The Southern California Horticultural Society Exhibition was a short-lived affair (1878-1882), in which time a pavilion was built, five Horticultural Fairs were held, and then, sadly, the building was torn down, due to an inability to pay the mortgage. While it lasted, impressive exhibits were displayed and premiums (cash prizes) were handed out for a wide range of products that had anything and everything to do with agriculture, including the expected fruits, vegetables, flowers and related farming equipment, as well as textiles, carriages, leather goods, furniture, musical instruments and fine art.
In addition, the display itself could receive a prize. Thus, Dreyfus won both first place (First Premium) for his white wine, red wine, and port, AND the top award (the Silver Medal) for the “Best Display and largest variety of Wines and Brandies by one maker.” So not only was Benjamin Dreyfus “King of the Anaheim Winemakers,” he was also an award-winning one!
Dalia Taft, archivist of the Orange County Jewish Historical Society, highlights images from the archives every month. For more information, please visit www.jewishoc.org/history. You can also contact Dalia at daliat@jccoc.org or at (949) 435-3400, ext. 360. The Orange County Jewish Historical Society is a program of the Merage Jewish Community Center and is fully funded by the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County.