SANTA BARBARA'S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS

In the links to the right, and broken out by neighborhood, is a compendium of fascinating Santa Barbara neighborhood histories. Written by Walker A. Tompkins, and provided on this web site with permission from his widow, Barbara H. Tompkins, they are excerpts from an early edition of his popular, Santa Barbara Neighborhoods.

Walker A. Tompkins is known as a writer who brought history to life, and most Santa Barbarans know him as the man who popularized our city’s history through his newspaper column, books and radio talks.  Recording the facts was only part of the job.... Walker A. Tompkins excelled at making it fun to learn about the past.

By no means complete, these links are meant to give just a taste of the stories contained in his book. While the original edition Santa Barbara Neighborhoods is currently out of print, a new edition of this well-known book is underway. 

CAN'T GET ENOUGH SANTA BARBARA HISTORY?

If you love history, then you should consider Walker A. Tompkins' latest book, The Yankee Barbareños.

Awarded a grant from the Samuel B. Mosher Foundation in 1964, Tompkins focused his narrative on the American influence on Santa Barbara County from 1796-1925. Broken into eight sections, Tompkins' book utilizes his signature story-telling style to trace the accounts of the early settlers and pioneers, the effects of the gold rush in Santa Barbara, the formation of its county and city governments, the creation of various civic projects (including the first public library), and the impact the Southern Pacific Railroad had on the beginnings of the tourism industry. Readers will also find the stories behind many of Santa Barbara's well-known architects and business men, its bandidos and outlaws, and harrowing tales of some of Santa Barbara's worst disasters. The book ends with the devastating 1925 earthquake and the rebuilding efforts under the leadership of Pearl Chase of the Plans and Planting Branch of the Community Arts Association. Her dedication led to the Spanish Revival architectural style that has given Santa Barbara its romantic title, the American Riviera.

Including rare photographs of early Santa Barbara and exquisite drawings by Joseph Knowles, The Yankee Barbareños is an essential addition to all Santa Barbara history collections. Net proceeds from the sales of this book will benefit the Santa Barbara Public Library. 

OR MORE INFORMATION on this long-awaited book, and where to purchase it, click on the link below: http://www.walkertompkins.com/5c8/index.htm

Or email: sales@walkertompkins.com