The Humboldt Project: A Look at Garberville in 1947
As The Humboldt Project continues, we uncover yet another piece of Humboldt’s rich history, this time focusing on the small but iconic town of Garberville. Steve Lazar’s postcard collection once again invites us to step back in time and glimpse the streets as they were, in this real photo postcard captured by Art Ray.
Today’s postcard shows a street scene looking towards the south end of Garberville, mailed to Detroit, Michigan, on this day in 1947. The photograph captures the bustling Redwood Highway as it rolls through town, framed by a mix of local businesses and automobiles of the era, all standing against a backdrop of redwoods. Can you see the Eel River Cafe’s sign? What other local landmarks do you see? 
The short message on the back offers a unique comparison, likely written by a pair of parents visiting the area, addressed to their child:
“Here OK—
This Country
Somewhat like Hastings st.
Pop, Mom”
The comparison to Hastings Street, a well-known thoroughfare in Detroit, Michigan, is fascinating. It speaks to the way places can evoke memories of home even across the country, where a rural, West Coast town might remind one of a bustling urban street in the Midwest. Perhaps it’s the familiarity of a main street lined with businesses, or the feel of community life that strikes a chord in this traveler’s mind.
As with each piece in The Humboldt Project, we encourage readers to contribute any insights or recollections that can help deepen our understanding of these shared moments.
What memories does this view of Garberville evoke for you? Was your family part of the early days of the Redwood Highway’s rise to fame? Share your stories and help us continue unraveling Humboldt’s history, one postcard at a time.
For more on The Humboldt Project and how you can participate, click here.
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Garberville, California in 1947: A Post-War Idyll
Garberville in 1947 was a small, rural town nestled in the heart of Northern California’s redwood forests. The immediate aftermath of World War II had brought a sense of relief and optimism to the nation, and Garberville was no exception. The town was still recovering from the war’s impact, but it was also experiencing a newfound sense of prosperity and growth.
Key Events and Developments:
* Economic Recovery: The post-war boom brought a surge in economic activity to Garberville. The timber industry, which had been a major driver of the local economy, was experiencing a resurgence. Logging operations were expanding, and mills were running at full capacity.
* Infrastructure Improvements: The federal government’s investment in infrastructure projects, such as road construction and bridge repairs, helped to improve connectivity and stimulate economic development in Garberville and the surrounding region.
* Social Changes: The war had brought about significant social changes, including the influx of new residents, particularly veterans returning home. This influx of people led to a diversification of the local population and a growing sense of community.
Attitudes and Nature:
* Optimism and Hope: The post-war era was characterized by a pervasive sense of optimism and hope. People were eager to rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their families.
* Community Spirit: Garberville was a close-knit community, where people looked out for one another and supported each other in times of need. The town’s small-town atmosphere fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
* Love for Nature: The natural beauty of the surrounding redwood forests was a source of pride for many residents. People enjoyed spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, and camping.
In 1947, Garberville was a peaceful and idyllic town, offering its residents a simple yet satisfying way of life. The town’s recovery from the war, coupled with its natural beauty and strong sense of community, made it a desirable place to live.
Garberville in 1947 was a predominantly rural community with a conservative outlook.
The residents were primarily engaged in traditional occupations such as logging, farming, and small business ownership. This lifestyle fostered a conservative worldview, characterized by traditional values, respect for authority, and a strong belief in hard work and self-reliance.
Here are some factors that contributed to the conservative nature of Garberville in 1947:
* Isolation: The town’s remote location and limited access to outside influences reinforced conservative values.
* Religious Beliefs: Many residents were devout Christians, and their faith played a significant role in shaping their worldview.
* Economic Hardship: The Great Depression had left its mark on Garberville, and many residents were still struggling to recover financially. This experience fostered a sense of caution and a reluctance to embrace change.
While there may have been some individuals in Garberville who held more liberal views, the overall atmosphere of the town was decidedly conservative.
Garberville’s Transformation in the 1960s: The Back-to-the-Land Movement
The 1960s marked a significant transformation for Garberville, California, as it became a hub for the burgeoning back-to-the-land movement. This cultural phenomenon attracted thousands of young people seeking a more alternative lifestyle, away from the urban hustle and bustle.
Key changes brought about by the back-to-the-land movement:
* Population influx: Garberville experienced a significant population increase as young people from cities flocked to the area. This influx of new residents brought with them a diverse range of ideas, values, and lifestyles.
* Cultural shift: The counterculture movement, which was closely associated with the back-to-the-land movement, had a profound impact on Garberville’s culture. This included a shift towards more liberal social and political views, as well as a greater emphasis on environmentalism, communal living, and alternative forms of spirituality.
* Economic development: The back-to-the-land movement also had a positive impact on the local economy. Many newcomers established small businesses, such as organic farms, craft shops, and alternative health clinics. This diversification of the economy helped to reduce Garberville’s reliance on traditional industries like logging.
* Community activism: The back-to-the-land movement fostered a strong sense of community activism in Garberville. Residents became involved in various social and environmental causes, such as preserving the redwood forests, promoting renewable energy, and advocating for social justice.
The arrival of the back-to-the-land movement in the 1960s marked a turning point for Garberville. The town’s transformation from a rural community to a counterculture hub left a lasting legacy that continues to shape its identity today.
The cafe is still there
Let’s not forget: That road running through town was called 101 in 1947. It was also known as Redwood Highway 101, The large hole known as Gar ervikke Bypass Freeway was not dug yet.
Garberville pre 101 bypass 1950’s
wow what a difference,
id like to peruse the dept of transportation plans for the bypass,
must have been the talk of town for many years and interesting to watch.
Yes, it was a big deal. I remember when Rae Matthews, who owned the bowling alley, pre-bypass, held out for a higher price to sell, because the bypass was originally going through where the bowling alley was (now Dazey’s Hardware store). However, they changed the plans and went to the west of the bowling alley, she was so mad, but we were all very happy…
Looks the same to me, xcept there’s more trees and no gro-dozers all over the place…
Garberville with the new 101 bypass
Thanks for sharing Ed
Clean People and Clean Streets back then, without a nice community without all the riffraff, musta been paradise back then. Salmon still ran and the forests and meadows full of deer. streams full of salamanders and frogs. Pristine and abundant.
Yeah. Must have been perfect. Just some bar fights, rampant alcoholism, domestic abuse, self righteous outward racial prejudice, plundering the environment…. But other than that, it was paradise!
Attempt of Art Deco architecture in Garberville still standing the test of time.
Garberville in 1947 was as conservative as a small Midwest town.
My father came to Garberville in 1941. Was living at the Redwood Inn, warming in front of the huge river rock fireplace when He heard about Pearl Harbor on Dec.7,1941.
Almost everybody knew everybody and most were related to each other. Tourism was big before the war. Busses dropped off people at Eel River and Knapp’s Cafe then on to the Redwoods or Eureka or South to San Francisco.
During the war things were slow in Garberville. Logging was slow, most of the young men working in the woods were in the Military. Economy was down. Service Stations closed due to lack of fuel and tires and both Car Dealers closed up. They could not get parts and new cars were non existent. After the war they reopened under new ownership.
The time of this picture was just about the “boom” in town. The Suburbs needed lumber for homes throught the country. Most lumber went toward The Bay Area and Southern California. At least a half a dozen normal size sawmills were within 20 miles of Garberville. This did not include the many small mills out toward the coast.
The “Boom” lasted from about 1947 to about 1970. With the sawmills at Piercy and Redway closing down. Many of the Mill workers went to Alderpoint and Myers Flat which mills were in service. Obviously many moved to Scotia to work for Pacfic Lumber. Many went to Oregon and Washington.
Many guys drove heavy equipment building the freeways through Southern Humboldt and Northern Mendocino.
The Counterculture movement started coming in about 1968. Yes there were a few in the area earlier but after the summer of love it was kinda over in San Fransisco. Many kids tried to go home. Their much more conservative parents didn’t want them back home. They were given a little money to go buy a piece of land and go away. Many right out to the Thorn area and met Mr. McKee. That story is well documented.
Times were tough in the mid 1970’s the economy was crap. The Logging was gone locally. Freeways were built. Some guys were fishing. Most of the “Hippies” as locals called them were struggling on their “homesteads” living off welfare checks and food stamps.
The official person who started the weed business is not known to me. I do know that in about 1976 people started bringing old trucks into where I worked to be completely overhauled. No new paint but everything else. The trucks were 4×4 with a plywood no window shell that you could not see in. But you could smell the aroma of weed in the back. All paid in cash in November of the year….
I moved from the area in 1979 and was watching 60 Minutes one Sunday night in early 1980. Here was my small hometown with Harry Reasoner interviewing local businessman on their “recession proof” economy. I think once that TV show went around the world/US, it was never going to be the same for the “Hippies” the locals and the business people of Garberville again.
Thanks so much for sharing that piece of contextual history.
Do you have a record of a Museum burning down in the 70’s in Garberville, or surrounding areas?