Lecture on ‘Vallejo’s printing press’ at Sonoma Mission

People who rely on newspapers for their information may have Mariano Vallejo to thank, at least in part.|

People who rely on newspapers for their information – instead of cable news, Twitter or Facebook – may have Mariano Vallejo to thank, at least in part. That’s one interesting footnote that might emerge when local historian Peter Meyerhof lectures on “General Vallejo’s Printing Press in Sonoma and its Role in California History” on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Mission San Francisco de Solano.

During the early years of the pueblo, Vallejo seized what was the first and only printing press in California from Monterey and brought it to Sonoma. Soon, this massive piece of American-made machinery belonged to the Spanish territory of Alta California.

Meyerhof not only uncovered the arrival of the press in Sonoma, but discovered the printer as well, a remarkable Sonoman by the name of José de la Rosa. The early publications that were printed here are interesting for what they tell us about life in early Sonoma. For instance, the first medically-related book ever published in California was printed here in response to the smallpox epidemic of 1838.

The printing press made its way back to Monterey a few years later where it was used to publish “The Californian,” the first newspaper in the state in 1846. It traveled extensively throughout the West, publishing papers in Sacramento and the Gold Rush area.

But what became of this mechanical harbinger of the future? The controversy about its ultimate fate will be discussed.

Meyerhof has a general dentistry practice in Sonoma but spends much of his spare time researching the early history of this part of California. His research has provided numerous insights into early Sonoma history.

The lecture is hosted by Sonoma Petaluma Parks (SPPARKS) on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Mission San Francisco de Solano, 114 E. Spain St., Sonoma. Admission for the general public is $10 at the door; SPParks members pay $5; docents and park staff are free.

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