The Sound One California Town Likes Best – Harmony
Harmony, California Population: 18
Who doesn’t love “Harmony”? In musical notes, it’s the state in which tones combine simultaneously to provide chords pleasing to the ear. In life, harmony is synonymous with agreement and accord, peace and unity.
In California, Harmony isn’t just a state of mind but an actual place you visit and see glass artisans working in a studio setting at a building once functioning as as part of a creamery. The little unincorporated town of Harmony in San Luis Obispo County is located along State Route 1 approx. 10 miles north of Cayucos and 5 miles south of Cambria. It once served as the hub of local dairy farming and grew to become a cooperative of the finest dairy farmers between Los Angeles and Sonoma. In its heyday it had an operating post office (still standing), restaurant, and variety of services.
- William Randolph Hearst, whose Hearst Castle you can visit in nearby San Simeon, is said to have bought milk here. Rudolph Valentino, the silent film star, was also a visitor, according to local lore.
- The Ken and Bob Company radio show went to Harmony in 1979 and broadcast Jehry Miller singing his hit song “Harmonizing in Harmony Population 18”, which became the Ken and Bob Company theme song.
When driving along SR-1 Highway, be sure to stop and see Harmony Glassworks
(harmonyglassworks.com), a studio where contemporary glass art is made. Founded in 2007 by glassblower and instructor, Eric Dandurand, Harmony Glassworks is an art gallery, studio, and school all in one. Courses are offered to the public. Open daily, call to confirm: (805) 927-4248. Location: 2180 Old Creamery Road, Harmony, CA 93435
