By Barbara Canepa Saul. This copy is a library discard, in good condition. The cover is somewhat worn but clean, the binding is tight and the pages are clean and undamaged.

       Family histories are usually of more interest to members of that family.  But sometimes they can spark a broader interest, reflecting th history of the communities in which that families lived.  One such is From Plowshare to Palace, a Frontier family in Ferndale.

       With the extensive use of newspaper accounts and family recollections, the author tells an iconic tale of people moving to have a better life and the growing generations that enjoyed it. In 1860, Luigi Canepa left Switzerland for Australia where  he married his wife Mary. From there they went on to San Francisco' ending up in Humboldt County in 1875. This book accents his many enterprises; homesteading rancher on the Bear River Ridge, managing the Rio Dell Hotel, then moving to Ferndale where he ran saloons, a variety store and finally the Palace Hotel.

       The following chapters go on to explore the lives of their many sons and daughters, their spouses, children and in-laws in Ferndale and surrounding areas.  We learn of many business enterprises: hotels and saloons, professional photography, music stores, dress and hat making and more.  Interspersed with the business endeavors are their involvements in community life: fraternal and social clubs, spots, public service, charitable causes and much involvement in community celebrations and events.  We also learn about schooling -- from one room schoolhouses to prestigious academies.

     Because this was a small community, much has been gleaned from the local newspapers which gives this story more light gossipy flavor than most genealogical accounts.  In this way the book reflects much of the community itself, the social life, the economy and the everyday interactions that aren't often deemed to be "history".

   This is just the sort of book that the Historical Society is glad to make available on its more affordable used and special sales" shelf -- where everyone can contribute by donating local history books for resale at the Society's bookstore.