The Carranza Family in Hughson
History of Hughson, California: The People, the Places, the Traditions of a Small Town
In anticipation of the upcoming annual fundraising dinner on August 19, 2023, the Hughson Historical Society honoring the Ignacio and Rosa (Magana) Carranza Family and the Frank O. Vierra and Eathel Mortensen Family, the historical society listened to a presentation during on the Carranza Family on June 6, 2023.
Leticia Cavazos presented, representing the Carranza family, who opened Carranza Pharmacy in 1986, to share about the family.
Cavazos said she comes from a family of 13 children, “My younger brothers and sisters have been very successful, and I think that we couldn't have done it if it wasn't for the older brothers and sisters. We stand on their shoulders.”
The Carranza children of Rosa and Ignacio Carranza are Dolores, Maria de Jesus, Martha, Amador, Ignacio, Maria Luisa, Flora, Amparo, Rosa, Jose Luis, Javier, Leticia, and Alida.
Cavazos described her mother as a firecracker, 4’ 4”, and widowed in 1961 when Cavazos was only four years old and her youngest sibling was nine months old.
According to Cavazos, Rosa said, “We need to go to America to get a better future to give my kids an opportunity.” And so she packed up 12 of her children and one daughter-in-law, and the family went to Tijuana to arrange for their papers to enter the United States. Cavazos recalled the different jobs held by other family members and spoke of their strong work ethic. "Everything you do, you do well. Be proud of the work you do,” she said.
The last of the siblings were able to enter the United States from Tijuana in 1963.
With family in Redwood City, the Carranzas tried to find jobs in the Bay Area, but not everyone could find work. A family member recommended they pick peaches in Hughson. When they arrived, Charlie Bogetti helped them with housing. She recalled that Ignacio worked with Martin Pohl and recognized the roles of Ed Little, Heraldo Chiesa, and Floyd Zeiger, who helped the family get established and find employment. "It was a very welcoming community, for the most part."
Two of her sisters left school to work, giving the younger siblings a better chance. A teacher named Mr. Williams encouraged Jose, the founder of Carranza Pharmacy, not to give up his education to work. "Don't give up on me," he said. Williams found a job for Jose with Bud and Verna Vierra at the pharmacy sweeping up or running the register.
Cavazos said her brother observed what the pharmacist did and realized it was something he also could do one day. People in his life thought it impossible but his response was always, "I'll find a way." Jose attended classes at MJC, starting his day at 4 a.m. to work in the fields and then go to school. He dreamed of opening a bilingual pharmacy. That dream became a reality after graduation and ten years of working at Long’s when Jose opened Carranza Pharmacy in Hughson in 1986.
Cavazos attributes the family’s closeness and successes to what their mother did for them and taught them. "We were the poorest of the poor, but we never felt it," she said. Rosa emphasized the importance of family, a strong work ethic, pride in your work, and always doing your best.
Originally published in the Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch on June 10, 2023. The Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch is part of MidValley Publications - committed to the power of the positive press. Reprinted with Permission.
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