San Benito History Archives

Elwood Dryden at his home in Hollister. Photo by Leslie David.

San Benito History

Still telling stories, Elwood Dryden turns 104

Published 05/31/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, Leslie David

Sugar Plum Restaurant owner, San Benito County-born resident attributes his longevity to reading and spending a lot of time outdoors.

San Benito County Historical Society President John Wrobel. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

SBC Historical Society receives 13 vintage tractors

Published 05/06/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Collection includes John Deere Model Ds and model 40s.

Hollister Police Chief Carlos Reynoso said it was not possible to recruit police officers from other cities to provide security for the event. Photo of the 2019 Biker Rally by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister not hosting motorcycle rally this year

Published 03/08/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Police Chief Carlos Reynoso says the greatest obstacle is obtaining enough security for public safety.

The evening’s topic was a recently published historical novel that describes the Dunne family’s departure from Ireland during the famine and the new life they built in San Francisco and later in San Benito County. Photo by Leslie David.

Art & Culture

Historical novel brings old county names to life

Published 02/22/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, Leslie David

Author Kevin Akers shares his experience researching and writing about James Dunne, a former landowner whose legacy remains throughout San Benito County.

Early drawing of the San Benito County Historical and Recreational Park. Image provided by the San Benito County Historical Society.

Column

COLUMN: The San Benito County Historical and Recreational Park turns 40

Published 12/22/2022
Community Contributor, Kerry Tobias

Kerry Tobias writes that great progress has been made on the park since it was created 40 years ago.

Features

Election: Poll workers speak on their responsibilities

Published 11/08/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Larry Brown and Katie Taylor are helping residents understand the process.

Pauline Valdivia, executive director of Jovenes de Antaño. Photo by Robert Eliason.

San Benito History

Longtime community leader dies at the age of 79

Published 10/02/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Pauline Valdivia remembered as a ‘trailblazer’ and ‘fighter.’

Glass plate negative of the Mission. Photo by Robert Eliason. Courtesy of the San Juan Bautista Historical Society.

History & Profiles

San Juan Bautista Historical Society celebrates Japanese American history

Published 09/30/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

The Luck Museum open house to bring awareness of the Japanese community.

Frankie and Tish Munster. Photo by Robert Eliason.

San Benito History

The Munsters search for spirits in San Juan Bautista

Published 07/26/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Exploring town legends and history, ghost hunters leave with ‘significant results.’

Ted Theony at San Justo School. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Housing / Land Use

Caltrans assists in preserving historic building

Published 07/07/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

A San Benito County landmark—an old school building—is saved from destruction by help from Caltrans planners.

Texas Longhorns led the parade down San Benito Street. Photo by John Chadwell.

Features

The Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade celebrates Americana and Western Heritage

Published 06/19/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

It's been over three years since the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade marched down the main street of Hollister.

A float from a past Saddle Horse Show Parade coming down the street. Photo courtesy of Ray Pulver.

Nonprofits

Saddle Horse Show Parade returns after two-year hiatus

Published 06/17/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Marisa Sachau

Local resident Rebecca Wolf has been the main force behind the parade since 2017.

LULAC Young Adults. Picture by Raul Flores.

Nonprofits

Local LULAC marks 35th anniversary on Cinco de Mayo

Published 05/13/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Juliana Luna

18 San Benito County leaders and institutions recognized for their support of the activist group.

Hollister resident Norma Martinetti with her prized rosemary. She says the plants have been passed down in her family and have a uniquely sweet flavor. Photo by Julie Britt.

History & Profiles

Ahead of her time: Norma Martinetti and the Hollister Farmers’ Market

Published 05/04/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Leslie David

Despite local resistance, she founded what has become a staple event.

James Perry and San Juan prints. Photo by Robert Eliason.

History & Profiles

Monterey County Historical Society lands a major photo collection

Published 02/26/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

The history of Monterey and San Benito counties are revealed in more than half a million rare items.

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