California since 1918. These range from small one ton per day dryers to large modern plants of 50 to 75 ' tons capacity. Of special interest among these is, the Caladero Products Company, Atascadero, in whose $200,000 plant a variety of dehydrated fruits and vegetables is produced. This company has recently perfected and introduced an excellent pumpkin flour for pies.

James Wilkins is the president of the Atascadero Historical Society.  The Colony Museum is located at 6600 Lewis Avenue, mailing address: P.O. Box 1047, Atascadero CA 93423.  For more information, visit the website, www.atascaderohistoricalsociety.org or call 805-466-8341.