Shopping in the Sixties

When I came to Healdsburg in 1966, Garrett's Hardware was on the south side of the Plaza. It was a tall narrow store with sliding ladders on the east and west walls. The floors were made of wood. I think it was some kind of soft wood, like pine, darkened with age and foot traffic.

I recall going to Garrett's to buy some rope. At the rear of the store there were holes in the floor, and poking out of the holes were rope ends. I picked the diameter and how many feet I wanted, and the salesperson started pulling on the rope until until the desired length appeared.

I have no idea why this is such a significant memory to me. Maybe it's because it is symbolic of a simpler, slower time. Or I'm more attracted to stores that sell basics and are located in the heart of a town. Possibly it's because I didn't have to throw away packaging when I got back home.

The photo obviously isn't the old Garrett's. I couldn't find one, so I went looking online for an old fashioned hardware store. When I found the photo of Carpenter's Paint and Hardware, I called and asked the owner if I could use it. The store, which looks like this today, is located in upstate New York. I had a wonderful time talking with the owner.

Can Healdsburg Remain a Buckle on the Farm Belt?

Back in the 60’s, Healdsburg was known as the buckle on the prune belt. All those beautiful white blossoms in the spring and the smell of prunes drying in the fall are no longer with us.

Are we still a “hub” for agricultural activities? In my opinion, catering to wine-tasting tourists isn’t exactly what I have in mind, though the wine industry is an important contribution to our agricultural base.

In order to shine our buckle, I hope there will be more focus on community, neighborhood, and individual gardens. The community garden (see photo) near Badger Park is a great example. How about “urban gardens” in neighborhoods on vacant lots? Or neighbors collectively gardening the best patch on the block?

Thinking about this reminded me of a video of urban gardening in Havana, Cuba. Although we don’t have the Havanan’s problem not having enough to eat, I found their efforts inspiring.



Update: Last night I read The Agrarian Standard, a wonderful essay by Wendell Berry. His closing comments: "The agrarian population among us is growing, and by no means is it made up of merely some farmers and some country people. It includes urban gardeners, urban consumers who are buying food from local farmers, consumers who have grown doubtful of the healthfulness, the trustworthiness, and the dependability of the corporate food system...."

Then and Now: How do we preserve Healdsburg’s small town character?

As most of you know, there are five large chunks of undeveloped property within Healdsburg’s urban growth boundary. It’s likely that there will be proposals to develop these properties when the economy improves. Currently the city has a commitment to the hospitality industry, so we’re more likely to get more high-end resorts. like the recently approved Saggio Hills. rather than big box stores.

What will happen to our small town character if most, if not all, of these properties are blanketed with hotels, restaurants, stores?

For several months now, I’ve been involved with the Healdsburg Visioning Project, which has been working to involve more residents in the decision-making process involving future development.

In my 43 years in Healdsburg, I have seen many changes that I’m not all that happy about. As new developments are proposed, would I like to share with the city council and planning commission what I remember about Healdsburg that made it so special? You bet! Would you? If so, please stay tuned in to what the Healdsburg Visioning Project is doing. For starters, here’s a 14 page draft of the Project Manual. Or read the whole thing here.

Photo: Taken by me in our local cemetery on our city's 150 anniversary .

My Favorite Neighbors Series: The Flakey Cream Regulars

Gone are the days when folks gathered ‘round the old wood stove to trade stories and feel our human connection. Many of us now feel isolated because belonging doesn't come easy anymore. A few small tables casually shoved together may bring enormous comfort and meaning to our busy lives.

What people in town tell me they miss most is still happening at Flakey Cream Coffee Shop. The tables are waiting. Bob Nelson and the staff thrive on connection. So I visit Flakey Cream four more times in search of “The Regulars"...

Please visit the Sonoma LifeStories Facebook page for the rest of the story...

My Favorite Neighbors Series: The Flakey Cream Gang

Occasionally I will link to the My Favorite Neighbors Series on my Sonoma  LifeStories Facebook page. In these stories I will write about some of Healdsburg's institutions, beginning with the Flakey Cream Bakery. Hope you enjoy...

Why I love Healdsburg

That's my vegetable garden in better, drought-less days. It's smaller this year, but better than no garden at all.

I love Healdsburg because I'm a "dirt person." Not a mountain, ocean, or desert person. I like living on flat dirt that grows stuff.

I chose Healdsburg as the place I wanted to live 43 years ago, and there's still no other place I'd rather live.

I have lots of memories that I hope to share with those who love Healdsburg as much as I do.

I Heard it on the Grapevine

Confession time. I’m not a “wine person”. The Sonoma County Wine Library has only been an abstract concept in my mind. Truthfully, I had no idea what or where it was. Until tonight, when I literally walked into it quite by accident while searching for new and interesting reads.

Most of you are way ahead of me on this one; the fact that the entire back portion (which I hadn’t even noticed before, sorry to say) of our Healdsburg library is the Sonoma County Wine Library-- a collection of 5,000 books on wine and related subjects including a wonderful assemblage of oral histories on well known local vintners, many of whom are still living. The Wine Librarian, Bo Simons, is apparently well known to just about everyone but me. The Wine Library contains four specific collection areas: the science and technology of winemaking, the economics of the wine industry, the worldwide history of wine, and local wine history. There are also old and rare books dating back to 1512 which are understandably kept under lock and key. It’s a vast and comprehensive resource which we are lucky to have within walking distance right down the street!

What was fun for me was to peruse the oral history section and see the names of several of the folks I have mentioned here on the blog or in my Neighbors column. Names such as Alyce Cadd, Susan Sheehy, Rose Demostene, Fred and Ruby Wasson and Norma Rafanelli Cousins. It hits me yet again--we live in a rare and wonderful place. A place where many of our neighbors are actual living history.

Check out the Wine Library as well as the Sonoma County Wine Oral Histories. Most certainly, you will find someone you know among them!