In 1962 the City of Galt adopted its first General Plan. Others followed, but the most significant General Plan, for historic preservation, was in 1979. The 1978 City of Galt General Plan was written by consultants from The Community Development and Environmental Protection Agency of the County of Sacramento. They spent several weeks in Galt interviewing citizens at large, people in business and government, and, in general, acquainting themselves with the Community. When they had completed their research, they submitted their findings.
On December 5,1978, the 1979 City of Galt General Plan was adopted by Galt City Council members, Mayor Robert Biederman, Robert Dunnett, Ron V. Jacobson, Ken L. Mattlin, and Don W. Nottoli, and a "Historic Preservation Element" was introduced. It quoted the Government Code of the State of California (Title 7. Planning, chapter 3. Local Planning):
"a historical preservation element for the identification, establishment, and protection of sites and structures of architectural, historical, archeological, or cultural significance, including significant trees, hedge rows, and other plant materials. The historical preservation element shall include a program which develops actions to be taken in accomplishing the policies set forth in this element. "
The City of Galt then set forth their preservation plan in the following two paragraphs:
"The City of Galt has determined that a historical preservation element is an essential part of the city plan to help promote and maintain the desirable cultural values of the community. Knowledge of and appreciation of the historical development of the City and of its peoples is a basic part of the education of the younger generations. It is a cherished sense-of-place of the older generations. An understanding of the aspirations and the problems of the past, of the successes and failures, and of the merits and faults of the past generations is an essential prerequisite to progress to a better community. This historic preservation element of the city plan will help maintain some of the structures, the street scenes, and identification of sites that are an important part of the City's culture. "
"In addition to the cultural values there will be economic spin-offs for tourism and increased self-interest and respect by the residents and property owners in the older neighborhoods where rehabilitation and preservation programs are needed. The cooperative community effort to decide on the details of a historic preservation plan will develop additional community-wide skill which would be helpful in other city-wide action programs. "
In that General Plan, 15 major historic buildings were identified. They were listed as follows:
The Rae Residence - 204 Oak Ave.
The McAllister Property - 2nd & B Sts.
General Store with Gun Slits (Mortuary) - 4th St. Between A & B Sts.
Liberty Schoolhouse (Sperry Res. ) - 4th Between A & B Sts.
Christian Church - Corner of 7th & B Sts.
Granny McKiristry's Home - 2nd St. Between B & C Sts.
Dr. Obed Harvey's Office - 2nd St. Between C & D Sts.
First Congregational Church (St. Luke's) - 3rd & B Sts.
McFarland Bldg. (Odd Fellows Hall) - 4th & B Sts.
Old Blacksmith Shop - B St. Between 4th & 5th Sts
Brewster Residence - 5th & B Sts.
First Courthouse & Jail - 5th St. Between B & C Sts.
First Telephone Exchange - 5th St. Between C & D Sts.
"Sunnysouth" Residence - 6th & C Sts.
St. Christopher's Church - 3rd & F Sts.
In 1989 the City Council members, Mayor Steven Sekelsky, Thomas Walters, Cedro Casado, Marian Lawrence, and Orvell Fletcher, adopted the 1989 City of Galt General Plan, prepared in the same way for the City of Galt by the city planning firm of "Planning Concepts". The "Historic Element" listed forty-one structures and urged the City to move forward in their historic preservation planning by appointing a Historic Preservation Advisory Board, and by establishing a historic district. They stated:
"Key issues which must be addressed include the condition of Historic structures, appearance of the Historic area in general including the railroad land, compatibility of design of new structures and renovation in the Historic Area, and old downtown area vacancy rates. "
In March 1996 Galt City Council members; Mayor Tony Gora, Christina De La Cruz, Richard Pratt, Dennis Duffy, and Robert Kraude, established a "Downtown Historic Preservation Advisory Committee" as had been suggested in the 1989 General Plan. Appointed members were Jim Spaans, Eugenia Olson, Louise Dowdell, Bob McCabe, LeeAnn McFaddin, and staff member Sandra Wulf. This group met regularly to review concerns of the City regarding the Fourth Street area revitalization. Their job was to recommend any project which would enhance the renovation and preservation of the Fourth Street area, which is Galt's birthplace.
Using the proposed "Historic District" map, they reviewed any plans for change or building of structures in that area. Based on their review of material presented, they made recommendations to the City Council. Their two major concerns were the eyesore caused by the railroad property which stretches the entire length of 4th Street from A to F Streets, and the need to establish an official historic district. They urged the City Council to continue negotiations with the new railroad owners, Union Pacific, explaining that the 4th street property was the focal point of "0ld Town" and needed to be cleaned up and made safer. City Council agreed with the Committee and continued negotiations with the railroad.
They began the process of establishing a Historic District which will then make it possible for those historic structures within the district to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meetings were held to discuss the renovation plans for 4th Street. The City Council accepted many recommendations of citizens from these meetings. Work began to bring about an "0ld Town Galt" area to preserve the architectural heritage of Galt and to make the area more attractive to visitors and shoppers. Historic landmark lists have grown with each City of Galt General Plan. That is how the historic identification of structures has been done.
The City of Galt, its citizens and its government, have learned that if we don't identify and protect the historic structures that remain, we will lose some priceless examples of our historic heritage to neglect, vandalism, and, possibly, fire. For that reason, they have encouraged restoration and preservation projects such as the Rae House Museum sponsored by the Galt Area Historical Society.
We thought you might like to know what makes the Galt Area Historical Society so special and just how much it has accomplished since its fragile beginning in 1985.
The preservation of the history of this area is the goal of the Galt Area Historical Society. We have been fortunate to receive old photographs, newspapers, books, and records which help us to provide some of the pieces to the overall puzzle we call the history of the Galt area.
Our task of preserving history is a monumental one. It is lightened by those who have a special interest in protecting our history for those who follow. Two different groups join the Society, those who wish to lend their encouragement and support by their membership, and those who actively participate in the various projects that we sponsor.
Members who are new to our organization soon learn that we are not a social club that finds its satisfaction in planning social events for its members. Rather, we are a working society of members who find pleasure and satisfaction in experiencing the successful completion of each of the preservation projects we sponsor. Our goals include preservation and restoration of sites, photographs, writings, and all artifacts that will help those who come after us to know our area history.
Our members, who range in age from 16 to 90, are enthusiastic about our endeavors. They learn to be on the lookout for historic items and any changes in historic structures that may indicate neglect or destruction. They look for ways to help preserve history for adults and for children, and they find as many ways as possible to carry their message of the importance of historic preservation to the public.
This is what the Galt Area Historical Society is all about. It is an organization that encourages all citizens, young and old, to participate in meaningful projects that imprint an indelible picture of the area's history for generations to come. No other organization has such far-reaching influence, nor offers more satisfaction when their goals are met. Each of you are invited to join this area-minded Society and experience the virtual reality of of touching history.
When the Society was formed, it had four founders, Orvell Fletcher, Eugenia Olson, Beatrice Hyenga Smithson, and Margaret Greer. They believed that the boundaries of the Galt Joint Union High School District would include the historic area that is surrounding Galt and whose history is usually neglected, so they adopted the same boundaries. The Society members deliberately called their fledgling organization Galt Area Historical Society to make it very clear from the day of its charter that this group would embrace the history of more than just the city of Galt. It would include the areas of Alta Mesa, Arno, Clay Station, Colony, Elliot, Galt, Herald, Hicksville, Liberty, and Thornton. This became the area whose history the Society could realistically help to preserve.
Besides the obvious, that we exist for the purpose of preserving history, we are the only organization in the Community that does not spend any money for entertainment of its members. All money raised through dues, donations, and fundraisers must go to historic projects in the area. That’s written into our Bylaws. When we have an activity for our members, they generously pay their own way or donate the refreshments. Our mission is a serious one -- that of historic preservation. We usually have a good time in the process of accomplishing our projects, and, thanks to the great spirit of volunteerism among our members, the Society has been able to accomplish an enviable record of achievement.
1. The creation of an area museum, The Rae House Museum.
2. The restoration and the start of the “Adopt-a-Plot” program at the Liberty Cemetery.
3. The placement of the Liberty and Elliott pioneer cemeteries and the Rae House on the State list of “Points of Historical Interest”.
4. The designation of the Galt Water Tower as a local landmark by the Galt City Council.
5. The creation of a professional video history of Galt.
6. The publication of a children’s history of Galt.
7. The organization of an on-going historic site identification project.
8. The establishment of a historical picture archive of over 900 photographs.
9. The publication of a book about and by pioneers called Tapestry,
10. The creation of the McFarland Living History Ranch.
11. The publication of a monthly newsletter, Tower Views, which keeps all members apprised of Society projects. By the way, the name Tower Views, was not chosen by chance. The “old timers” told us that in the old days, when they climbed to the top of the water tower in town to check the location of a fire, they could see all around Galt, the area the Society encompasses. This Galt historic water tower is our trademark.
Our current projects
1. The Rae House museum
2. The Liberty Cemetery
3. The Elliot Cemetery
4. The McFarland Living History Ranch
5. Youth activity center at The McFarland Living History Ranch
6. Photo archives
There is a never-ending list of projects being reviewed by the members of the Society. When it is feasible, the members agree to sponsor them. The decision to sponsor generally is based on the amount of funding needed, the historic value, the length of time needed to accomplish the project, and the number of volunteers available for the project. The current major preservation project is the McFarland Living History Ranch project. This brief overview of our accomplishments tells you why we are so very proud of our Society. We hope you will want to join this organization that gives back so much to the Community. Please support our work with your tax-deductible membership.
Our past presidents.
Our current list of chairpersons.
Applications may be picked up at the Marian O. Lawrence Library and at the Rae House Museum.
Galt Area Historical Society Home page
Last edited 26 April, 2004