Vintage photos of Glen Ellen way back when

Despite its diminutive size, the tiny hamlet of Glen Ellen, has had its share of famous residents.

The approximately six mile stretch north of the city of Sonoma is named after Ellen Stuart, the wife of Charles V. Stuart who settled the area in 1869 and began one of the area's earliest forays into viticulture in the 19th century. But Stewart wasn't the only noteworthy pioneer with investments in Glen Ellen. California general and statesman Mariano Vallejo, built his sawmill here, although he settled to the south in the city of Sonoma.

In 1906, author Jack London settled in Glen Ellen and built his ground breaking Beauty Ranch in the woods with wife Charmain. During his time there, London immortalized the Sonoma Valley nickname, “Valley of the Moon,” in his novel of the same name.

Other authors were attracted to the area as well, gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson and his wife Sandy lived there briefly. Thompson's controversial 1967 story “Nights in the Rustic” is allegedly set in Glen Ellen's Rustic Inn.

Food writer M.K. Fisher was also inspired by the area's tree covered hills and verdant valleys. She lived in a cottage in Glen Elllen's Audubon Bouverie Preserve in her later years.

Click through our gallery above to take a peek at Glen Ellen way back when.