San Antonio Valley Historical Association

03/23/2026

Don't forget t make those reservations for SAVHA’s Spring Cemetery Tour!

03/13/2026

Join Us for SAVHA’s Spring Cemetery Tour!
This spring, the San Antonio Valley Historical Association invites you to step into the stories of the people who shaped our valley. On Saturday, April 18th, we’re hosting our annual Spring Tour—a rare chance to visit several historic cemeteries and learn about the families, founders, and early settlers who built the community we know today.
It’s a meaningful, peaceful walk through local history, and we’d love to share the day with you.
Details on the flyer below — we hope to see you there!

01/30/2026

Patricia Ashe‑Woodfill’s presentation, “What’s Under the Lake?”—given at the King City History & Visitor Center on January 21, 2026— is now available to watch on SAVHA’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/ . Check it out at https://youtu.be/gkDoSDEFFxM?si=aelqXLIELB64Ptq3

Patricia Ashe Woodfill with the San Antonio Valley Historical Association uses historic photos and data to speak about Lake San Antonio. Lake San Antonio in ...

01/16/2026

A presentation titled "What's Under the Lake?" is being offered Wednesday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at the new King City History Center at 110 North Vanderhurst Avenue in King City. The public is invited.
Patricia Ashe Woodfill with the San Antonio Valley Historical Association will use historic photos and data to speak about Lake San Antonio. The presentation is expected to last 45 minutes.
Lake San Antonio in Monterey County, formed by the San Antonio Dam, was completed in 1965, creating the reservoir primarily for water supply, flood control, and recreation, with the dam built by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. The lake covered land that once was home to the town of Pleyto and other historic sites.

Pictured are Rachel Gillett and Ranger Douglas Dean at Pinkerton Cemetery, Lake San Antonio, during the October 1977 drought.

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from the San Antonio Valley Historical Association (SAVHA)! 🎉
This year marks 58 years since Rachel Gillett and Cathrine Frudden, together with charter members Kathleen Andrus, Olive Wollesen, Alvin Davis, Stephen James, Edward Foley, Dan Hayes, Ramona Sutfin, Lila Roth, Rudolph Gil, and Sally Martinus, founded SAVHA to preserve the rich history of the San Antonio Valley and Southern Monterey County.
Are you passionate about local history? Want to make a difference in your community this year? Join us as a volunteer! Reach out at [email protected] or visit our website to learn more:

The San Antonio Valley Historical Association (SAVHA) was started in 1968 with the goal of saving the Dutton Hotel in Jolon, California. The hotel started as a one-story adobe, built by Antonio Ramirez in 1849 as a home and an inn for miners and travelers. The building changed owners several times b...

11/22/2025

If you weren’t able to join us for last Saturday’s SAVHA Fall Dinner and Lecture with Michael Erin Woody, you can catch the full program—an engaging and successful evening—now on our YouTube Channel -

The Salinas Indian Culture of Monterey County - Saturday November 8, 2025 at San Antonio Valley Community Center

10/30/2025

There's still time to reserve your spot for SAVHA's Fall Dinner & Lecture—join us for an evening of history, community, and connection!

10/23/2025

Tomorrow is Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood birthday (October 24, 1830 – May 19, 1917)

10/22/2025

SAVHA is proud to have contributed several historic photographs to a compelling new exhibit at the Stanton Center:
Vaqueros, Cowboys & Ranch Life – Who Are the Real Cowboys of Monterey County?

This is a must-see showcase that explores the rich and diverse heritage of our region’s ranching traditions. Don’t miss it!

10/21/2025

🌿✨We’d love to have you with us! Reserve your spot while seats are still available! ✨🌿
Join us for an unforgettable evening of history, culture, and
community at the SAVHA Fall Dinner & Lecture on Saturday, November 8th at 5:30 PM at the San Antonio Valley Community Center, Lockwood

We’re honored to welcome Michael Erin Woody as our featured speaker, sharing powerful insights into the Salinan Indian culture of Monterey County—a heritage rooted in resilience, tradition, and deep connection to the land.

Enjoy a locally sourced meal crafted with love by Shaunie Briggs and the Salinan Feast Weavers, celebrating community and legacy in every bite. Cost is $35 for SAVHA members, $40 for non-members Make your reservations by October 30th by calling 805-472-2780 or 831-385-0323 or email us at [email protected]

Let’s come together to honor the past and nourish the present. All are welcome—bring a friend and share the spirit!

10/02/2025

SAVE THE DATE! November 8th for SAVHA's Fall Dinner Lecture

09/29/2025

The San Antonio Valley Historical Association is a 100% volunteer organization. We are always on the lookout for more members to help in the process. If you have a little bit of time, volunteer for a specific project. If you have a lot of time, become a member of the board of directors.
We are currently seeking a membership chairperson, a social media coordinator and a photo archivist—as well as board members. Please contact: SAVHA PO Box 145 Lockwood, CA 93932 or email us at [email protected].