California

American Guide Series

by Work Projects Administration

First published in 1939, when Walt Disney was captivating millions with his first color films, the majestic spans of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate had just been completed, and Italian fishermen still mended their nets on Fisherman's Wharf, "The WPA Guide to California" is a magnificent portrait of one of the most diverse, dramatic, and quintessentially American states in the Union. Part I of this guide explores the history, culture, and politics of the state, from the gold rush to the water wars, from the sheepherders of Altura to the movie moguls of Hollywood. Part II offers in-depth guides to fourteen cities in the days when 5 bought a streetcar ride up Telegraph Hill, $5 bought a meal at the Brown Derby Restaurant, and you could rent a canoe at Long Beach for $1 a day. In Part III, back-road tours through California's coastal fishing villages and mountain mining towns still provide a splendid alternative to freeways.

Genres: History, Reference

713 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[John]

Interesting, but not rhapsodic, especially compared to other WPA guide excerpts I've read. It serves as a good historic document I enjoyed reading the portions that describe Riverside, Whittier and Napa, where I've spent a lot of time.