This Week in Marin History
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May 2009

Coastal calamity

On May 24, 1920, a massive fire burned much of Tomales, once a bustling town of merchants, dairy ranchers and potato farmers. The destruction of two blocks of buildings precipitated an economic decline that continued when potato farmers could no longer compete with growing agribusiness in the Central Valley and when the railroad line was abandoned north of Point Reyes Station. In the late 1800s, there were several hundred people living in Tomales—indeed, the coastal hamlet was close to being named Marin’s county seat. Today only a handful of buildings still stand.

The town of Tomales before the fire of 1920.

Flight interrupted

On May 16, 1946, a B-17 bomber crashed into White’s Hill near Fairfax, killing three of its nine crewman. The WWII “Flying Fortress” was bound for Hamilton Field in Novato, but pilot Ward Skaggs allegedly lost his way and the aircraft ran out of fuel. (The plane had taken off from Clovis Army Air Field in New Mexico, refueling in Los Angeles.)  The accident investigation verdict: “It is believed that the accident was 100% pilot error.” Secrecy surrounding the investigation also spurred speculation that the plane was carrying nuclear cargo.

Hamilton Air Field entrance, 1934.

City limits

On May 15, 1909, the new town of Ross approved a $60,000 bond issue, a windfall that allowed trustees to authorize the repair of streets, construction of concrete bridges, installation of streetlights and the building of a new firehouse. (The fire bell was selected by Finance Chairman A.J. Kittle.) Attempts to make Ross a safe and civil place began just after its incorporation in 1908: Dogs had to be licensed, bicycles were to carry lights after dark, no trees were to be cut down without permission, firecrackers were banned and a 15 mph speed limit was imposed on trains passing through.

NWP electric train at the Ross Station, c. 1920s.

Merry May

In May 1909, the first May Day celebration took place at the new Tamalpais Centre in Kentfield, with schoolchildren participating in races, baseball games and a May Pole competition and with a Queen of the May reigning over the festivities. The Tamalpais Centre was an inspiration of Mrs. Adeline Kent, mother of Congressman William Kent, who donated money and land to build a club in which locals could enjoy sports, recreation and education. Much of the land was later transferred to the Kentfield School District and College of Marin.

Little girls wearing dresses made for the annual county May Pole Festival held in Kentfield, c.1910.