Wine & Lecture: The Sugar King of California

The Coronado Historical Association is excited to invite you to a unique look at the life of Claus Speckles, told by the incredible Sandra E. Bonura. Join us as we delve into the story of someone facing impossible odds to rise from grinding poverty to enormous wealth. America's mythos is based on the belief that anyone, regardless of circumstance, can get rich if they have enough gumption, grit, or ruthlessness.

While there are a variety of published stories about the triumphs of immigrants, which seem to suggest that anyone can do great things with hard work, talent, and a little luck, I was surprised that these stories are actually rare. If America is a land of equal opportunity and upward mobility for all, why are there only a few people like him? Most underestimate how hard it is to be great at something, and then top themselves to achieve more.

It was only with fierce determination and ruthless consistency that Claus Spreckels could dive into his passions to beat all his rivals on a global scale. But there's always a cost for single-minded determination, so even though it intersects with the Horatio Alger rags-to-riches legend, this is not just a story of a poor immigrant boy who chased the American Dream as far as he could take, it's a tragic portrait of a wealthy family torn apart by money, jealousy, and ego.

Visit: https://coronadohistory.org/calendar/event/wine-lecture-the-sugar-king-of-california/