LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Historical Society has announced its “Book of the Month” program. The LCHS sells about 20 different books on the history and heritage of Lake County. Starting this year, every month, one of these books will be hi-lighted as the “Book of the Month.”
The January “Book of the Month” was “Anderson Marsh State Historical Park- A walking history, pre-history, flora and fauna tour of a California State Park” by Kathleen Scavone. The 115 page book describes the many rich sites to be explored in the 1,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. There are at least 30 Native-American archaeological sites located in the park, some older than 10,000 years. The book outlines the making of the park, its history, and pre-history. It is a must read for local hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. The book is $16.25.
February’s book is “Behold the Land- Which was hid of old in the West” is a book written in 1888 and published by the authority of the Board of Supervisors at the time as a sort of chamber of commerce publication to induce “settlers seeking desirable, healthful homes, to come among us…” It gives all the reasons why people should consider visiting or moving to Lake County, many of which still hold true today. At the time, the population had 10,000 people living here, and had seen rapid growth, but there were signs of a reversal of that trend, thus the decision to try to promote the County to attract more people to come here.
“Behold the Land” is a snapshot of a particular place in a particular time, and is a fascinating glimpse into how people perceived the County back then, and how they survived and thrived. The last 20 pages are advertising sponsors of the time for the book, including real estate agents,attorneys, hotels, stables, blacksmiths, merchandise, and eateries including one anachronism from the Uncle Sam Hotel in Kelseyville that advertised that they had “No Chinese Employed.”
“Behold the Land” is an easy read of 80 pages and is sure to entertain as well as educate you. The cost is $6.75.
Lake County History books can be purchased at Kevin Ness Jewelers in Clearlake, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Watershed Books in Lakeport, and the Lake Count Museums in Lakeport and Lower Lake. They can also be purchased online at LakeCountyHistory.org/bookstore.
For more information about the Lake County Historical Society books, contact Phil Smoley at PhilS@CountryAir.com or call at 707-349-1008.
