History of Rossmoor

As we look out over our beautiful community, it is difficult to imagine what it looked like before Rossmoor was developed.

The Tice Valley, overlooked by the mighty Mount Diablo, used as a geographical landmark since mankind first arrived, is about two miles long by one-half mile wide. It is surrounded on three sides by hills that converge at the south end. Geology findings indicate they rose from the sea ten million years ago. The valley is studded with oaks, buckeye, manzanita, berry bushes and wild grasses, providing food and shelter for the first inhabitants. The Mediterranean climate enjoyed in this part of California prevails here. Cool ocean fogs brought by gentle breezes from across the bay moderate the dry summer heat. The rains, usually from November to March, are brought by southwest winds. Occasionally, in winter, a light snow will whiten the top of Mount Diablo to the delight of the beholder, although snow rarely falls below the 3,000 ft. levels.

The first inhabitants of this beautiful valley were Saklan Indians. It is believed they arrived about 500 years ago, but there are evidences that others lived in the nearby San Ramon Valley as long ago as 4,500 years. The Saklans lived in small villages and one such was located at the entrance of what is now Rossmoor. Life was not difficult for these peaceful happy people. An abundance of food was close at hand and they learned to use all the natural resources to best advantage. The Saklans disappeared before Europeans came, and we don’t know why.

By 1912, Joseph Naphtaly owned 1,436 acres of what is now Rossmoor. He raised apples, pears, grapes and operated a winery. He invested in the electric railroad, which ran from Oakland to Danville and the Mount Diablo Country Club in 1914. A prosperous Danville branch of the railroad, carrying both sightseers and home-buying prospects, made special runs known as “Million Dollar Specials”, since they carried wealthy individuals such as William Randolph Hearst to the Diablo Country Club. Unfortunately for the Naphtaly’s, competition from automobiles reduced passenger traffic and only ten short years later, the company filed for petition to abandon. The last train ran on March 2, 1924.

Though strapped for cash, the Naphtaly’s held onto the property until 1930 when they were forced to sell. The buyer was R. Stanley Dollar, son of the shipping magnate Robert Dollar of the Dollar Steamship Lines. The Dollar’s bred purebred Herefords and raised show horses. Over the years, the estate grew from 1,436 to 2,200 acres. In 1935, Robert Dollar built his summer home at the end of a winding road through the acreage. He then built a home for his son, R. Stanley down the road from his own. The two homes became the scene for many social, charitable and political events. Even royalty and dignitaries from abroad enjoyed the hospitality of the Dollar families.

R. Stanley Dollar, Jr., lived on the ranch until June 30, 1960, when he sold the estate to Ross Cortese. Cortese was 43 years old when he bought out the Dollars. His early years of being poor belied the successful developer he became. Under the name of Leisure World, he had successfully built private communities in Maryland, Long Beach, Seal Beach and Laguna Hills. He called his company the Rossmoor Corporation.

Evidence of the Dollar family is prevalent in the naming of Dollar Ranch Post Office, Stanley Dollar Drive, and the Dollar Clubhouse. Living at Rossmoor, we all take pleasure in this heritage.

Note: history provided by from a number of sources deemed to be reliable, but not verified.