Hidden History of Napa Valley

by Alexandria Brown

Napa Valley is known for its wine and winemakers, but just beneath the fertile soil lies another, more complex version of its history. Uncover the story of Napa's first Chinatown--once home to nearly five hundred immigrants--that dwindled to fewer than seventeen residents before the last buildings were razed in the early twentieth century. Meet the small but determined group of African American farmers and barbers who called Napa home and the indomitable May Howard, a successful businesswoman and brothel owner. Learn about the Bracero Program that kept many of Napa's wineries, including Krug, Beaulieu and Stag's Leap, thriving during World War II. Join author Alexandria Brown as she explores these lesser-known stories of the ordinary people who helped shape modern-day wine country.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2019

About the author

Alex Brown is a young adult librarian, local historian, and author. She writes about pop culture and reviews on YA and adult SF/F books, comics, TV, and movies for Tor.com, as well as on her blog. Diversity, equity, and inclusion set the foundation of all her work.

Her first book, Hidden History of Napa Valley, a historical non-fiction examination of marginalized communities in the North Bay, will be published in Spring 2019. Alex lives in the Bay Area with her old, grumpy pet rat, Jonathan Strange.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria Brown's wonderfully researched Hidden History of Napa Valley is an essential read for those interested or living in Napa Valley and the surrounds. Researchers and historians as well as visitors and tourists to Napa will find her compelling, accessible book an excellent look into the overlooked, repressed, ostracized, or forgotten people who lived, worked, and loved the land. Brown introduces us to native cultures, to immigrants and people of color, to women who kept farms going while raising families, and a host of other influential figures (some of whom Brown doesn't shy away from revealing in their conflicted, hypocritical, or brutal character) who have made Napa Valley what it is today. Brown gives voices to those who, until now, have been silenced and erased. In brief, narrative chapters, Brown covers a great deal of historical ground. Brown is also an honest author - she discusses in the introduction how her book is far from a complete history of all of the marginalized people in Napa Valley and mentions her hopes for future research to pick up where her introduction has left off. She is an honest guide who is aware of her own position and shares that position when it benefits counteracting an older established narrative. A marvellous work and well worth reading!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information, including the roots of boysenberries and Magnavox in Napa Valley.

It is important to understand what makes it hidden. Traditionally history focuses on the most prominent, and assumes they are the most influential and first. It is easy to forget people of color and women, though they are a key part of the foundation.

This tendency also erases people who would not be automatically marginalized, but still end up forgotten. Therefore, Krug is often seen as the first vintner, even though he got his experience working for multiple other winemakers.

If we really want to understand the past and how it has shaped the present, we need to search for what we know rather than relying on what can be easily assumed.

[Silyara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book telling history of Napa Valley that is lesser known. Author is forthright and honest about the systemic racist and capitalist ways set up in the valley, like elsewhere. Yet the book is not a story of tragedy but life and lives lived. Contributions to what Napa is today.

[Seth Arnopole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Napa, and I previously knew little to nothing about the people or the stories featured in this book. To give one example, I had no idea that there had been several Chinatowns in the valley. I am going to recommend this one to all the Napa people I know.

[Gregory Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short series of investigative articles about points in Napa history, from the early indigenous cultures, to the growth and development of the city, supported by diverse groups of immigrants, to create the community of today.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
It was interesting to read another view on the history of Napa Valley.
Lots of stories still to tell.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting information, though the writing style was hard to follow at times and the details rushed.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is important to have these stories told. Bravo to Alexandria Brown for telling them.

[moolissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wanted MORE

[Darren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting, quick facts about Napa, but presented in a way that’s not memorable or fun to read.

[Faith Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated this book for shining a light on the invisibilized stories and people who built Napa Valley. So much fascinating history here.

[Kenneth Tubman · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting book to appreciate the contributions and the lives of ordinary people living before us in the Napa Valley that enriched the appreciation and the growth of this beautiful area of the United States.

We tend to think of Napa Valley as a wine and dine society and forget that this area was home to many
common folks who toiled every day to make ends meet from Wappo and Patwin people who were first here, to the men and women of the Chinese community to the migrant farm workers and land owners from Mexico, and to the farmers who fed their families and others from the fruits of their land.

It always good to know the history of where you live. It adds to the appreciation of your community.

[Alexandria]

As the author, I'm so excited for you to read this! Napa history so much more than just wine and wineries.