One of the books that visitors to the Historical Society's library most frequently consult is Place Names of Humboldt County, compiled by Dennis and Gloria Turner.  Those visitors may come in asking "How did this (town, landmark, mountain, park etc.) get that name?" and they turn to this book for answers.

       Soon they might be intrigued by another name and then another and another.  The book isn't only for specific questions; it's just fun reading. Open the book randomly at, say, page 110 and learn how Gold Bluff or Goose Lake Prairie got their names. Or further on alphabetically, discover what happened at "Panther Gap" or who was the Patrick who left his name on a State Park.  What problems led to the name of Wrangletown, or what about all those place names using the "N word"? When there are known disputes about the true origins of a name, alternates are cited.

       Over time the book has been revised, adding new information and names.  For easy locating, all the many places are given with their township and range locations, and there are maps throughout.  The book is sprinkled with relevant historic photographs, and at the end are many appendices which clump entrees into thirteen categories such as river and fords, wagon roads and trails, post offices, parks and airfields. There is even a recounting of the extended process of drawing the boundaries of today's Humboldt County.  

       For a Humboldter, this is an invaluable book -- whether as part of a research library or on one's own bookshelf at home.  So the next time you wonder "how did . . .  get that name?"  you can have the answer right at hand.