California’s state flag, with its image of a grizzly bear and the phrase “California Republic,” is perhaps one of the most iconic state flags in all of America. However, many may not be familiar with its origins. Greg Tilles, a history professor at Diablo Valley College, will discuss the historical event that inspired California’s current […]
Local ‘Arkie’ recalls early paper routes, Benicia history
Longtime resident Jim Higginbotham has memories of Benicia dating back to the “invasion of Arkies and Okies,” as it was referred to at the time, that occurred toward the end of the Second World War in the early 1940s. “We took over Benicia without ever firing a shot,” he said with a laugh. Higginbotham came […]
Valentine’s Day traditions around the world
Every Feb. 14, Americans shell out an estimated $19 billion for their loved ones in commemoration of Valentine’s Day. This means over 150 million cards will be sent to mailboxes and doorsteps, 100 million roses will be purchased and distributed and $4.5 billion will find its way into the pockets of jewelers across the country. […]
Benicia Historical Museum to unveil new permanent Arsenal exhibit Sunday
Long before Southampton…long before the Industrial Park…even long before First Street, Benicia’s permanent development consisted primarily of the Arsenal, a U.S. military reservation which operated from 1851 to 1964. A lot happened in Benicia and the world during that time, and the Benicia Historical Museum has condensed more than a century of history into […]
James Garrett: The Benicia of yesteryear
We miss our hometown. We miss Benicia, the Benicia we knew. Roberta, my wife and I, have called this small city our home for over 70 years and do not want to live anywhere else. We walk on some of the same sidewalks and see some of the same trees though they are obviously older. […]
Matt Talbot: A bright, flashing warning
Mark Twain supposedly once said, “History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes,” and I think he was onto something. The United States is not Weimar Germany, but there are some non-trivial similarities that ought not to be dismissed. While Americans are not post-Great War Germans half-starved by years of reparations payments, I suspect a […]
Reflections on the Bear Flag Revolt of June 14, 1846
By Reg Page Special to the Herald “Timing is everything” is an old expression that can be applied to many things. For the city of Benicia, though, it has particular merit. That point is worth making now because we will soon be at the 170th anniversary of what was likely the seminal event that led […]
History brought to life brings crowds to Benicia Capitol
❒ After success of March event, parks group hopes to keep up momentum The latest Benicia State Parks Association’s “Capitol Neighbors” speaking event that described the days in which this city was a major contributor to California’s leather industry attracted more than 50, said Mike Caplin, who handles publicity for the organization. Hoping to build […]
Matt Talbot: Conscience, and history, as our guide
The past is never dead. It’s not even past. — William Faulkner BEING AN AMATEUR STUDENT OF HISTORY, it strikes me sometimes how much our perception of time is an elastic and uncertain thing. America, ever in love with the new, habitually discards anything with the slightest mustiness of age. There was a time not […]