Maps and Documents
We have maps dating from the late 19th century to well into the 20th century, providing valuable information about land ownership, boundaries, and the general trajectory of growth in our community. Our document collection includes newspapers, yearbooks, studies, meeting minutes and notes, and ephemera such as letters, brochures, and even menus. As with our other collections, it is our intention to provide access to all of our collections on-line, as time and resources permit.
This map, dated 1909, is the "Final Report" on the status of the El Sobrante land grant. It has been donated to the Society by local businessman, Richard Oliver. Stabilized and in a protected display, it now hangs proudly in our History Center, as the centerpiece of our collection.
Historic Documents
Just glide your cursor over the PDF Icon of the document you wish to read and click on it.
These studies offer an insight into the problems facing the El Sobrante community as it considered the possibility of incorporating.
A brief history of the development of the El Sobrante library, one of the most important institutions in our community.
The historical background of the San Pablo Reservoir.
A detailed map of the
El Sobrante Rancho, dated 1894
In October, 1967, State Senator George Miller Jr. gave a speech at the newly-opened Kennedy Grove. This is the speech.
El Sobrante Map of Business Listings, 1950
Selected Articles From our Newsletter
These well-researched articles, all written by members of our Society, now form part of the documented history of our community. To the researcher, please feel free to cite these documents in your own work, giving credit, of course, to the source. More articles will be added as time goes by.
El Sobrante’s Canyon Park Neighborhood – The “Flat-Top” Smith Legacy
Revealing the boundary lines of Rancho El Sobrante/San Pablo Rancho
Nike Missiles...
Our Cold War Heritage
Those Perplexing City Boundaries
El Sobrante’s Foster’s Freeze – A Family Affair
El Sobrante Valley's ALMOST Freeway
The El Sobrante Heritage Tree
More documents. Just click on an image and view an expanded version, with explanatory text.
