Boy picking prunes, c. 1900.

Drying fruits is an excellent way to preserve their flavor and texture. Le petit prune d’Agen, introduced to the Santa Clara Valley by Louis Pellier in the 1850’s, proved ideal for drying, as it retained flavor and texture. Prunes were the largest crop in the valley. Many a youngster spent time harvesting prunes on his hands and knees.

Black & White Photograph by Alice Hare
History San José Collection