Anderson Valley

On Anderson Valley's rolling hills, oaks wander out to meet ancient redwood groves. Formed as a string of stage stops on the road from Cloverdale to the coast, each valley town has its own unique story. Boonville began as The Corners at the junction of two roads. When local ladies banished liquor, Boonville's Anytime Saloon had to move out of town. Legend maintains that Yorkville's early settlers Mr. Hiatt and Mr. York played cards to see who would name the town, and the loser got to be postmaster. The rhythmic cough of the old crosscut saw felling trees, the iron clink of sheep shears in spring, and the foreign sound of Boontling--a once secret language--drifted over valley hop fields and sheep ranches, orchards and homes. In recent years, this resplendent valley has attracted wineries and "backlanders"--those seeking refuge from urban life.

The Anderson Valley Historical Society, which runs a museum housed in the 1891 Con Creek School building, has chosen from the best of its photographic archives and local private collections. With compelling and entertaining narrative they bring us back to those long summer days in the fragrant fields when Boont (Boonville), High Roller's Region (Yorkville), Poleeko (Philo), and Iteville (Navarro) were young.