Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society

Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society ARCHIVES WALK-IN HOURS:
Tuesday: 11:00 - 2:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 2:00 We are located in the City Hall building through the double doors at Laurel Street.

The Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society was formed by a small group of concerned citizens interested in preserving local history. It assumed responsibility for running the Guest House Museum, helping the City fulfill its agreement with Georgia Pacific (who had donated the museum to the City). If you are unable to visit during walk-in hours, you may also call for an appointment at (707) 961-0498.

Interesting look at 2nd grade classes in 1909 at Fort Bragg Grammar School. Note there are separate grades for Arithmeti...
03/04/2026

Interesting look at 2nd grade classes in 1909 at Fort Bragg Grammar School. Note there are separate grades for Arithmetic and Mental Arithmetic.

Our apologies to members of the Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society for the delay in publishing the quarterly ...
02/05/2026

Our apologies to members of the Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society for the delay in publishing the quarterly newsletter, Voice of the Past. Between software issues and illness, it's been crazy. We appreciate your continued support!

Our Summer-Fall-Winter issue includes the Tribal Learning Center with a message from Buffie Campbell Schmidt who staffs the Center, Glen Blair and the 1941 Wonacott Photographs (Part II), and Toveri Tupa.

If you're interested in becoming a member, or contribute to the Denise Stenberg Scholarship Fund, which assists history students in financing their education: https://tinyurl.com/wwu7p6ch

Union Lumber Company's first San Francisco headquarters location was at 22 Market Street, with Charles Russell ("CR") Jo...
01/22/2026

Union Lumber Company's first San Francisco headquarters location was at 22 Market Street, with Charles Russell ("CR") Johnson as its first President. In 1896, it moved to 124 California Street. In 1898, it moved again, this time to the Crocker Building at Market/Post/Montgomery, with offices on the first floor.

After the April 18, 1906 earthquake, it was temporarily housed across the street, and a few doors west, in the Monadnock Building. A couple of years later, they returned to the Crocker Building, this time to Suite 1010 on the tenth floor (pictured). Occupying the President’s office, after CR's retirement, was his son Otis Johnson, followed by Otis’ son, Russell Johnson.

On September 1, 1966, ULCo vacated their office space in the Crocker Building and moved to the 5th floor of the Equitable Life Building at 120 Montgomery Street. (At that time, there were plans to tear down the Crocker Building for a rapid transfer station.)

(The Equitable Life Building site formerly served as the location for the Occidental Hotel, which was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.)

The Noyo Chief’s description of the Equitable Life Building: “The exterior of the building is faced with white Vermont marble. The entrance lobby floor is of Vermont Verde antique marble and the lobby walls are of marble from the French-Pyrenees. Lobby walls in the upper floors are of Italian Travertine. Union Lumber Company offices are finished in California Noyo Redwood.”

Paul Racine began his decades-long retail business with a newspaper and cigar stand. In February 1904 he purchased A. Br...
01/01/2026

Paul Racine began his decades-long retail business with a newspaper and cigar stand. In February 1904 he purchased A. Brown’s variety store but, sadly, the building was destroyed a couple of years later in the April earthquake. Persevering, he relocated to various addresses as he expanded the business. Today, Racine's shares space with Spunky Skunk on Franklin Street.

In 1968, the year of this calendar, the store’s “Racine’s Gallery” hosted art displays of Fort Bragg High School art instructor Donna Nelson, Grace Sauer, David Barnes’ Junior High students, Loveta Randall Hibsch of Williams, and Beth Stewart, among others.

One hundred years ago, in 1925, the spirit of Christmas was celebrated by the local churches, fraternal lodges, and the ...
12/15/2025

One hundred years ago, in 1925, the spirit of Christmas was celebrated by the local churches, fraternal lodges, and the City’s tree and Santa event at the Community Club (now City Hall). The high school’s newspaper, “Breaker,” published a special edition: “The new head line type will be used, new white chemical paper, a red Christmas greeting will head the issue, there will be six pages instead of the usual four, and the contents will have a decided Christmas touch with stories, poems and feature articles throughout.”

In Westport, the teacher gave students popcorn and oranges, and the children exchanged presents. At the Ocean Schoolhouse (now Fort Bragg Grange Hall) in Inglenook, the Ruby Thimble Club held a Christmas tree event, with everyone receiving a large bag of candy, nuts, and two oranges. (The big surprise of the evening was when two Santas arrived to hand out gifts, instead of one.)

The Advocate also shared tips on creating a white Christmas Tree: “Dip branches in thick starch to which a small box of Borax has been added, and while trees are still damp, sprinkle each with the artificial snow.”

Golden Rule's original location was at the southeast corner of Franklin and Laurel Streets. In the spring of 1932, it mo...
11/12/2025

Golden Rule's original location was at the southeast corner of Franklin and Laurel Streets. In the spring of 1932, it moved to the southeast corner of Main Street and Laurel. In 1956, it returned to its original location of Franklin and Laurel (now Tall Guy Brewing).

On December 7, 1947 (6th anniversary of Pearl Harbor), an Open House was held at the Veterans Memorial Building, with...
11/05/2025

On December 7, 1947 (6th anniversary of Pearl Harbor), an Open House was held at the Veterans Memorial Building, with homemade sandwiches and hot coffee. The event included a presentation of combat medals to Mendocino Coast veterans. There were representatives from the Army, Navy Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Visit the Veterans Memorial Building to learn more about our locals who have served our country over the decades.

In this Fall Term 1922 School Directory, it's interesting to read the instructions to both teachers and trustees.
09/15/2025

In this Fall Term 1922 School Directory, it's interesting to read the instructions to both teachers and trustees.

We enjoyed meeting those who visited today's Ask a Historian. Visitors included a donation of a historical artifact.
09/07/2025

We enjoyed meeting those who visited today's Ask a Historian. Visitors included a donation of a historical artifact.

It's that time again! September 7, 2:00-4:00 will be our Ask a Historian event, held at the Guest House Museum. You can ...
09/03/2025

It's that time again! September 7, 2:00-4:00 will be our Ask a Historian event, held at the Guest House Museum. You can ask us questions about local history, and/or your family history.

We always welcome donated items, including documents and photographs. If you would like to share a photograph or document, but retain the original, we will have a scanner at the event.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California Admission Day. In September 1900, the Fort Bragg Advocate published...
09/02/2025

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California Admission Day.

In September 1900, the Fort Bragg Advocate published the following:

“Admission Day was celebrated this year on Monday, as it fell on Sunday. Yesterday was also a legal holiday, Governor Gage declaring it such.”

Address

P. O. Box 71
Fort Bragg, CA
95437

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 3pm
Thursday 2pm - 3pm
Friday 1pm - 3pm

Telephone

7079610498

Website

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