Orinda Historical Society - "New Images of Old Orinda" - Gallery Opening Reception

"New Images of Old Orinda –1901 to 1920's"

Orinda Historical Society

Library Art Gallery Showing

January 3 – 31, 2011

Opening Reception:  Friday, January 7  4:30PM - 6:00 PM

The Orinda Historical Society is pleased to announce a showcase of newly discovered images of Orinda during a gallery showing at the Orinda Library from January 3 through 31, 2011.  Our residents have always been drawn to the early photographs of our City, and we now have new images to add to our collection, thanks to the descendents of the deLaveaga family.

The new images (reproduced from original glass negatives) were discovered at the family's estate, Bien Venida, by the grand-daughters of City's developer.  The images, most taken by Edward I. deLaveaga, who was a major figure in the development of Orinda in the early 20^th century, depict Orinda during its early stages of development from 1901 through the mid-1920's.  DeLaveaga was responsible for developing the El Toyonal area, Orinda Village and the Orinda Country Club, including Orinda Park Pool and Lake Cascade.

We invite all residents to visit the gallery to view these unique and exciting images of early Orinda, which offer a glimpse of country life in Orinda for its early residents and the beginnings of the town's development.  The images of the Orinda hills are particularly interesting, including a full panorama (circa 1901) of the El Toyonal hills and the valley with virtually no development.  Three separate images where digitally pieced together by Teresa Long, the Editor of the Orinda Historical Society newsletter, and the result is a never-before seen glimpse of our pristine valley as early residents saw it.

In addition to the 22 images presented in the deLaveaga collection, the Historical Society is taking the opportunity to display images of the "Faces of Early Orinda" – a collection of photos of early residents (some from the 1880's – 1890's) who helped shape the character of our City.  Intermixed with the photos will be a number of artifacts which are normally displayed in the Museum, including a Spanish cannonball from the 1800's, milk bottles from the Orinda Creamy and original rails from the California & Nevada Railway which served Orinda in the late-1800's.

Join us as we celebrate these new photos of our City that are sure to become familiar images for generations to come.  An opening reception is planned for Friday, January 7 from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM in the Gallery.  Light refreshments will be served.

For questions about the showing, please contact the Orinda Historical Society at 925-254-1353 of visit us at the Museum located in the lower level of the Orinda Library, 24 Orinda Way.