Madam josephine Felix
In 1850 the majority of foreign-born Salt Spring Valley residents were French. One was listed as a boulanger (baker) in the census record; others were merchants or miners. One such resident was Sylvester Felix, the 30-year-old French miner built one of the earliest valley homes on a low knoll next to Tule Lake (now the middle-low section in the picture below), at the intersection of the Angels and Central Ferry Roads. His untimely death left his young widow, Madam Josephine Felix, with the Felix ranch providing food and fodder. One of Josephine Felix's neighbors was Alban Hettick, a French-speaking native of Switzerland soon found himself wedded to the enterprising widow. The ranch and way-station were always referred to as "the Madam's," even after her marriage. Madam Josephine Felix became a legend in the Valley, partly because she was one of the first women settlers, and largely because she figured prominently in the life of the valley. Later, as the population grew and a post office and telephone exchange were opened, they too paid homage to Josephine and were given the name “Felix.”
8,000 BCE
1850
Salt Spring Valley contained shallow lakes which supported abundant plant and animal life. Native Americans occupied the Valley near Littlejohn's Creek.
Farming and ranching began to flourish as settlers joined the Gold Rush. High priced food and fodder supplied the new agricultural settlements.
1990
Meridian Gold Co. (the last operator in Salt Spring Valley) was purchased by FMC Gold Co. and ceased operations in 1995.
Salt Spring Valley as it looks today with Frog's Tooth Vineyard in the foreground, and the Salt Spring Valley Schoolhouse active from 1873 to 1947.
2007-2008
Frog's Tooth remodeled and launched its new tasting room in Murphys, CA. Located just outside Copperopolis near the former town of Felix, CA, the main winery building now features a bridal suite, spacious deck, outdoor pavilion, and a covered crush pad, enhancing both guest experience and winemaking operations..