On Friday, January 22, join Curator of History Michele Nielsen for “Life on the Rancho,” a special history tour inside and outside of the John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga. This event, starting at 1pm, is free to the public. 

            “Step back in time and explore the artifacts of everyday life in the 1860s, and learn more about the fascinating life of the Rains family,” said Nielsen. “Find out how John, Maria Merced, their children, and household members did everything from cooking to entertaining. The saga of this family and home are a part of our regional history. This free tour will start promptly at 1pm, and everyone is welcome!”

            The Mission San Gabriel established the Cucamonga Rancho as a site for grazing cattle in the 1820s. In 1839, the Mexican governor of California granted the 13,000-acre rancho to Tiburcio Tapia. In 1858 Tapia’s daughter and her husband sold the rancho to John Rains for $16,500.

            John Rains planted 160 acres of vines in 1859. Wine and brandy made at Cucamonga gained wide popularity. An earlier small vineyard and winery is said to have been planted by Tapia in 1839, thus establishing the claim that Cucamonga has the oldest commercial winery in the state.

             In 1860 Rains constructed a brick home on the property at a cost of about $18,000. John Rains and his wife Maria Merced moved from Chino to the new brick house with their three children in the spring of 1861. By that time, Rains (a former cattle driver) was recognized as a rich and politically influential man, generous and well-liked, who provided abundant hospitality at his strategically-located Cucamonga home.

             Rains died in November 1862. In 1864, Maria Merced married José Carrillo and they continued to live in Cucamonga. The Rains House passed through several owners between 1871 and 1971 when it was purchased by the County of San Bernardino and became a San Bernardino County Museum Historic Site. The Rains House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

            The John Rains House is at 8810 Hemlock Street in Rancho Cucamonga. To reach the site, take Vineyard Avenue north from Interstate 10. Turn right on Hemlock, just north of Foothill Boulevard. No admission fee is charged; donations will go toward the preservation and maintenance of the historic site. For more information, call Michele Nielsen at (909) 307-2669 ext. 240.