Alonzo Delano was born in Aurora, New York  in 1806, and headed to California in 1849 – not for the gold, as did thousands of other people, but for his health as his doctor advised.

Delano set out as a writer also. He chronicled his journey to California, and then started writing stories about the lonely, hardworking miners and settlers once he had arrived. His use of local color, humorous characters, and sensitive stories are contained in his books , Life on the Plains and Among the Diggings, and Pen-Knife Sketches; or, Chips Off the Old Block. Delano acquired the nickname "Old Block."

Writing was not Old Block's only claim to fame. He was one of Wells Fargo's finest agents. He began his career with Wells Fargo in Sacramento, serving under Isaac Hubbard for a few months in 1854. Although his stay in Sacramento was short, he came to believe that being a Wells Fargo agent was something special, with obligations and a reputation that should not be taken lightly.

Delano moved to the small Sierra foothill community of Grass Valley, where he served Wells Fargo and his community. During the financial panic of 1855 , as banks closed in droves, Old Block kept the Grass Valley office open. His dedication and reliability renewed the community's confidence in Wells Fargo.

Shortly after the financial crisis Grass Valley was almost completely destroyed by fire . Again Old Block did not let his community down. He walked through the smoked-filled air and smoldering embers with a large Wells Fargo and Co. banner, announcing the company was still open for regular business.

Alonzo "Old Block" Delano died on September 8, 1875, but due to his wonderful writings and dedicated service to Wells Fargo and the Sierra community, his legacy lives on.