Friends of the Napa River

Hello Friends:
As you may have heard, FONR is vacating its offices at 68-B Coombs by August 31, 2012. We didn’t have many activities there and thought it would be wise to cut the leasing expense. However, with your continued support and participation, we will remain active in all of our projects (see list)!

In July 2013 we are hoping to establish a new residence in the Borreo Building right on the Napa River next to the Third Street Bridge corner Soscol Ave. The intend is to share office space with the Land Trust of Napa County. They are in the process of acquiring and refurbishing the historical building.

Between now and then, we will be able to use the conference room at the Land Trust’s current offices, 1700 Soscol Ave, Suite 20.

While we will keep important and historical documents and exhibit materials in a storage unit, we will have a FONR Office sale at our current location: 68 S. Coombs, Building B, Napa. The sale items include:

A 10 x 4′ beautiful, wooden, oval conference table; computer and other office desks; tables; chairs; filing cabinets; a large blue print cabinet; two copiers; and many miscellaneous items. All very reasonably priced!

Please come and buy at your heart’s desire – and if you can, help us with the sale! Friday, Aug 24, and Sat Aug 25, from 9am – 1pm

The Napa River — Book Launching and Signing August 18, 2012, 2-4pm at the Napa County Historical Society, 1219 First Street, Napa

by Nancy McEnery
Foreword by Moira Johnston Block

During the mid-1800s, the Napa River brought people to Napa City from around the world, attracted by the beauty and bounty of the valley. Riverboat captains played a major role in creating the material wealth of the city as their vessels plied the waters of San Francisco Bay carrying freight and passengers. As the powerhouse of industry, the river attracted several tanneries that needed water to make the now famous “Nappa” leather. Napa became a leather colony with the growth of shoe, glove, and glue factories. The river became a key transportation artery, and its channel became the focus of greater dredging to allow larger ships to anchor downtown. No longer a natural river able to meander, it frequently overran its banks, flooding towns. Industry, agricultural runoff, and population growth caused the Napa River to become polluted and neglected into the 20th century.

Today, the Napa River is the centerpiece of downtown renewal. A “Living River” strategy is bringing back its vitality along with fish and wildlife populations, helping the river to regain its importance.

Nancy McEnery is a librarian-instructor at Napa Valley College.
Moira Johnston Block is the founding President, Friends of the Napa River.