This book is used and in very good condition. Binding is tight, pages and cover are clean. The cover is slightly worn. No foxing.

       One of the volumes on the used books shelf at the Historical Society bookstore concentrates on a part of our county that is not as thoroughly covered as many. The Eel River Valley and Its People by Donna Setterlund joyfully makes up for any perceived neglect.

       It's 300 pages are filled with unique photos that give a fun insight into the many communities that make up the southern part of our county. In a way, this book doesn't have a single "author" because it is the work of hundreds of people and businesses in Southern Humboldt who contributed stories, photographs and financial support to telling this area's story.

       Chapter One gives us a richly illustrated view of the history intertwining the region while the next ten chapters focus on individual communities, their histories, buildings, special events, notable characters and businesses. Beginning with Fortuna, Rohnerville, Loleta and Table Bluff, we move south to Fernbridge and Ferndale, concentrating on elements that make each community special.  

       Then come chapters on Hydesville, Carlotta, Scotia and Rio Dell.  The following chapter covers a subject that runs through all these places: the timber industry. This is followed by communities along the Avenue of the Giants: Shively, Pepperwood, Dyerville, Redcrest, Weott, Myers Flat, Miranda, Phillipsville, going on to Garberville, Redway and Benbow. We conclude with an account of the amazing parks, groves, resorts and tourist attractions along the way.

       This book is a way to get to know these special communities that often we just pass through or visit only occasionally. It is enriched by many photographs, some taken by the author and some contributed by supportive community members and businesses.  The book is almost a blend of community scrapbook, Chamber of Commerce promotion and informative history, with the addition of personal accounts and original newspaper reports. 

       Being on the used book shelves at the Barnum House, The Eel River Valley and Its People is accessible long after it’s printing in 1991. This is a reminder that you too can support our county history by donating used local history books to sell at the Society bookstore - thus supporting our mission of spreading and preserving knowledge of our amazing community's past.