The Legendary J.P. Harlow & The Treasure of 1929

The last two months of 1929 represented difficult times in San Carlos.  San Carlos and the rest of the country started to feel the effects of the Great Depression. Further, the 18th Amendment had ushered in prohibition.  Like most other small towns in California, San Carlos was not a completely “dry” town. Rumors of moonshine operations in the wooded hills behind downtown were common. The most notable operation was believed to belong to a legendary outlaw by the name of J.P Harlow.

Not much is known of J.P Harlow’s personal life.  Harlow’s grandfather was rumored to be one of the only 49ers to strike it rich about eighty years earlier. Harlow never married and did not have any children. Little was known about his moonshine operation other than it being a viable option for those looking to get their hands on some alcohol during prohibition. Legend puts the location of Harlow’s moonshine operation in the hills of San Carlos near an area of tremendous boulders. Many believe this to be the present day location of Chilton Park.

In late 1929, the first rumors surrounding J.P Harlow started to circulate in San Carlos and nearby Redwood City. Rumors hinted at the fact that Harlow was doing more than running a moonshine operation.  It turns out that Harlow had been helping to launder money by putting marked bills back into circulation. He laundered money for a group of “businessmen” from the mid-west, that would later be known as the Mob. He also helped supply moonshine to many of the backroom drinking establishments for the recently defunct Barbary Coast in San Francisco. He was sharp and could rationalize making a buck along blurred ethical lines. J.P Harlow was making money hand over fist in 1929, while the rest of San Carlos was doing everything possible to hold onto their homes.

On the evening of December 12, 1929, a group of four transients, who had heard of Harlow’s wealth, accosted him on the grounds of his operation . Their demand was simple, his life or his wealth.  Harlow calmly told the transients that his fortune was kept in a building in downtown, not hidden in the woods. During the ensuing moments of a very intense stand-off, Harlow noticed that one of the transients seemed different than the others.  His vocabulary was polished.  He was clean shaven and out of place. He also seemed to be the leader of the group.  The men decided it was best to walk Harlow back to town with a gun at his back.  The five men traveled down a dirt road which would one day be called San Carlos Avenue.

As the five men rounded a corner with a steep hill on their left (likely the present day location of San Carlos Avenue and Devonshire), the clean shaven man put bullets into his three accomplices and told Harlow that he would be next if there was any foolishness. Realizing he would not be let go, Harlow decided to make his move. He quickly turned around and grabbed the arm of the man who held the gun.  The two wrestled to the ground.  With Harlow on his back, the man had gained the upper hand.  He pointed the gun at Harlow and had started to pull the trigger when a huge shotgun blast echoed throughout the canyon.  The clean shaven man had been shot.  After several seconds, Harlow opened his eyes to see the man lying next to him, dead.  Where had the blast come from? Looking up the hillside, with only the moonlight to help, Harlow saw the outline of a boy with a shotgun sitting at his side.

From here, the story takes many different directions, depending on who you believe.  This much is known for sure, Harlow was never seen or heard from again. Some say the boy shot him and continued the search for his wealth.  Others say that Harlow was so grateful to the boy for saving his life that Harlow handed over a substantial amount of money to him and quickly left town.  Finally, a third, and far more interesting tale goes something like this:

Many believe that the boy had famous last name.  A last name that would ring true to San Carlans, even today.  It is this name, if discovered, will lead to Harlow’s treasure.  If you have what it takes to solve this mystery, which is entrenched in San Carlos history, we welcome you to join San Carlos Treasure Hunters….For Parents.