Excerpt from History of Alameda County, California, Vol. 1

You can here close the book, and seek your history in more sordid publications.

I like to think that the city, county, state or nation which has the most interesting history is the one which has an outstanding record for human achievement - a political unit which has taken a lead in culture, education, the arts, inventions, industrial growth, justice, and all that goes to make up the best things fin human thought and action. This chronicle, therefore, will not be one to fulfill the definition quoted but on the other hand will record the events of a county and its cities which have done their part in furnishing a generous quota to make our national history as we now hnd it. Crimes and misfortunes will creep into any accurate history, but they are mere incidents. They. Do not form the greater portion of the story.

F ar-sighted and unselfish men and women have lived in Alameda County, and have devoted their intelligent energies and abilities to aid our marvelous progress. Their acts, lives and achievements are' history to me. Many have been born here, many have come to share our en viable advantages, who have gone up stream to fame and fortune; and I believe that the things which they have done should receive recog nition. There are many now with us who have won high places in the history of our county, state and nation. I believe that these men and women, and the events which they have brought about or helped create or complete are entitled to the recognition given herein that posterity shall not forget. And if this be not history, then I ask indulgent readers to apply the most favorable term which may come to mind.

Memories are faulty and liable to err and forget. We may readily recall recent events with something bordering upon accuracy and com pleteness; but with the lapse of a few years important happenings and prominent personages become blurred, and, perhaps, even forgotten in the busy events of life. We owe a duty to those who have built great cities and'a great county to preserve a record of what they have done. There is the same duty to observe in respect to those who are now doing those things which are resulting in local advancement. There would be little incentive to serve one's country and fellow man, and little reward, perhaps, if there were not occasionally someone to take upon himself the task of trying to preserve the record. I do not believe that there is anyone selfish enough to deny the tribute earned and due those who have made our local history.

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