By Carol Acquaviva Joe Gans (1874–1910) was the first Black boxer to win a world title. He was the lightweight champion from 1902–1908. Born in Baltimore and later nicknamed “The Old Master,” Gans was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and is frequently cited as the…

By Carol Acquaviva Our local newspapers are a critical resource for genealogists. Published announcements of births, marriages, and deaths do much to enhance family tree research. Newspapers are also a good source for learning the dirt about your neighbors. …

By Robert L. Harrison The recent intrusion of a Chinese aerial surveillance balloon over the United States has created a major public furor. Yet it is not the first nor the most lethal effect of a balloon experienced in this country. It turns out that several such intrusions were detected…

By Robert L. Harrison In the Roman world the term “circus” referred to a building similar to an ancient Greek hippodrome where chariot races, equestrian shows, gladiator bouts and other events were staged. In contrast, the modern idea of a circus is a multi-act show held in a large tent…

By Jennifer Christensen As the Grand Slam tennis season officially commences this weekend with the 2023 Australian Open, it is fitting to reflect on an Australian National Living Treasure, Rod Laver, and his connection to…Marin County?! Rod Laver is the only player in tennis history to win two calendar Grand…

By Brian K. Crawford English-born George Lister, 33 and married, worked for the American Railway Express Company, one of the largest companies in the country, handling most package deliveries by railroad. Lister’s office was in the Northwestern Pacific Ferry Building in Sausalito. Every day shipments arrived by train to be…

By Robert L. Harrison Marin County is one of the original 27 counties of California. Marin was created February 18, 1850 just months following the adoption of the California 1849 Constitution and nine months before the state was admitted to the Union. California formally became a state on September 9…

By Carol Acquaviva Here’s an SAT word for you: toponymy. It means the study of toponyms which are the formal names of geographic places. In Marin County, there are a great many schools, churches, towns, streets, neighborhoods, and other defined areas and landmarks named for Christian saints. Some names and…

By Brian K. Crawford Marshall Miller was born in Ohio around 1845. He had an adventurous youth, traveling widely around the United States and Mexico. He married, but his wife died young. He lived in the Arizona Territory for some time, then came to northern California. He worked as a…