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4S Ranch has quite an interesting history starting in 1842 and 1845 with land grants from the Mexican Governor of California. It appears no one knows exactly how the name 4S Ranch was derived, but there was some speculation that it might have originally been misunderstood as "Forest Ranch." The land was acquired by a sea Captain named Joseph Snook, who had three brothers; therefore, the "S" may have been a designation for the captain and his brothers (1+3=4).
Apparently, there is a myth going around that the Captain Snook and his wife had children, but later it was confirmed they did not - another mystery? The Snook heirs eventually sold the property to James McCoy for $4,020.
The land was originally used for grazing sheep and longhorn cattle. San Dieguito Mutual Water Company, a subsidiary of Santa Fe Railroad obtained the land in 1915. The railroad planted thousands of eucalyptus tree believing they would make excellent railroad ties. Unfortunately, that plan did not work out well.
In 1928, Albert E. Smith built a Spanish Mission style home on a ridge overlooking Lake Hodges. It remains there today. Eventually, the property was acquired by William A. Clark, founder of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. When Clark passed in 1938, his widow sold 4S Ranch to Albert G. Ralphs of the Ralphs Grocery stores. The Ralphs family enjoyed recreational pursuits on the land as well as farming. Unfortunately, crops failed and the land was sadly impacted by fires in 1944 and 1983 that took a large swath of the eucalyptus and citrus trees.
Development of 4S Ranch into a business park (including a Ralphs grocery store!), and a community of homes and shopping began in earnest in the 1980s.
Ralphs' grandson Bob and granddaughter Linda have been instrumental in further development since 1979. Natural open space was included in the plans as 4S Ranch grew.
The true meaning and intention of 'S' remains a mystery.
(ed: if anyone has further information on 4S Ranch, please post and/or let us know.)
