Oral Histories

The Walnut Festival has been a Walnut Creek institution since the 1930s.

Gary Bogue recalls the early days of the Lindsay Wildlife Museum.

Mike Rinehart shares the history of Rinehart’s Jewelry, a Walnut Creek tradition started in 1947 by his grandfather, Pete Rinehart, a mover and shaker and Walnut Creek civic leader in his day.

Gwen Regalia remembers Peg Kovar, a modern pioneer for women in Walnut Creek politics.

Kay Mauzy-Wightman reminisces about the Flood of ’58.

JoAnn Hanna, owner of JoAnn’s dress shop, recalls sending the troops off during World War II, as they rode down Walnut Creek’s Main Street.

Dr. Maynard “Bud” Rotermund remembers picking pears at the Bancroft ranch back when he was a teen.

Adrian Mendes shares how the Walnut Kernel was spared from a trip to the dump.

Nancy Meagher remembers frozen food lockers in downtown Walnut Creek.

Phyllis Bolton recalls collecting war bonds during her childhood.

Sally Bronson Ingraham shares what it was like growing up in Walnut Creek — once upon a time.

Alfred Cooper, a descendant of the Walnut Creek pioneer Silveira family, remembers days gone by.

Lois Semmelmayer pays tribute to her dear friend and fellow Shady Lady, Gloria Scilacci.

Bev Clemson talks about the uniqueness of the Shadelands Ranch Museum.

Primo Facchini displays his famous zeal for the mission of the Walnut Creek Historical Society.

Twelve Stories ~ A compilation of videos from the Walnut Creek Historical Society’s Oral History Project in 2014