History & Profiles

Antonia Martin, Scott Gilmore's great granddaughter, at the former Gilmore property. Photo by Robert Eliason.

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The exodus of former slaves from Arkansas to Cienega Valley

The Gilmore Colony settles briefly in the Hollister Hills.

"I will be after you in January if you want to come" - Daniel Gilmore to Scott Gilmore. Courtesy of Antonia Martin

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The untold history of Hollister’s Gilmore Colony

County records, newspaper articles and letters describe the formation of an early Black community in San Benito County.

Marcos Vizcaino with prop horse used in "Vertigo." Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

‘Vertigo’ returns to San Juan Bautista

The town’s claim to movie immortality is being screened for free on Sept. 25.

Cannon crew. Photo by Robert Eliason

History & Profiles

Annual Civil War Days comes to San Benito County Historical Park

Reenactors bring the reality of conflict to school groups and spectators.

Fewer than hoped for attended the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Photo by John Chadwell.

History & Profiles

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

The 9/11 ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building was somber as older first responders told of how the national mood has changed in 20 years.

Ishmael Williams riding his donkey. Photo courtesy of the San Benito County Historical Society.

Features

Juneteenth: Ishmael Williams

A teamster, a singer and town friend.

Sal Felice at the driving range he has at home. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

Hollister golfer qualifies for U.S. Senior Open Championship

Sal Felice will travel to Omaha in June to compete with 155 other golfers.

State Park interpreter Marcos Vizcaino in the Castro/Breen Adobe. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

San Juan Bautista State Park prepares to mark National Museum Month

As COVID restrictions lift, tourists are returning to the city.

About 15 volunteers helped out for two days to paint the compass rose at the Hollister Municipal Airport. Photo by John Chadwell.

Features

Compass rose at the Hollister airport gets a needed paint job

It was last painted 11 years ago.

Ascencion Solorsano on her memorial at Mission San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The Saint of Gilroy who helped save her culture and language

Remembering Ascencion Solorsano on the anniversary of her death. Born in San Juan Bautista, she was one of the last Native speakers of the Mutsun language.

Early Hollister Fire Department Hose Company. Photo courtesy of HFD.

History & Profiles

Hollister Fire Department celebrates 145th anniversary

Local powerhouse tends to fires throughout San Benito County and the state.

Tie Sing at his cook stove. Photo courtesy of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley and provided by Sharlene Van Rooy.

History & Profiles

USGS field crews historically appreciated good cooking

Backcountry culinary skills of Tie Sing literally put his name on the map in 1899.

SBHS world history instructor Frank Perez teaching in the classroom pre-pandemic. Photo courtesy of Frank Perez.

Schools & Education

SBHS teacher contributes to genocide guidebook

Frank Perez’s approach helps other instructors explore a difficult subject.

Ann-Marie Sayers. Photo by Kirti Bassendine.

San Benito Lifestyle

BL Longform: Mutsun people dream of returning to their ancestral land

Few indigenous families still live in San Benito County.

Early photo of McKinnon Lumber Company. Photo courtesy of John Barrett.

Features

McKinnon Lumberyard dates back to early Hollister

San Benito County’s oldest retail business going strong during pandemic.

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