The eight simple virtues of Sonoma
This week I rehash a column published May 6, 2010. The content extolls the virtues of Sonoma in the 19th-century, and a little like Camelot, one can’t find “a more congenial spot for happily-ever-aftering than here in” Sonoma.
In “The Illustrated Atlas of Sonoma County,” published by Reynolds & Proctor in 1897, there is a list entitled Condensed Facts about Sonoma County. I thought it might be entertaining to review a few of these and apply some good old-fashioned truth serum to some of the published facts.
Fact No. 1: There is no malaria or chills and fevers in Sonoma. According to entomologist Robert Washino, malaria was introduced to California in 1833 and was not eradicated until the 1950’s. Other sources cite the Hudson Bay Company’s trappers for inadvertently bringing malaria from Oregon and introducing it to the swamps of California’s interior valley. In the spring of 1833 an estimated 20,000 Indians perished, as infected anopheles mosquitoes spread the disease throughout the valley. Our own Mariano Vallejo contracted malaria while visiting the jail at Sutters Fort in 1846. His captors did not supply him with proper bedding or mosquito netting during his six-week confinement.
Malaria did not seem to be as prevalent in Sonoma County, though there were numerous magic potions being sold to “cure all humors” including eradicating the body of chills and fever and cleansing the blood. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for Sonoma’s Western Fence Lizard (blue bellies). In the 1940’s, lizards were snared with a string noose, a toe clipped and immediately tested for lizard malaria. You guessed it, some of the poor little reptiles were found to be infected with their own peculiar strain of the disease.
Fact No. 2: There are no noxious insects like those of the mosquito family. The only comment I can muster is that the primary goal of these historical atlases was to promote the finer qualities of various towns and to encourage tourism. Besides Sonoma having a healthy supply of mosquitoes, I know children residing in our Valley who carefully forage our hillsides for the common wood scorpion. These imps hold the tail right behind the stinger between the thumb and the index finger. Personally, I show no fear, lest the prehistoric creature be gently tossed upon my lap. These young know-it-alls are quick to inform me that while they may be noxious, they are technically not insects.
Fact No. 3: Cyclones never occur and there are few thunder storms. Cyclones have, in our historical past, occurred in California. The earliest recorded system hit landfall just north of the Golden Gate in 1854. According to those who track such information, Sonoma County has experienced 11 tornadoes since 1936. Clearly, prior to 1936, it was not possible for such an event to occur (sarcastic comment). There is no mention of tremblers on the list. I tip my hat to the publishers, as they clearly look at the cup as half-full.
Fact No. 4: Land titles are free of doubt and litigation. Legend states that Sonoma was incorporated as a city in 1850 and – because of numerous land disputes – unincorporated in 1862. Once land disputes were settled, the City was reincorporated in 1883.
Fact No. 5: Five tons – 162 cases – of manufactured goods were shipped from the Petaluma pickle factory for British Columbia in one day. No comment.
Fact No. 6: $216,000 was spent in the public schools in 1897. There were 223 teachers employed. Average monthly wages paid teachers – male, $109; female, $59. Some things never change.
Fact No. 7: Sonoma County has more school districts – 140 – than any other in the county. The county also has 140 schoolhouses. It would appear that each school was its own district.
Fact No. 8: Sonoma County has never known a failure of crops in the driest years. Her streams are never dry; the waters from her springs are pure, and the fresh, invigorating air of her climate gives zest to the appetite, strength to the blood, and a glow of health to the cheek. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
