Recently I was listening to the song Hatfield by Widespread Panic and was curious as to who Hatfield was and what the lyrics were about. It turns out that Charles Hatfield was a “rainmaker” in the early 20th century. During that period the west coast was also experiencing a severe drought. Many ranchers, farmers and local governments hired Hatfield to bring rain upon them and in 1916 the San Diego City Council got more than they bargained for. Shortly after they hired Hatfield it began to rain and did not let up for nearly a month. So much rain fell that reservoirs filled, dams broke and lives were lost! Having claimed numerous successes throughout the world; Charles Hatfield took his rainmaking secrets to his grave. Increased sewer fees or watering restrictions will not end a drought but maybe a rainmaker like Charles Hatfield or Mother Nature will.
Click here for the Wikipedia entry on Charles Hatfield
Click here for a YouTube of Widespread Panic performing Hatfield live
