In 2001, the Arcadia book series published its first Humboldt County book "Eureka and Humboldt County, California". Seven years later, it brought out  "Eureka and Sequoia Park" by Dione Armand.  Redundant?  Not really.  The reason the park and related matters deserve a whole book of their own is that it is a very special place.  For over a century it has been the heart of our community, and even today our zoo is noted as the smallest accredited zoo in the country.

       Through some 200 historic photographs with detailed captions, this book shows us how integrated Sequoia Park is with many aspects of Eureka's history and community identity. When Henrietta and Bartlin Glatt donated this portion of virgin forest to the City as a public park, it became part of the ongoing conflict between logging the redwoods for community prosperity and preserving these spectacular trees for community enjoyment and spiritual peace.

       The book also illustrates how the park soon became the busy heart of the whole community with event and meeting places for men's fraternal groups, for women's social clubs and for children's cherished play areas. We also see how transportation and extensive trolley lines tied the park to Eureka's business and residential neighborhoods -- allowing quick and affordable escapes into a more peaceful and natural world. One chapter focuses on musical and theatrical performances taking place in the park then on the book, Valley of the Giants, and the Hollywood movies inspired by the dramatic history of the park's founding. 

       Perhaps the most powerful part of Sequoia Park's role in Eureka, captured in this book, is the warm memories evoked by pictures of the happy duck pond, favorite play areas, friendly zoo residents, and the peaceful environment of soaring redwoods. Today Sequoia Park's ongoing contribution to the soul of our community is emphasized by the fact that since the book's publication in 2008, the park has added its spectacular Skywalk. That literally gives us all a new perspective on what makes Eureka so special.