San Miguel History Project

Shared some interesting notes from Anna Nygren.  Anna was born in the Caledonia (the last child born there) in 1907.  She liked to write and a few of her childhood memories are in files of the Wally Ohles Research Library at the Caledonia.  I'm trying to get some of them typed up as most are written in pencil but with beautiful penmanship...something that was treasured in those days. This piece was written probably around 1917 when she would have been about 10.  It gives you a idea of life back then and the beauty they found in their lives.  Enjoy!

This month is a focus again on earlier times in San Miguel.  Thought you might be interested in some of early development and struggles that have had their impact.

This month we share another writing by Ella Adams that we believe she wrote in  1980's.  She shares some of her knowledge of the local Indians.  I do want you to be aware that the word "Squaw" is no longer politically correct.  The meaning meant someone who had no worth...something that was dispensable, had no value. The photo at the end is from Steve Kalar, Ella's nephew.  It is a picture of a mortar bowl found by his father while farming on the ranch.

This month is  about the original El Camino Real, establishment of the characteristic Bell markers, and changes to the roadway locally from 1913 to 1931

This month is about Doc Murphy who was one of 5 doctors in San Miguel in the late 1880's into early 1900.  He played a very active part in development of the community.