City’s history worth saving

The city has announced the creation of the position of City Historian, a volunteer position with an initial two-year term of office, with eligibility for reappointment. The primary responsibility of the City Historian will be to coordinate the preservation of historical records and resources. Applicants must possess a demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, the history of the City and must reside within the City.
This position is the brain-child of longtime resident, Bob Parmalee, who presented the idea at a recent city council meeting that the city should appoint an official City Historian to organize the material currently stored in the top floor. “My idea,” said Parmalee, ”is that up on the top floor, City Hall has all kinds of records. There are cemetery records and early city council minutes, and all kinds of stuff that goes back to the formation of the Second City in the 1880s, and maybe even earlier, and that someone with official standing should go up there and have a look.”
He said he had been up there once, 25 or 30 years ago. “There was a lot of stuff up there, and who knows what’s up there now.” He did not deny that he, himself, would possibly be perfect for the job. “I’m a kind of historical nut with a lot of materials that would complement what we might find up there. In my law building we have a veritable archive of records, primarily land records but also photos and all kinds of stuff that’s accumulated over the years.”
Those interested in applying for the position may pick up an application at City Hall or download one at www.sonomacity.org. For more information call 707.933.2216. Apply by March 10.