Arroyo Grande (Images of America) - Softcover

Title: South County Beat: A visual history of Arroyo Grande
Author: Nick Wilson & Dawn White
Publisher: The Tribune
Date: 8/11/09

A book that shares the history and evolution of Arroyo Grande is now available for purchase.

"Images of America: Arroyo Grande" was created by Jean Hubbard and Gary Hoving of the South County Historical Society. It highlights the town's history beginning in the 1800s when Mexican land grants were given to farmers and ranchers.

The story of the city is told through text and by using old photos collected by residents and the South County Historical Society over the years.

Many of the images have never been seen by the public, according to the publisher.

The 127-page book highlights the roots of the town's agriculture and documents how it evolved from livestock to viticulture and field crops.

Hoving and Hubbard are Arroyo Grande residents who share a passion for preserving the city's roots. They will host a book signing on Aug. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the South County Historical Society office on Bridge Street.

The book is being sold online and at local stores. A portion of the proceeds are being donated back to the historical society.

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Arroyo Grande Valley was founded during the period of the Mexican land grants. In 1837, the San Manuela Rancho was granted to Francis and Manuela Branch. The rich soils and mild coastal climate created a wonderful location to build a home, grow crops, and raise livestock. While livestock production has diminished, it has been replaced by a growing wine industry and field crops continue to flourish. Arroyo Grande remains one of the most pleasant and safest environments to live and work and maintains much of its historic village commercial area with little change over the past 100 years.