The shelves at the Historical Society bookstore carry a number of books by the Arcadia Publishing Company's "Images of America" series that deal with Humboldt County.  They focus on individual communities or specific themes in our history.  Although the title of one, Humboldt's Redwood State Park by Susan O'Hara and Dave Stockton, suggests a very limited range, it actually touches on many themes that wind through all aspects of Humboldt history.

       Like other Arcadia books, this one includes some 200 historical photographs with thorough captions.  Unfortunately there can be few photos of the Sinkyone who were native to this part of southern Humboldt, but there is good photo coverage of the early homesteaders and small communities that took over this land.  Then we go to the harvesting of redwoods, tan oaks and other trees. The chapters on transportation go from pack trains along old Indian trails, to river ferries, and the completion of highways and railroads. An often less known story is told about how the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps, working on these and other projects.

        Another story that is central to our past and is pictorially well covered is the devastation caused by the 1955 and 1964 floods along the Eel River. And as the title says, attention is paid to the creation of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the other parks established in Humboldt's forests.  With this we learn about the escalating and controversial efforts to expand preservation including creation of the Save the Redwoods League and many women's groups dedicated to the cause.

       To sum up, this slim volume covers the main forces that went into making 21st century Humboldt what it is -- a place where we not only enjoy the wealth brought in by timber and tourism but where we live surrounded by the magnificence and tranquility of nature.