Fair’s cattle drive reflects ranching legacy

The California Mid-State Fair opened this week with a cattle drive. It’s the real thing because San Luis Obispo County was a real “cow town.” The late Peter Andre recalled the days of cattle here: “It was great fun to become involved in cattle drives in those days. Before he died in the 1980s, George Souza, an old time rancher and also at times a cattle buyer, gave me two cashed and canceled checks, one dated in 1932, showing me receiving a day’s pay of $2.50, and one dated 1934 for $3.50 for one day’s pay driving cattle.” Pete’s father, grocer J. J. Andre, became a cattleman by default. Grocers extended credit to ranchers for supplies, sometimes for several years. Occasionally, when bad times hit, J. J. would acquire a ranch for the amount owed. That’s just the way it was in the Old West. Pete continues: “Before the days of trucks, we had to drive our cattle to either the slaughter house or stock yard from the ranch in the Irish Hills and Pecho area...TheTribune