Bits-o'-History

"A nation that forgets its past can function no better than an individual with amnesia." -David McCullough

Mr. Toy hopes you'll find these seven bits to be both interesting and amusing.
(And be sure to scroll down for a list of recommended books, videos, and a link to a historic photo archive.)

HOW A MONTEREY HOTEL SAVED THE CARMEL MISSION
(And what's the deal with the roof?)
THE TRUE MEANING OF THE CROSS
It's probably not what you think. This is the story of how vandalism of a historic monument sparked a modern constitutional crisis.
THE ABALONE SONG
Includes an audio clip and printable sheet music! You can also join in the fun by submitting your own verses.
MARY AUSTIN'S PACIFIC GROVE REPORT
Written in 1914, it still applies today.
WINDOW ON THE BAY: THE LOST OPPORTUNITY
Monterey could have acquired the land much cheaper if the city had acted 60 years sooner.

The following Two Bits are personal stories from Mr. Toy's Mental Notes and they will open in a separate browser window.

THE LADY WITH THE LONG BLACK HAIR
A story wherein Mr. Toy's childhood intersected with local history.
AN HOUR WITH ANGELO
Historical anecdotes related to Mr. Toy by the sweetest man ever to dwell on the Monterey Peninsula.

Recommended history books, videos, etc. Books first:

Monterey: Presidio, Pueblo, and Port
by J.D. Conway
A thorough overview of the city's history from primitive natives to modern times.
The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival
by Stephen R. Palumbi & Carolyn Sotka
An engaging account of the use, abuse, and revival of Monterey Bay's ecological resources.
Carmel-By-The-Sea: From Aborigines to Coastal Commission
by Sidney Temple
A rich and detailed story of Carmel. This book is an abridged version of his manuscript which can be viewed at the Carmel Library.
Carmel-By-The-Sea - Images of America
by Monica Hudson
Carmel's history told through photographs.
Carmel California: A History in Architecture
by Kent Seavey
A photographic history of Carmel's quaint and quirky building styles.
Monterey County: The Dramatic Story of Its Past
by Augusta Fink
The definitive story of the settlement and development of Monterey County.
A Wild Coast and Lonely: Big Sur Pioneers
by Rosalind Sharp Wall
A fascinating account of the rugged individualists who settled Big Sur. Written by a Big Sur native.
Monterey County Place Names: A Geographical Dictionary
by David Thomas Clark
A richly detailed and exhaustive reference work explaining how everything in Monterey County - large and small - got its name.
Curious Customs of Carmel
by El Frieda Liese
A little book describing Carmel's unique traditions, some of which have been lost to time. This is out of print, but used copies may be available somewhere if you look around.

Recommended videos and a link to a historic photo archive:

Don't Pave Main Street
A rich and engaging documentary of Carmel's history narrated by Clint Eastwood. It may be ordered through the Carmel Heritage Society.
The Complete Monterey Pop Festival
This DVD boxed set includes the famous documentary film of the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival plus extended performances of Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and numerous outtakes from other performers.
California Views
Local photo archivist Pat Hathaway built a massive collection of historic images. After his passing in 2021 the Monterey County Historical Society obtained the collection and continues to make the images available online for all to view and purchase.

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