Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano, History, Sports, Springs Historic Photo Database

New to the Springs Historic Photo Database

Relatively speaking, the photo archive of the Springs is small. My database currently has 957 photographs, brochures, maps, and other ephemeral. I realize that this is not anywhere near all that exists, but I envy historians like Amy O’Hair who produces the wonderful Sunnyside History Project  because she has access to the archives of San Francisco, which are profound. (Also see and  the Western Neighborhoods Project).

Occasionally someone will contact me with photos such as Mr. Chiotti’s. I’m deeply grateful to him and other donors.

Unidentified swimmers, probably 1920s. source: ebay

The old Lanning Resort Club/Melody club sign, 1980s. Lanning Structures used the building for offices at that time.  It was located on the east side of the Highway, across from the Boyes Springs Plaza, at Boyes Blvd. It’s now a perpetual construction site. The photo is from the Redevelopment Design Guidelines handbook from 1989.

Louise, Ernie, and David Chiotti, 1944. I’m not sure where the sign was, possibly at the Boyes Springs ball field, adjacent to the Bath House. Note the sign indicating the Oakland Oaks Springs training camp.

The Oak Grove Resort was “at Verano,”  according to the brochure published by the Northwest Pacific Railroad in the 1920s. This could be the site of the later Paul’s Resort near the corner of Verano Blvd. and Highway 12.

Paradise Grove, near the corner of Riverside and Boyes Blvd, 1950s. Obviously, they sold beer. I know I have readers who have memories of this place, which I would love to hear.

Photos courtesy of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, Dave Chiotti, and author’s collection

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