Lunch and Learn: The Sugar King of California

JUNE 18, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

The Sugar King of California: The Life of Claus Spreckels

Dr. Sandra E. Bonura is a historian and award winning author of multiple nonfiction books. Her newest book, The Sugar King of California tells the rags-to-riches story of Claus Spreckels who came to America with only 75 cents in his pocket and became one of the richest Americans in history. Spreckels was a colorful, controversial & complicated character who wielded a clenched fist over Hawai‘i’s economy for nearly 2 decades after occupying a position of unrivaled power and political influence with the Hawaiian monarchy, while also advancing major technology developments on the islands. The Sugar King’s legacy continued as the Spreckels family branched out and developed large portions of our state including San Diego, building and breaking monopolies in agriculture, shipping, railroading, finance, real estate, horse breeding, utilities, streetcars, and water infrastructure, and building entire towns and cities from infrastructure to superstructure. In an era rife with corruption, he ultimately transformed California’s industry and labor. Harshly criticized by his enemies for ruthless business tactics but loved by his employees, he was unapologetic in his quest for wealth, asserting “Spreckels’s success is California’s success.” But there’s always a cost for single-minded determination and his story is one of both triumph and tragedy, a portrait of a family torn apart by money, jealousy, and ego.

Dr. Bonura will be bringing a rare artifact from her personal collection to show.

Pre-order your book here for 40% off. It will be author signed and read for pick-up at the event! Use code 6AS24 for the discount.

Ticket price includes lunch.

SDHC Member $25

Non-Member $30