William Stanford
William Stanford
William Townsend Stanford (1867-1964) was named Vallejo's first Chief of Police on April 4th, 1900. He was a Mare Island Naval Shipyard mechanic with no prior law enforcement experience. He continued to serve as Chief of Police until his retirement in 1936. Photo courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
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Records: 1 to 4 of 4


Geography of Genealogy
Thursday, June 5
Geography of Genealogy  (Speaker Series)
1:30 pm
in-person at Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum 734 Marin St Vallejo CA
 
Glen Holstein holds a PhD from U.C. Davis and is retired from a career as a consulting landscape ecologist. While his professional career primarily concerned the geography of plants and animals, Glen also has a strong interest in patterns of human movements across landscapes, which is the geography of genealogy.
 
Many of our ancestors were part of groups that left homelands at particular times and moved together to specific regions in America. For example, many people left Ireland during a blight that destroyed their potato crop and then moved to American places where they could make a living without growing potatoes. About the same time political upheavals caused many Germans to settle in quite different American regions. Such migrations are just two of many that will be discussed.

Together, they are the geography of genealogy. Your ancestors are part of this geography. (Please note, there are no handouts for this presentation. The talk includes many map slides. A bibliography of the books from which the maps and  content of the presentation were procured will be provided)
 
He is scheduled to appear at the June 5th meeting of the Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum at 734 Marin Street in Vallejo California.
 
The in-person meeting starts at 1:30 pm Pacific Time. It will not be on Zoom.
 
The event is FREE.   All are welcome



Summer Potluck
Thursday, July 10
Summer Potluck  (Annual Holiday Meeting)
12:00 pm
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
Bring a labeled dish to share for our potluck.  Drinks will be provided. 
 
Please note the 12 NOON Start Time at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
 
Everyone can share what we have been working on.
 
We can talk about what we have found, what we are stuck on, and anything else that comes to mind. You might like to share a picture or artifact related to your search.
 
Please contact us at president@gsvb.org if you have any questions.



Tracing San Francisco's Past: Archival Photos and Records of Mechanics' Institute
Thursday, August 7
Tracing San Francisco's Past: Archival Photos and Records of Mechanics' Institute  (Speaker Series)
1:30 pm
in-person at Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum 734 Marin St Vallejo CA

Join Librarian and Archivist Myles Cooper for a presentation exploring the rich history of the Mechanics' Institute, a San Francisco institution since 1854. Beyond its current role as a vibrant Library, Chess Room, and cultural center, the Institute played a significant role in the city's 19th-century development through its renowned Mechanics' Industrial Fairs.

This presentation will focus on these grand fairs, showcasing the burgeoning industries of the era, and will feature unique photographic treasures from its Archives. Discover:

  • Images of the fairs and grounds captured by Mechanics' Institute member and motion-picture pioneer, Eadweard Muybridge.

  • Early San Francisco views in Carleton Watkins' Daguerreotype stereoviews.

  • Mid-20th-century architectural photography by Pirkle Jones, commissioned for the Institute's centennial.

Learn how these remarkable photographs, alongside our Special Collections and Archives, provide a window into San Francisco's past, revealing connections to figures such as Andrew Smith Hallidie and Levi Strauss. We will also discuss how Mechanics' Institute continues to preserve and share its cultural heritage, facilitating discovery for researchers and ensuring its legacy for future generations.

The event location is at Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum at 734 Marin Street in Vallejo California.
 
The in-person meeting starts at 1:30 pm Pacific Time. It is not on Zoom.
 
The event is FREE.   All are welcome



A History of Mare Island Naval Hospital
Thursday, September 4
A History of Mare Island Naval Hospital  (Speaker Series)
1:30 pm
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

U.S. Navy (Retired) Captain Thomas L. Snyder who is Author of "Mare Island Naval Hospital: A History, 1864-1957" will give an in-person presentation at our Sepember meeting.

His book is is a comprehensive examination of the U.S. Navy's first West Coast hospital, chronicling its evolution from its establishment during the Civil War era to its significant role through World War II. The book delves into the hospital's development from a modest facility in the 1860s to a premier center for treating Marines and sailors, particularly those returning from the Pacific theater during World War II. It highlights the hospital's innovative approaches, such as the creation of tent hospitals during the Spanish flu pandemic and advancements in prosthetic limb development during World War II. 

Dr. Thomas L. Snyder, brings a wealth of experience and insight to this work. Having resided and practiced medicine in the vicinity of Mare Island for over four decades,

Dr. Snyder's deep connection to the area enriches his narrative. His tenure in the Navy Medical Corps, both as an active member and reservist, provided him with unique access to resources and firsthand knowledge, enhancing the depth of his research. His passion for history is evident throughout his book, offering readers a meticulously researched and engaging account of the Mare Island Naval Hospital's pivotal role in military healthcare. 

He is scheduled to discuss his work at the September 4th meeting of the Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum at 734 Marin Street in Vallejo California.

The in-person meeting starts at 1:30 pm Pacific Time. 
 
The event is FREE.   All are welcome