Flashbacks for Sept. 11, 2025
In the Healdsburg Tribune 100 years ago: "The thinking man or woman, the young man or woman who would like to improve his vision, his ideas concerning living, and who would welcome suggestions which are all too rare in this jazz age of frothy nothings, cannot help but be benefitted and learn to have a more wholesome regard for life and its ideals...."
Flashbacks: HHS mural spans Healdsburg history
A recent thread on Facebook suggests that the large mural on the west side of Smith Robinson Gym might be painted over and that its history is lost. Principal Tait Danhousen and District Supervisor Chris Vanden Heuvel both say there are no plans to paint over or otherwise change this artwork at the Healdsburg High School campus. A quick search of Healdsburg Tribune archives discovered the following article, from February 1989.
Postcards from Healdsburg’s past
On a Thursday in 1925, Well No. 7 blew through the bore with a rush of steam, rocks and mud, at the Geysers’ natural steam beds, northwest of Healdsburg, bringing in an additional source of power for the proposed natural steam electrical plant to be erected there. The well had been bored to a depth of 483 feet, when it was decided that the heat and pressure of the workings were sufficiently strong, and the drills were taken from the hole...
Flashbacks for July 31, 2025
Arrangements for the proposed annual one-mile swim on the Russian river at Healdsburg, beginning August 30th,1925, were completed by Secretary George Sanborn with Olympic Club officials in San Francisco. The directors of the chamber of commerce have provided a very beautiful sterling silver trophy, which will be officially known as the “Healdsburg One-Mile Swimming Trophy.” This trophy is in the hands of the manufacturers now being engraved. The cup will be on display in the Olympic Club for a time and will subsequently be shown in various places in San Francisco.
Flashbacks: 1925 Prune Packers call it quits
News from 1925: "There will be no more games at Recreation Park. The Prune Packers, Healdsburg’s famous team which has won statewide recognition in bush baseball circles, has been disbanded and will play no more games this season."
4th of July over the last 100 years
Back in 1975, 50 years ago, the first big event in the Healdsburg Bicentennial Committee’s celebration of the nation’s 200th anniversary included a chicken barbecue held at the Villa Chanticleer the following afternoon. For those who preferred a family picnic basket, there was even then plenty of room under the trees at the Villa.
Flashback: When a CARE package cost $5.95
In answer to many requests for smaller packages than the Standard Food package at $10, CARE is now offering a new Budget Package, with a net weight of 10 pounds, which will sell for $5.95 for guaranteed delivery to Europe.
‘Buckle of the Prune Belt’ from above
Holly Hoods was taken aback when three men walked into the downstairs office space of the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society one morning last week. One of them was unknown to the museum director, but he seemed to know a lot about Healdsburg history,...
Flashbacks: 1975 Wine Fest gets out of control
News from 1975: The event was marred by several fights late in the afternoon. As the afternoon wore on a number of young children were permitted by their parents to splash and play in the Plaza fountain. The children frequently squirted water on Fest guests and were difficult to control. Healdsburg Police arrested two men on charges of resisting arrest and disturbing the peace, after officer Don McNair was reportedly jumped by them.
Flashback: Boys break the pom-pom barrier
When a girl wants to be a cheerleader at Healdsburg High School, all she has to do is go to the practices, find a sponsor, perform a cheer in front of the student body and get enough votes to be elected. Simple enough. But what happens when the cheerleading candidate is a boy? Flashback to 1975, when they figured out how to make it happen.
Arts & Entertainment
The good, the bad and the Oscars
Now that the nominations have been announced, let’s talk about them and what people should try to see before the big show. And once we get closer (the Oscars are March 15 this year), I’ll write my annual piece on what will win versus what should win.






















