Princeton by the Sea

My new “Princeton-by-the-Sea” book will be published by Arcadia on December 10th. If you haven’t seen one of Arcadia’s books  they’re a lot of fun and give readers pleasure as well as something new to talk about.

“Princeton-by-the-Sea” contains some 200 historical & present-day photos which will be of interest to everyone, especially Coastsiders. I am grateful to the “oldtimers,” who helped form the stories and provided great images.

It’s unbelievable that so much could have happened in a fishing village with a posted population of 300!

If you visit Arcadia’s website (click here), you’ll be amazed at how they have transformed local history books–traditionally self-published or the domain of  historical societies, into a sophisticated business formula.

In future posts, I will tell you more about my experience writing Princeton-by-the-Sea.

In the meantime, you can pre-order my book, “Princeton-by-the-Sea” here or here.

the-Sea subdivision of 1905-06. At first there was only a railroad depot with the shortened name Princeton a half mile to the north. In the 1920s the present fishing settlement began to grow up at the east end of the old subdivision site, where the closeness of the highway to the beach made a convenient spot for landing goods.–Place Names Of San Mateo County, by Dr. Alan K. Brown, (SMCHA:1975)

From the “Half Moon Bay Review,” late 1950s

“County to Purchase Beach Property Near Reef Point in Moss Beach to Preserve Area for Science Studies”

“A mile-long stretch of beach from along the reef dotted coastline is being acquired by San Mateo county for a marine reserve.

“The reason, explained the county Board of Supervisors in authorizing the acquisition, is to provide a protected area where the marine resources can grow.

“Support for the project has been given by Supervisor Jean Fassler. The original plan for the project was presented by the technical staff of the San Mateo county planning commission some time ago. The commission then presented it to the board of supervisors.

“One point they cited was the fact that the abalone, a choice gourmet seafood, is rapidly disappearing because of lack of protection.

“The area involved covers the frontal surf areas of both Montara and Moss Beach and is actually an expansion of the initial county proposal to provide public access to Nye’s Beach.

“But with 175 petitions urging more public access and greater protection of Reef Point and Nye’s Beach., the supervisors decided to acquire additional lands along the beachfront. Most of the property is in between the southern end of the Montara Sanitary District land and Cypress Avenue in Moss Beach.

“County Acquisition Agent Robert Friday said little land will be taken away from the beach other than to provide access.

“The idea is to leave the area in virtually its natural state while still providing a beach area for the county’s burgeoning population.

“Financing of the plan will be aided by funds from the federal open-space program.

“Development calls for only a marine reserve rather than a park.  Plans call for parking, sanitary facilities and perhaps a marine walkway on the bluff.”

To read John Vonderlin’s story, click here

I was thinking about the Ketch Joanne today–the no frills, honest homecooking restaurant that has been a friendly place to dine– at Pillar Point Harbor for several decades.

I’ve always admired Joanne Franklin, the strong woman who, almost singlehandedly, established and turned the Ketch into the popular place it has become. She did everything herself–has anyone given her a gold medal?

In the early years of the business, the entire Franklin family worked there–Wendy, Heidi and Johann. Who can forget watching them all grow up? Anyone who ate there regularly became part of the extended Franklin family.

I just realized I’m overdue for Joanne’s terrific clam chowder!