[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERRES FAMILY CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Serres Family as they celebrate 100 years of the Serres Ranch. The 
longevity of this great dynasty is a remarkable accomplishment and a 
testament to the Serres family's creativity, tenacity, dedication, and 
commitment to our vibrant agricultural community.
  Serres Ranch was originally owned by Fighting Joe Hooker after the 
Mexican American War and the Bear Flag Revolt. Mr. Hooker sold the 
property to George Watriss from New York. Mr. Watriss moved his family 
onto the land after the purchase in 1857 and partnered with the Serres 
Family. The property was known as the Watriss-Serres Ranch. The 
property was fully acquired by the Serres Family in 1924 establishing 
Serres Ranch.
  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Serres Ranch cultivated row crops, 
grapevines, and operated a thriving dairy farm. Generations of the 
Serres Family, including John Pierre and John Pierre ``Toots'' Serres, 
dedicated their lives to nurturing the land and preserving its legacy.
  The entrepreneurial spirit of the Serres family manifested in Serres 
Construction, founded in 1929 by Franklin Watriss Serres and his father 
John Pierre ``Toots'' Serres. This venture evolved into Serres 
Corporation under the leadership of John Pierre Serres, reflecting the 
family's commitment to innovation and economic growth.
  Today, Serres Ranch stands as a model of sustainable agriculture and 
family stewardship. It is managed by John Pierre Serres and Judy 
Serres, alongside their children John, Buck, and Taylor Serres.
  The legacy continues with the fifth generation overseeing the farming 
of their estate's vineyards and creating delicious wines that honor 
their rich family history. Today, the ranch encompasses 200 acres, with 
130 acres dedicated to grapevines, all sustainably grown and climate 
adaptation certified. The diverse enterprises under the Serres Family 
umbrella, including Serres Ranch, Serres Corporation, and Serres Ranch 
Wine, exemplify their dedication to preserving the land and fostering 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank the Serres Family for their dedicated service 
to our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them 
as they celebrate their centennial year.

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