History of Arroyo Grande Revealed

Arroyo Grande

New from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series is Arroyo Grande. In over 200 vintage photographs, local authors Jean Hubbard and Gary Hoving along with the South County Historical Society share the history of Arroyo Grande.

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Arroyo Grande Valley was founded during the period of the Mexican land grants. In 1837, the San Manuela Rancho was granted to Francis and Manuela Branch. The rich soils and mild coastal climate created a wonderful location to build a home, grow crops and raise livestock.

While livestock production has diminished, it has been replaced by a growing wine industry and field crops continue to flourish. Arroyo Grande remains one of the most pleasant and safest environments to live and work and maintains much of its historic village commercial area with little change over the past 100 years.

All proceeds from the book are being donated by the authors to the South County Historical Society.

Highlights of Arroyo Grande:

ˇ        Contains many images that have never been published before from the South County Historical Society archives.

ˇ        Includes a tribute to a local community hero; a fallen police officer.

ˇ        Delivers the first book of its kind that is dedicated solely to the community of Arroyo Grande.

About the Authors of Arroyo Grande; Images of America

  Gary Hoving Jean Hubbard

Jean Hubbard and Gary Hoving have joined together to create Arroyo Grande; Images of America.  Both authors are active members in the South County Historical Society and share a passion for preserving the area’s past, which is so rich in history.

Hubbard has retired from the printing industry and was a regular columnist on local history.  She continues to conduct historical research and participates in the many activities sponsored by the South County Historical Society.

Hoving has recently retired from a long career in public safety.  He continues to serve part-time with a local city as a Reserve Police Officer.  In addition, he enjoys researching and document history relating to lawmen and outlaws from years gone by.

And asked what lasting impact do you hope your book will leave?

Jean and Gary replied, “Through the book, we sought to create a permanent record that illustrates our rich history in an enjoyable format.”


Arroyo Grande contains many images from the archives of the South County Historical Society as well as others from heritage families of the valley.  This work premieres many photographs that have never before been publically displayed. 


Book Signing - August 29th, 2009

Gary Hoving and Jean Hubbard

Gary and Jean will be available to sign copies of Arroyo Grande; Images of America on August 29th from 2pm to 5pm at the South County Historical Society IOOF Hall on Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande.

Gary and Jean view the first copies of Arroyo Grande; Images of America in front of the IOOF Hall on Bridge Street

Gary and Jean view the first copies of Arroyo Grande; Images of America
in front of the IOOF Hall on Bridge Street.


Images

Bridge Street Bridge - One of the over 200 vintage images and subjects
included in Arroyo Grande; Images of America

Bridge Street was the original entrance in the mid 1800's into Arroyo Grande. It was known as the corduroy road due to sycamore logs laid across sticky adobe for when the rains came to allow for passage. The bridge was built in 1908 by the county, three years prior to incorporation of AG. It is one of the only steel truss bridges of its kind and age in the State.

Authors Jean Hubbard and Gary Hoving pose under the Bridge Street Bridge in August 2009, 101 years after a group of men pose on the same spot in 1908.

Authors Jean Hubbard and Gary Hoving pose under the Bridge Street Bridge in August 2009,
101 years after a group of men pose on the same spot in 1908.

 

Historical Society Directors Bee Hodges, Vivian Krug, Chuck Fellows, Berneda Cochran and Jane Line were on hand for the formal Re-Dedication of the Bridge.

September 2008
during the Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival
the Bridge on Bridge Street marked its 100 year anniversary.

Historical Society Directors Bee Hodges, Vivian Krug, Chuck Fellows, Berneda Cochran and Jane Line
were on hand for the formal Re-Dedication of the Bridge.

 

Photos of Gary Hoving and Jean Hubbary by Vivian Krug
Vintage Photo Men on Bridge - South County Historical Society Archives
Bridge Re-Dedication photo by Curtis Reinhardt


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