A Land Remembered

On March 12, 1883, Glenda gives birth to Solomon “Sol” MacIvey. They name him this because Solomon is known in the Bible for his wisdom, and he will be the first MacIvey to receive a proper education, via Glenda.

While grazing ahead of the summer drive, six riders approach Tobias and command him to turn around his herd. One of the men says, “This is Disston land. Mister Disston bought four million acres here” (257). With 150 armed men guarding the land, Tobias has no choice but to retreat.

Later, Zech tells his father, “The railroad companies are buying everything they can get. The lumber companies and turpentine men are doing it too. Someday it’s coming to an end, Pappa, and there’s nothing we can do about it” (258).

By 1888, the MacIvey drives occur only once every two years. As range wars intensify and grazing land becomes scarcer, the family puts more and more of its energy into growing oranges.

Meanwhile, Skillit uses some of his share of the gold doubloons to buy a plot of land for himself, Pearlie Mae, and their five children. He tells Tobias that he put down “MacIvey” as his last name on the deed.