About
History of the Chapman Ranch
—As told by brothers Lucas and Todd Chapman
The Chapman Ranch was founded at the turn of the 20th century, by our great-parents Oscar and Emilie Richarz Sr.
At that time, the primary use of the ranch was raising sheep and angora goats to make wool and mohair - a long, smooth fiber that was used in WWI soldiers’ uniforms.
When Oscar Richarz Sr. passed away, the ranch was split among his 4 children. Today’s property was passed down to Georgia Chapman (née Richarzs) and for years Georgia, and her husband (our grandfather) Woodrow, operated the property as a dry land farm (no active irrigation) with limited cattle ranching.
Today, the ranch is cared for by our parents, Kenneth and Alice Chapman.
We are proud that the ranch has been in our family for 4 generations and over 100 years.
Of course, as the world has changed, so has the use of our ranch - yet, it has always remained at the heart of our family.
We invite you to share in its collective history and make your own happy memories at the Chapman Ranch.
— Lucas and Todd Chapman
