In 1852, one of the wealthiest landowners in California drowned crossing a river. The ensuing scramble for his fortune spilled blood and broke hearts. Note: The area in which this story takes place is now Gilroy, California, home of the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. Adult general admission is $20, parking $10 per day. Wear comfortable shoes. Read a full transcript of this episode on the Something True website. Follow Something true on Twitter @atruepodcast. (Or just follow Duncan and Alex.) Music on this week’s episode: Tate Peterson – Theme in G Cory Gray – Low Rollers Josh Woodward – I’m not Dreaming Krackatoa – Long White Cloud Blue Dot Sessions – Stillness Josh Woodward – Invisible Light* *modified for the podcast.
Gilroy, California, 16 sq.
Mi and 48,000 residents.
It is the garlic capital of the world.
For three days every July, 95,000 visitors flock to the town for the Gilroy Garlic festival.
There they trade in garlic bread, garlic ice cream, and garlic.
All this occurs under the gaze of giant Herbie, mascot of the garlic festival.
Clad in farmers overalls with a smiling garlic bulb for a head, he grants protection to the disciples who nourish themselves upon his sacrament.
What few of these garlic fans might realize is that somewhere beneath their feet, deep in the soil of Gilroy, is buried a lost treasure worth more or less than all the garlic in the world.
You're listening to something true stories from the footnotes of history, written by Duncan Fife and read by Alex Ashby.
This week's episode Malpasso.
On Christmas Eve 1852, Maria Sanchez's husband drowned while trying to cross the Pajaro River.
Maria and Jose had met in Monterey county when she was 16.
Jose was one of the wealthiest men in California, owning all the land that would one day become Gilroy.
And even more besides.
When Maria entered the marriage, she was illiterate and understood little English.
In their twelve years together, those things had not changed.
But many other things had.
Jose became a father to their five children.
Jose became a drunk.
Jose became violent.