Americans were stunned by the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941; but why were our national leaders so shocked despite the fact that they received so many clues that indicated that an attack could occur at any time? Wayne Korsinen taught the lessons of Pearl Harbor at Antioch High School for more than 30 years. […]
“Voices of Lafayette” Book Now Available
Due to popular demand, the Lafayette Historical Society has had a new round of the Voices of Lafayette book printed. Written by Julie Sullivan, it contains a collection of oral histories that goes beyond objective images and artifacts to flesh out life in Lafayette. The book contains recollections from people like Lou Borghesani of Lou’s Bar […]
We Thought You Might Be Interested
On Saturday, October 13th, the Martinez Historical Society is hosting a tour of eight (8) private homes representing the architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in historical Martinez. The tour begins at the Shell Club House with its intact Arts & Craft interior and the adjacent Shell Oil Museum – both located at 1635 Pacheco Drive. The tour includes the 1890 Borland House (home of […]
President’s Message
A visit to the Lafayette Library to check out or return books could provide an opportunity for you to increase your knowledge of Lafayette history. Laura Torkelson and John Stevens have put together the first of four informative displays on the neighborhoods of Lafayette to better chronicle the development of our town. The first installment is on display and covers the downtown section […]
The Lafayette Post Office Celebrates 155 Years!
There are many institutions, places, and people that make a town feel like a real town, but none has cache like the post office. Every American city likes to have one: a place to connect with the rest of the world and maybe get the town gossip. This year, Lafayette’s very own post office celebrates 155 years in the […]
Pleasant Hill Annexed to Lafayette! Part II
>>> Pleasant Hill Annexed to Lafayette! Part I When we left Guillermo in July he was married to Maria Antonia Galinda and had a growing family in San Jose. He also had a growing herd of cattle in Pinole and was “commuting” between the two. He needed to solve this dilemma, by getting his own rancho! He submitted a petition to Governor Figueroa on June 2, […]
Meet Our Board and Volunteers
Laura grew up in the Navy, which is to say on both coasts of the U.S. as well as Istanbul and Japan. Her father’s last duty station was Treasure Island at which time her parents bought a house in Lafayette. She came to Stanley in 8th grade from Yokosuka, Japan. After graduating from Acalanes High School, she went off to Cal. She then moved to Seattle where she met her […]
Gathering of Ohlone Peoples Event at Coyote Hills Regional Park
For your interest, the Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont is going to be holding a special event on Sunday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.. It’s called the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples and is billed as, “A celebration of the history, culture and traditional skills of Ohlone Peoples.” More information can be […]
Neighborhoods of Lafayette Display in Library
Currently in the Lafayette Library is our latest display entitlted “The Hoods”. Using materials from our archives, the exhibit traces the development of the neighborhoods of Lafayette. After you enter the library, walk forward past the media shelves and you will see the display over on the far right by the Homework room.
July 18, 2012 — Special Presentation in the Library & Learning Center
Mr. Drew’s talk will trace the history of one of America’s richest short line railroads which operated between Reno, Carson City, and the Nevada Comstock Lode at Virginia City. After 80 years of operation, the last train ran on May 31, 1950. But in 1976, Orinda resident Robert C. Gray began bringing the Bonanza Railroad “back to life!” A well regarded railroad historian, Stephen Drew recently retired […]
