DAWN AND THE DONS 130
The side of the plaza facing the harbor was not enclosed, but was sufficiently guarded by the Custom House, an imposing building that kept watch and ward over the comings and goings along the water front. Monterey was the principal port for the marketing of hides and tallow from the ranchos, and for the purchase
of cargoes brought by occasional trading vessels that came that way. And wonderful cargoes changed hands. These adventurous pioneer traders, mostly Yankees from Boston, had shrewdly learned just what was most desired in far off California, and came abundantly prepared to supply the demand. The low adobe stores of Monterey were piled high with beautiful and costly goods, for the Spanish residents were a proud and showy people, and the satin slippers, high combs, lace mantillas, embroidered jackets, gay rebosos, silverembossed hats, and all that went to make up the colorful
attire of that time, found ready purchasers. The choice building lots about the plaza were always ata premium, and once occupied, remained in the same family for years, often for generations. As new residences were required, they were built farther back from the center. There was little need for streets, as there were no vehicular conveyances save an occasional ox-drawn
cart. Everybody rode horseback, and selected the way of least resistance. Each householder built his house where his fancy dictated. If it happened to obstruct a bridle-path, no one questioned; simply went round. So the narrow thoroughfares zigzagged, in keeping with the care-free attitude of the inhabitants.
