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Our Purpose: |
To educate, enrich and
inspire the general public in the rich history of the William
James Pleasants Ranch and to provide a setting for spiritual
renewal. The means shall include but not be limited to: preserving of historic buildings, securing habitat for
wildlife and plants, conserving land and waterways,
supporting agriculture, and maintaining scenic vistas. |
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What do we offer: |
In furtherance of
our primary goals, the Board of Directors and dedicated
volunteers work to maintain this special place for individuals
and groups to visit. The Victorian home and grounds are
available for company and church retreats and meeting, weddings, family reunions, picnics and
barbecues. Tours of historic buildings
and guided walks through more then 400 acres of scenic plant and wildlife
habitat can be arranged. Scout groups are welcome and have
camped over night. Adult and youth groups are also welcome for Bible
study and/or fellowship experiences. |
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Our History: |
The Hoskins Ranch is
located at 8212 Pleasants Valley Road, Vacaville, CA, in the
Sacramento Valley. The ranch has been in owner Ethel Hoskins'
family since 1950. Her grandfather, William James
Pleasants, and his father, James Madison Pleasants, came to California
in a wagon train in 1849 and, after not having success of any
great proportion in the gold fields, they came here to this homestead
in 1850. WJ Pleasants returned in 1856 to Kentucky to lead a
wagon train back that would include his sisters and brother. His
devotion to farming, ranching, community service, and family
left a rich legacy for future generations. |
William James Pleasants |
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The Foundation: |
Following both Ethel’s
grandfather and her mother, Ethel continues to ranch now on the
remaining 406 acres of this once 4,000 plus acre ranch. To
preserve this beautiful piece of ranch property for perpetuity,
a conservation easement was placed on 366 acres in January of
2003. Further, 13 buildings of this ranch, including the
landmark Victorian home built by WJ Pleasants in 1891, are now
on both the National and State Historical Registers of
Significant Places. As there are no heirs to follow in Ethel’s footsteps, she
created the Joyful Ranch Foundation which will help guide in the
restoration, preservation, and education of this property and to
preserve it for generations to come. |
Ethel Hoskins |
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