San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comNorth County's roots are showing

North County's roots are showing

In 1880, the population of Olivenhain was estimated to be right around 11. So the government came up with a real estate offer to spur growth.

"Back in the 1880s, if you built a 12 by 15 shanty, lived in it for five years, you received 150 acres," Shari Fortmueller of the San Diego Heritage Museum said.

Of course, it didn't have a lot of creature comforts.

"No electricity, no running water," Shari said.

Inside of a bathroom you got a "thunderpot." I know these things because today I toured the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, a no-frills treasure trove of North County history.

"We go all the way back to the Native Americans, who lived in the area for 13,000 years," Shari said.

Inside a refurbished ranch house you'll relive the rancho era of the 1850s. Get a glimpse at the life of our founding fathers whose families still reside in the area. There's a salute to the flower power of Encinitas and the early surfing culture that made the North County coast famous - all documented with amazing photos.

The San Diego Heritage Museum even embraces our modern day skateboard culture.

On the museum grounds, there are more remnants of the way we were.

"We also have the general store that's from Olivenhain," Shari said.

North County's past comes vividly back when their restored 1917 Ford touring car comes rumbling by. This Saturday the San Dieguito Heritage Museum will host an old fashioned family barbeque and history making program. It's a chance to see the great real estate deals your ancestors missed out on and to rediscover our treasured roots.