Local History

You may or may not have spotted the distant comet that cruised by recently, but plenty of folks saw something a lot closer to home in 1914.

Back in July 1914, the newly constructed Recreation Center on Carrillo and Anacapa streets was getting ready to open its 850-seat auditorium.

Prohibition of alcohol did not begin nationwide until January 1920, but the statewide ban on the sale of alcohol began in California on July 1, 1919.

During the “Spanish Flu” in 1919, the Santa Barbara Red Cross was calling for any volunteers who had attended “home nursing” courses. 

In 1915, Santa Barbara residents gathered at the racetrack to watch a "standing Roman race" during the July 4th holiday.

Neal Graffy is back with the third day of historical events that rocked Santa Barbara 95 years ago.

Historian Neal Graffy is back with an account of what happened on June 30, 1925, a day after the devastating Santa Barbara earthquake.

Neal shares part two on the aftermath of the 1925 earthquake, or "E-Day," that took place in Santa Barbara 95 years ago.

Betsy reports the 1925 earthquake was also felt on the Mesa where the lighthouse tower nearly collapsed.

Today marks the 95th anniversary of the June 29, 1925 earthquake, best known for bringing about the architecture and planning awareness that made Santa Barbara famous.

The latest Goleta History video series focuses on that little crack in the mountains we all pass through, the Gaviota Pass. 

During the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, Thanksgiving was celebrated quietly with an open-air service in Montecito.

Over 100 years ago, a cast of actors filmed "Sirens of the Sea" on Santa Cruz Island.

Today is the 161st anniversary of the hottest day ever recorded in Santa Barbara where temperatures reached 133 degrees. 

Over 100 years ago, families of World War I soldiers received telegrams of those who succumbed to the "Spanish Flu."

Betsy shares information on the "sexy" summer swimsuits advertised in Santa Barbara in June 1916.

An edhat reader reminds the community of Santa Barbara's history of racial injustice when three Harlem Globetrotters were mistakenly arrested in 1983.

Over 100 years ago a lead actor from the local Flying A Studio died from the "Spanish Flu."

Tom shares a historical video about the prisoner of war camp that used to be located in western Goleta.

Would you believe King Kong running down De la Vina Street in May 1917?

Over 100 years ago, the "Spanish flu" shut down Flying A Studios on Mission Street for 30 days.

Fashion 100 years ago was all about the invention of the Panama hat, a trend that continues today.

Back in October 1918, the “Spanish influenza” scare was alarming the parents of trick-or-treaters, and put a damper on the demons on the streets of Santa Barbara.

Goleta History compiled a fascinating video on the background of Hollister Avenue and its namesake's Goleta roots.

In 1917, the MissionTheatre ran an ad for a news silent film "Betsy's Burglars."

Over 100 years ago, the Veronica Medicinal Springs Water Company claimed their water treated and prevented the Spanish Flu.

Tom stumbled on a great collection of historic photos of a local fisherman that passed away.

This was the title of a movie being filmed on Santa Cruz Island in March 1918.

Neal Graffy shares a historical reenactment video of Santa Barbara's el canon perdido, the lost canon. 

Everything changed here on October 14, 1918, with the large headline, “‘Flu’ Invades Santa Barbara; Schools, Movies, Other Public Gathering Places May Close.”