The Humboldt Project: A Fourth of July in Rohnerville, 113 Years Ago

The Humboldt Project is more than an Instagram archive—it’s an unfolding history lesson, told one postcard at a time. For several years, Steve Lazar has been sharing his vast collection, timing each post to the anniversary of its original postmark. But, we hope for for more than just glimpses into the past; We’re hoping you see them as invitations to uncover stories, decipher handwriting, and connect the dots between then and now.

One hundred thirteen years ago, Rohnerville dressed in red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July. This real photo postcard captures the town lined with patriotic bunting beneath a large American flag. Long before today’s celebrations, Humboldt residents were gathering with friends and neighbors to celebrate Independence Day.

At the time, Rohnerville was one of southern Humboldt’s busiest communities. By 1910, it served as a critical overland supply station and transfer point for travelers and freight headed into the booming mining districts of Trinity County. Stagecoaches, freight wagons, merchants, and hotels kept the town humming.

But change was already on the horizon. Just a few years later, the completion of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad in 1914 shifted commerce to nearby Fortuna, where the railroad established its depot. As transportation evolved, so did the fortunes of the neighboring towns.

Today, as communities across the Emerald Triangle gather to celebrate Independence Day, this postcard reminds us that while towns have grown and their fortunes have risen and fallen, the tradition of coming together endures. From a fireworks in Benbow, the parade in Ferndale, the Weaverville Volunteer Fire Department’s barbecue, or a country music celebration in Willits or anywhere between and beyond, neighbors are still finding reasons to gather under the American flag—just as they were in Rohnerville 113 years ago.