Sebastopol

By Western Sonoma County Historical Society

Book Overview

Since the 1850s, the soothing countryside hamlets of Sonoma County have beckoned settlers of every stripe-farmers, homesteaders, businesspeople, and commuters. Sebastopol has always been among the county's loveliest towns, retaining its small-town feel even as its population has steadily grown. This book of vintage photography presents Sebastopol's journey through time, the early Mexican land grants and initial settlements, Luther Burbank's far-ranging botanical experiments, and the rich farming industry that made this town one of California's premier agricultural zones, producing grapes, hops, cherries, and dairy products. In these pages readers will experience Sebastopol's turn-of-the-century days at the Apple Fair, with its astonishing fruit sculptures. The first days of railroads are illustrated with images of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway, an electric train system that took passengers to and from Sebastopol Depot. The architecture of the region and the stories of local businesses and institutions are all shown here, along with Sebastopol's early religious institutions, schools, sawmills, factories, and even its small airport in the 1920s. Together with views of the town's sporting teams, natural history, outlying communities, and important citizens, these photographs tell a unique story of a unique place that transcends the generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738528528
• ISBN13: 9780738528526
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for regional California history collections

The 'Images of America' series expands with more regional guides based on archival photos public and private. The Western Sonoma County Historical Society's SEBASTOPOL surveys the many changes of a small town from its first Apple Fair and railroads to modern times. Drawings, maps, and vintage black and white photos make this powerful visual presentation perfect for regional California history collections. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch