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Healdsburg
October 21, 2026

Postcards from Healdsburg’s past

Steam well at the Geysers
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

swimmers ready to go
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

1896 Healdsburg 4th of July parade
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

1958 historic photo
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

Michael Lightfood presents a painting representing Healdsburg in 1972, as seen from the air.
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

Celebrants in Healdsburg history
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

1960s Cheerleaders
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.

Flashbacks: Schools, Sports and Senior Dining

Felta School in 1916
More than 100 children and adults gathered at a get-together meeting Thursday noon at the Mill Creek school house. The following schools were represented: Junction, Felta, Pine Ridge and Mill Creek. A picnic lunch was enjoyed and this was followed by a program in which every school took part. This and more historical news from the Healdsburg Museum...

Flashbacks for April 10, 2025

Rec Park field in 1961, colorized
100 Years Ago: Arrangements have been made by the amusement committee, Frank Corrick, chairman, with W. F. Warner, a parachute dropper, who will come to Healdsburg for the Fourth of July celebration, and will jump from an airplane with a parachute, beneath which he will float to the earth. 
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Arts & Entertainment

Multicultural Center takes shape at Abel de Luna

Bursts of color explode from every corner and every angle of the newly repainted Abel de Luna Community Center on the north side of...