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, […]
Visions of a bygone Benicia
Resident’s turn-of-the-century postcards highlighted in museum exhibit opening Sunday A Benicia businessman, the son of a pioneering jeweler who opened his First Street business at the turn of the 19th century, didn’t let his father’s business interfere with his passion for photography, specifically picture postcards. Frank Stumm’s passion for — and influence on — the […]