John Schubert Russian River collection
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2023
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: John Schubert Russian River collection
Dates: 1859-2019
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Schubert, John C.
Extent: 56 linear feet
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: The John Schubert Russian River Collection contains photographs, maps, postcards, scrapbooks, business records, family histories,
and ephemera relating to the history and development of Sonoma County's Russian River area resorts, social and civic organizations,
festivals, cemeteries, railroads, bridges, schools, mining and logging operations as well as documents associated with Fort
Ross. The materials were collected over a 60-year period beginning around 1960. Some items were given to Mr. Schubert, while
others were purchased at garage and estate sales, from eBay, and elsewhere.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research by appointment.
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
[Identification of item]. John Schubert Russian River collection. Collection Number: Consult repository. Sonoma State University
Library
Biography/Administrative History
John Schubert was born in San Francisco on August 9, 1938, to Hilmar B. Schubert and Ellen Victoria McFarland Schubert. While
researching and documenting the history of the Russian River area, Schubert worked as a Sonoma County deputy sheriff, primarily
as a bailiff in the courts, for 39 years, and is a former Marine. He received a B.A. degree in anthropology from Sonoma State
College (1973) and has been known as a Russian River historian since 1960, writing for several Guerneville newspapers with
his column “Stumptown Stories” and as a frequent contributor to the Sonoma County Historical Society’s quarterly journal.
Schubert is also a founding member of the Russian River Historical Society. His first book, Guerneville Early Days: A History
of the Lower Russian River, was published in 1997, followed by a second (2005) and third (2016) edition. Schubert’s other
titles include Russian River, California – Then and Now (2011), The Red Slide Magnesite Mines and Railroad (2012), Tales of
the Russian River: Stumptown Stories (2013), and Hidden History of Sonoma County (2017). In 2021, having been nominated by
the Russian River Chamber of Commerce, John Schubert received a Spirit of Sonoma Award from the Sonoma County Economic Development
Board for his volunteerism and advocacy on behalf of local businesses.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection is comprised of 88 boxes, 56 linear feet.
Anniversaries - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Forest reserves - - Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (Calif.)
Beaches - - Russian River (Calif.)
Bohemian Grove - - Monte Rio (Calif.)
Bridges - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Business enterprises - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Cemeteries - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Festivals - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Floods - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Fort Ross State Historic Park (Calif.)
Jazz festivals - - Russian River (Calif.)
Lumber trade - - Sonoma County (Calif.) - - History
Magnesite mines and mining - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Olive industry and trade - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Parades - - Guerneville (Calif.)
Railroads - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Schools - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Summer resorts - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Lumber trade - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Tobacco industry - - Sonoma County (Calif.)
Schubert, John C., 1938-
Clar, Charles Raymond, 1903-1996
Lark, Newton W.,1913-1981
Lark, Newton A., 1882-1970
Downing, Joseph Henry, 1840-1914
Bagley family
Downing family
Guerne family
Ridenhour family
Bohemian Club (San Francisco, Calif.)
Fort Ross State Historic Park (Calif.)
Guerneville (Calif.)
Monte Rio (Calif.)
Cazadero (Calif.)
Vacation Beach (Calif.)
Armstrong Grove (Calif.)
Duncans Mills (Calif.)
Fort Ross State Historic Park (Calif.)
Guernewood Park (Calif.)
Jenner (Calif.)
Bohemian Grove (Calif.)
Johnson's Beach (Calif.)
Rio Nido (Calif.)