ranches in the vicinity to pay off their father's debts. Edward Gallagher, an 

 Irishman who had arrived in the area before 1873, bought the ranch from the 

 Shatters about 1893. Gallagher had operated leased dairies across the creek 

 from the ranch, owned the ranch directly to the south as well as another in 

 Nicasio. He raised a family and eventually his son William took over the dairy 

 operation at North Bend. William L. Gallagher had spent a few years in San 

 Francisco operating a cigar store but returned to the family ranch where he and 

 his wife raised seven children. Sons Robert and George worked on the ranch 

 and took over in 1944 after their father's death. 234 



The family made a living making cream until 1947, when Robert and 

 George Gallagher built a Grade A dairy and began to produce market milk. 

 George eventually moved to Point Reyes Station where he was postmaster for 

 many years. The family sold the dairy business in 1985 and now raise 

 replacement heifers. The family has been negotiating with the National Park 

 Service towards eventual purchase of the ranch. 



The ranch contains a circa 1880 two story house, built by Shatter along 

 plans similar to his ranch houses on Point Reyes. There is also a Shatter-era 

 hay barn, as well as a horse barn and outbuildings, a modern house and 200- 

 stall loafing barn. 



C. Historic Significance 



The Vedanta property has a great deal of historic significance as the 

 home of James McMillan Shatter; it has architectural significance as well. The 

 Shatter mansion provides a vivid illustration of the dominance of the Shatter 

 family during the 19th century of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The Gallagher 

 Ranch has historic significance as a contributing dairy ranch to the Olema 

 Valley dairy district, and has good historic integrity. Further study of these 

 properties is recommended. 



234 Mason, Point Reyes, p. 81; Gallagher Ranch information from an interview with Robert 

 Gallagher. 



399 



