E. G.'s German Born Neighbor

   Last week I introduced Edward Gardner Lewis' Paso Robles neighbor, Ignace Paderewski and this week you will get a glimpse of E. G.'s neighbor to the southwest of the Colony.  Some of the following information was found in my cousin, Douglas J. Gates, Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo thesis written in 1983 and some was related to me by my grandparents,  Meredith and Luceille Gates.

   German born Baron John H. Von Schroder upon retiring from his military career embarked on travels abroad seeking fame and fortune.  His travel led him to San Francisco in 1881 where he met his future wife, Mary Donahue, daughter of wealthy San Francisco industrialist, Peter Donahue.  Von Schroder pursued the hand of Mary Ellen but was met with a stipulation from her father that he become a landowner and swear to become a good American.

   While staying at the Paso Robles Hot Springs in 1881, Baron Von Schroder heard of the abundance of wild game on fellow German, Albert Benton's ranch.  The Baron spent several months enjoying the hospitality of Benton and resolved to own the property.  He purchased the entire ranch in 1882 and set about immediately making improvements to provide accommodations for his future wife.  Mary and John Von Schroder were married November of 1883.  The Baron had developed a friendship with his countryman Albert Benton and retained him as Superintendent of the ranch.  1883 was a period of feverish activity on the ranch as superintendent, Benton and his crew of workmen raced to complete the various projects commissioned by the Baron.

   Baron Von Schroder chose a name for his estate which would be in keeping with his regal bearing.  A pair of eagles had established a nest on the steep cliffs near the falls on Atascadero Creek.  It was reported the Baron climbed the incline and captured a young eaglet which he took to San Francisco as a symbol for his ranch.  From that time the property was known as Eagle Ranch.  Over a period of years the Baron secured additional parcels of land enlarging the ranch.  He also purchased property in Rancho Morro Y Cayucos in 1890 and 1895 and in the town of Morro in 1897.  Some of these properties were later sold to E. G. Lewis for the future development of the Cloisters.  Other properties purchased by the Baron were former Rancho Atascadero land.  In 1903 he purchased 1400 acres which became known as Eaglet because of its relatively small size and proximity to Eagle Ranch.  This property is located in the vicinity of Food 4 Less and extends south to include the Atascadero State Hospital property. 

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