As the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot at the end of First Street undergoes the process of being considered for the National Register of Historic Places, residents can learn all about the town’s railroad history in a series of formal presentations. The Benicia Historical Society will be hosting a series of lectures to tie in with […]
The story of Benicia and Rancho Suscol
The arrival of Dr. Semple Dr. Robert Baylor Semple was California’s first newspaper reporter, publisher and editor. His newspaper, The Californian, was the first newspaper published in California. He was a dentist who also had worked as an attorney, medical doctor, farmer and businessman before coming west on a wagon train in 1846. He was […]
When the Arsenal was ‘like the back-drop of a romantic play’
Stephen Vincent Benet, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters and Benicia’s literary legacy BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2001, just a few days before the eleventh day of that month became “9/11,” The Benicia Herald published my column called “Commandant’s Residence Must Be Restored.” Thirteen years later, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters in the Benicia Arsenal has been restored, thanks […]
Museum exhibit will deck the walls
A local company that began in 1979 will give visitors to the Benicia Historical Museum insights as to how some of Benicia’s earliest settlers decorated their homes. The museum’s newest exhibit features the work of Bradbury & Bradbury, an internationally-known company that replicates the interior looks of the past. Ironically, the Bradbury & Bradbury began […]
70 years later, remembering the Port Chicago explosion
320 killed when ammo ships exploded; disaster led to mutiny, reform THIS IS THE STORY OF THE PORT CHICAGO EXPLOSION that occurred 70 years ago on July 17, 1944. You can see where it happened by going to the scenic overlook next to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and looking southeast to the other side of the […]
A look back at the flagship of Benicia’s tannery industry, and how it disappeared
Editor’s note: Second of two parts. Read part one by CLICKING HERE. A TANNING FAMILY AND A FAMILY THAT SOLD JEWELRY AND POSTCARDS are the current subjects of “Making a Living on First Street: F.J. Stumm and Ansley K. Salz,” an exhibit currently showing at the Benicia State Capitol Building. The Stumms, father and son, […]
Robert Semple: California giant
Audience regaled with tales of city founder and state icon Once California no longer was controlled by Mexico, it quickly looked to join the growing United States of America, Diablo Valley College history professor Greg Tilles told an audience Thursday. Unlike many states, California deliberately bypassed first becoming a territory, Tilles said — in fact, it […]
Fill out the puzzle, win a prize!
PRINT OUT THIS PUZZLE, fill it in and get answers Sunday at the Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road, when the exhibit “Stumm’s Vintage Postcards — Views of Benicia and Beyond” opens at 1 p.m. Those submitting a winning entry — filled out with the correct answers plus current contact information — will be qualified to […]