Historical Sites Society of Arcata

10/14/2026

Happy fall from the Historical Sites Society of Arcata!
Click below to read our current newsletter. You'll find a series of photographs taken of the Arcata Plaza through the years, an Ode to an Old Farmhouse, a fascinating article on "wavy glass" windows, and more!
https://arcatahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/HSSA_News_Fall_2026.pdf

10/07/2026

Then and Now of the Arcata-Eureka Airport, c. 1978-83 and today
(top photo courtesy of The Humboldt Project: https://thehumboldtproject.org/item/01148 =1&slide=0, bottom photo courtesy of Tamara Wolski)

09/08/2026

Then and Now comparison of the Bella Vista Motel in McKinleyville, c. 1950s and today (top photo is from a postcard found through the The Humboldt Project: https://thehumboldtproject.org/item/01155?fbclid=IwY2xjawUO2zNwZG9mBGV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXdCaXI1aWVjR3dITUc1V0dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR4cXiNrPD3ugUwaXJokMOlz6H2ZTybLJNVqGhYIgVni2yiLsuPcb0Ca-Z9c3A_aem_keuC3fwiuOPNxqurx5zVFQ =1&slide=0, bottom photo courtesy of Tamara Wolski).

07/29/2026

Then and Now of the Baker House in Blue Lake, c. 1912 and today (top photo courtesy of Susie Baker Fountain (1892-1968) and Thomas Berger, bottom photo courtesy of Tamara Wolski).

According to Thomas Berger, "The Blue Lake house, corner of Greenwood Ave and Scottsville Road, later old highway 299, being built by Robert Henry in 1901-1902. . . . Then the 1912 view when the home was sold to the Baker family, my great grandparents. . . . The Bakers moved in in late March 1913. This image has some differences like a big signpost (likely proclaiming Blue Lake's identity) and a windmill over the top of the tankhouse. I cannot ID the three persons and two dogs nor did Susie Baker Fountain in her caption," Humboldt County History page: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=26087140387564899&set=pcb.26032540426388424.

07/22/2026

Our summer newsletter is here! This issue highlights the long history of the Seely & Titlow building, which was one of the buildings destroyed by the January fire in downtown Arcata. You will also find some interesting Before/After photos of other local historic buildings, a summer recommended reading list from The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and more! Click below to be directed to the newsletter. Photo from Humboldt County Historical Society featuring Frank Norton.
https://arcatahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HSSA_News_Summer_2026.pdf

06/24/2026

Ode to Dear Old Humboldt, written by Henry Sanford Turner, 1917
(found in the book, “Dow’s North of Mad River” by Loberta Gwin)

06/18/2026

The recently donated china set is now on display on our dining room table!

06/14/2026

We’re grateful to Robin and her generous donation of a beautiful china set in a lovely cabinet! Come by the Phillips House Museum between 2 and 4 p.m. today to see the new acquisition in our dining room.

06/10/2026

Isaac Minor's Creamery in McKinleyville, c. late 1890s and today (top photo courtesy of Josh Buck's collection, bottom photo courtesy of Tamara Wolski)

06/04/2026