Images of America: YOSEMITE VALLEY

by Leroy Radanovich, Arcadia Publishing

Book Review by Craig MacDonald

If you like Yosemite, you'll love the old photos in this book. They'll provoke fond memories for those lucky enough to have visited this majestic jewel and inspire those who haven't, to go see the nation's first park.

There were no state or national parks in 1864, when President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, preserving Yosemite Valley & what would become known as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This thoughtful preservation was successful because of the dedicated efforts of caring people like Galen Clark, Jessie Benton Fremont, Israel Ward Raymond, Carlton Watkins & U.S. Senator John Conness.

The federal government granted the properties to the State of California to oversee the park. This was the first time a national government set aside land for future generations. John Muir arrived at Yosemite in 1868 and would lead the campaign to create Yosemite National Park (outside the state park) in 1890. In 1906, the state park became part of the Yosemite National Park we enjoy today.

Noted Historian & Photographer Leroy Radanovich has created several excellent books, featuring vintage photos of the Yosemite area. In this one that focuses on the valley, he has assembled numerous old photos from the Yosemite Research Library, Yosemite Museum and other sources.

Some fascinating pictures show the Yosemite Indians and their culture, which was sometimes shared with the public through dance performances and basket-weaving demonstrations. Other intriguing pix are of the Cosmopolitan Bath House & Saloon (opened in 1870) and David & Jennie Curry (two Palo Alto schoolteachers), who created the legendary Camp Curry, complete with a pool room, bowling alley, dance pavilion & ice skating rink.

One section captures the awesomeness of the world famous Ahwahnee Hotel, built to be fireproof with a steel frame, slate roof & concrete resembling wood. The wonderful place is also known for its Bracebridge Dinner & Pageant, during the Christmas holiday season.

There are photos of the Navy-leased hotel being used as a convalescent hospital (1943) and Army units training in the park during World War II. Chapters also feature Landscape Photographer George Fiske and the Yosemite Valley Railroad.

Readers will enjoy the story of former miner James Mason Hutchings, who built hotels, cottages and helped promote the natural beauty of the stunning valley through his widely-read, "Hutching's California Magazine."

The book has interesting historic photos of the people who lived, worked and played in the valley, which sometimes attracts more than 3.5 million visitors a year. Thanks to the folks who helped preserve this wonderland and to the author for making the past come alive through these priceless pictures.

(Editor's Note: The reviewer, who wrote "Yosemite's Unsung Hero," had a grandfather who was a friend of David & Jennie Curry.)