Walnut Creek - An Illustrated History

From its earliest days as a country crossroads to its current status as one of the most desirable communities in the United States, Walnut Creek, California has had a colorful and dynamic history. The more than 270 photographs in this volume illustrate the dramatic changes that have taken place since the first settler arrived to what was then known as simply "The Corners" in 1849. Local historian Brad Rovanpera takes readers on a fascinating journey that seamlessly tracks Walnut Creek's steady progress from rural hamlet to metropolitan suburb. Archival photographs gleaned from local historical societies, private individuals, and the City of Walnut Creek mark the arrival of the steam trains in 1891, the creation of, new city in 1914, the emergence of the city as a retail and commercial hub in the 1950s, and its coming of age as a center of commerce and culture in the late 20th century. Now relive that journey.

Longtime local historian Brad Rovanpera and the Walnut Creek Historical Society have produced this new, expanded history of a community that has experienced remarkable change in the past 160 years.

The complete story, from Walnut Creek's earliest days as "The Corners" to its current status as one of the ten most desirable retirement communities in the United States, is told in this lavishly illustrated volume, with more than 260 photographs from the archives of the Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County historical societies, the City of Walnut Creek, and the private collections of individuals. Walnut Creek: An Illustrated History is certain to spark nostalgia and rekindle interest in the colorful past of a community that continues to change and prosper.

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BRAD ROVANPERA was born in Walnut Creek and served as the city's public information officer from 1985 to 2009. His previous books on the town include 150 years in Pictures: An Illustrated History of Walnut Creek and A Look Back: A Pictorial History. A graduate of San Francisco State University, he was a reporter for the Contra Costa Sun and Contra Costa Times prior to working for the City of Walnut Creek. A lifetime member of the California Association of Public Information Officials, he received that organization's highest honor, the Paul B. Clark Award, in 2005. He and his wife, Debbie, reside in Virginia.

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The price for this book is $45.00. All California Residents please add $4.16 (9.25%) Sales Tax per book.

Please add $12.00 shipping/handling for the first book and $6.00 for each additional book to cover USPS 2 day Priority Service.

Books may be picked up at the History Center during regular hours or shipped. Mail check or money order (made payable to "Contra Costa County Historical Society") to:

Contra Costa County Historical Society
610 Main Street
Martinez, CA 94553-1129

An historical service of the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

For more information:

Telephone: 925-229-1042
Fax: 925-229-1772
e-Mail: info@cocohistory.com

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