The Raging Klamath: Remembering a Playground of Plenty — Humboldt County Historical Society

Bookstore

All profits from bookstore sales support our non-profit organization. Purchasing a book about Humboldt County History, gifts, or ephemeral items from our bookstore is a great way to support the work we do!

Bookstore

Humboldt Historian Back Issues

Back issues of the Humboldt Historian are available in the bookstore or by phone order. Due to the wide variation in shipping and handling costs, issues cannot be purchased online. Please call (707) 445-4342 during open hours to place your order. Bulk discounts are available!

Book Reviews

New! Instead of the former short descriptions, we now have book reviews by archivist and local author, Pam Service. Check them out for information about our books.

Used Books & Memorabilia

We have added a selection of used books to the website. If you are looking for a particular book and don’t see it, please give us a call at 707-445-4342. We’ll be happy to check the shelves for you!

We have a small selection of vintage memorabilia including booklets from the Ingomar Club (Carson Mansion), the1964-65 Flood, the Humboldt County Centennial, and the dedication of the Humboldt County courthouse. Vintage yearbooks are also available. Please call 707-445-4342 or email bookstore@humboldthistory.org for details and pricing.

If you have used books about Humboldt history that are in good condition and need a new home, please consider donating them to HCHS as an addition to our library, or for resale. This makes history even more available to the public while helping fund an institution that furthers that cause.

Shipping and Pick-Up Information

We generally mail books on the Friday following receipt of your order. If you choose to pick up your book(s), you will receive an emailed notification when your order is ready.

Book Prices

Members receive a 10% discount on all regularly priced books. Please do not use this option if you are not a member.

OR … consider becoming a member!

 

Book of the Month
Southwest Humboldt Hinterlands
by Jerry Rohde

20% off during the month of April 2025
$47.95 - down from $59.95


 
 

The Raging Klamath: Remembering a Playground of Plenty

The Raging Klamath: Remembering a Playground of Plenty

from $22.50

This lavishly illustrated book is more than just a personal and family memoir. It gives a picture of all aspects of life in a beautiful and demanding part of our region -- from the joys of summer swimming holes, the friendships and memories of school years, the demands of making a living in lumber, fishing and ranching, and the family tragedies and joys.

       One aspect that should interest a broad swath of local history buffs is best described by several chapter titles: "The Forgotten Flood, 1953", "The 100 Year Flood, 1955", and "The 1000 Year Flood, 1964". The author lived through all of these events, as well as a tsunami and slides, and vividly recounts the rising water and fear, the losses, the dislocations, and the courage and determination among devastated communities.  

       This includes the tale of a neighbor's bull, later named "Captain Courageous", who was swept down river and out to sea, where on a raft of debris he was carried 20 miles up to Crescent City. He was bought home from there, where he served as a symbol of local courage and the will to survive.

       This book which presents detailed but approachable history plus touching personal insights is well worth reading by anyone interested in our community's past.

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This lavishly illustrated book is more than just a personal and family memoir. It gives a picture of all aspects of life in a beautiful and demanding part of our region -- from the joys of summer swimming holes, the friendships and memories of school years, the demands of making a living in lumber, fishing and ranching, and the family tragedies and joys.

       One aspect that should interest a broad swath of local history buffs is best described by several chapter titles: "The Forgotten Flood, 1953", "The 100 Year Flood, 1955", and "The 1000 Year Flood, 1964". The author lived through all of these events, as well as a tsunami and slides, and vividly recounts the rising water and fear, the losses, the dislocations, and the courage and determination among devastated communities.  

       This includes the tale of a neighbor's bull, later named "Captain Courageous", who was swept down river and out to sea, where on a raft of debris he was carried 20 miles up to Crescent City. He was bought home from there, where he served as a symbol of local courage and the will to survive.

       This book which presents detailed but approachable history plus touching personal insights is well worth reading by anyone interested in our community's past.

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The Book of Petrolia: Its History, Land, and People

from $13.50
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sale

Timber Industry Ghosts - 50% off!

Sale Price:$14.50 Original Price:$24.95
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We Are Dancing For You

from $27.00
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Night Crossings

from $13.46
Shipwrecked at Samoa, California: The Loss of the Navy Cruiser U.S.S. Milwaukee (USED)

Shipwrecked at Samoa, California: The Loss of the Navy Cruiser U.S.S. Milwaukee (USED)

$10.00