he first book is written by one of our own chapter members, Gay Berrien. She is the author of Grover Hayden Ladd, A New River Packer. Chock-full of northern California history, it is an account of the life of Grover Ladd (1887-1972). Being the last member of the Ladd family, he was an original homesteader in Trinity County, California, and over his lifetime he was a miner, packer, store owner, post office operator and a rancher. This book has extensive photos, genealogical references, and a detailed index of people and events. It is an important book for people researching the history of northern California. It is also a fun read, providing a thoroughly enjoyable look at the everyday lives and struggles of individuals associated with Grover Ladd, including the author herself, Gay Berrien.

Our other donation was a pick from the DAR “Wish List”. Marin County Genealogical Society’s publication, California’s Marin County Poor Farm & Hospital Cemetery, Vol. 4., is an account of a facility built to care for the elderly and poor who were either indigent or had no family in the area able to care for them. There was a barn and fields at the site where the residents could grow crops. Later, in 1913, a hospital was opened. Many records were kept, including burial permits, undertaker, and cemetery records. Burials were from 1880 to the 1960s and the cemetery does not have headstones.