The new Thompson seedless grapes and Sutter County

Last week's question asked what agricultural development(s) made Sutter County famous. This week's question asks who started a bicycle club in the 1880s. If you know the answer, please email carolf@goldcountrymedia.com by Tuesday. The answer to the Sutter County question begins in the mid-1800s. That's when Sutter County became known for Thompson seedless grapes and also for the birth of the raisin industry, according to the Sutter County 2011 Crop Report. Farmer William and his wife, Ann, Thompson, and their sons, George, William Jr., Thomas and Robert, left Macoupin County, Illinois with seven horses and two wagons, arriving in Marysville on Aug. 25, 1863. William Thompson Sr. eventually purchased a quarter-section of railroad land 10 miles west of Yuba City, after which he bought adjourning acres and farmed wheat for a few years. According to "The History of Yuba and Sutter Counties," only three families were settled on the flat country between Thompson's ranch and Yuba City. In 1872, William and George Thompson received three grape cuttings from a Rochester, N. Y. nursery. The cuttings, called Lady de Coverly, were grafted to the roots of one of William and George's already established grapevines. That spring, the vineyard was flooded and only one of the three sprouts grew, according to Lincoln Area Archives Museum docents. The seedless grape was developed from this sprout. In August 1875, the father and son exhibited several branches of the luscious seedless fruit at the seventh annual Marysville Fair. The Thompsons needed an entry name at the fair so the clerk named it the "Thompson Seedless" grape. George Thompson and his wife were sent to the World's Fair as Sutter County representatives to talk about the history and development of the Thompson Seedless grapes. George continued working the farm with his father. George promoted his community and enjoyed the esteem and goodwill of friends and business associates, besides being the originator of a very valuable addition to the grape market, according to the museum docents.. The new grape vine produced one crop a year, making harvest economical, in large clusters entirely free of seeds with high sugar content and excellent flavor, according to the Marysville Crop Report. You never know what you'll learn about at the fun-filled, educational Lincoln Area Archives Museum. See new and favorite exhibits from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at 640 5th St.