Kay Muther - Carmichael

Daniel W. Carmichael, born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1867, moved to California in 1885. In 1895 he formed the real estate firm of Curtis, Carmichael, and Brand, a business devoted to the acquisition and development of the Sacramento Valley. In 1909 he purchased land for Carmichael Colony No. 1, then added 1,000 acres to his holdings in 1911 for Colony No. 2. Carmichael served as mayor of Sacramento from 1917 to 1919. While he never actually lived in Carmichael, he greatly influenced its development. (Courtesy of Carmichael Chamber of Commerce.)

This is a map of Carmichael Colony No. 1. The western boundary is Fair Oaks Boulevard (then known as H Street) and its continuation, Manzanita Drive. The southern and part of the eastern boundary is the American River. San Juan Avenue makes up the rest of the eastern boundary. The northern boundary lies just north of Lincoln Avenue. These 2,000 acres were offered in 10-acre parcels, but many families bought more than one parcel. (Courtesy of Elsie Gibbons Cosans.)

This is a map of Carmichael Colony No. 2, which extended Carmichael west to Walnut Avenue but went north only as far as North Avenue in the original 1,000-acre purchase. Again, parcels were offered in 10-acre lots. (Courtesy of Elsie Gibbons Cousans.)

Charles W. Deterding was born in 1857 to parents who emigrated to California in 1851 in a covered wagon. The senior Mr. Deterding tried several occupations before buying 520 acres of land that he farmed and used as a base for a hotel along the Sacramento to Virginia City, Nevada route. Charles followed in his fathers footsteps by farming 425 acres on the north side of the American River. (Courtesy of Russell Deterding.)

Mary A. Shields, born in 1860, grew up on a farm planted in grapes and other fruit near Mills Station. She married Charles Deterding in 1884, moved to San Juan Meadows, and had three children. Mary Deterding was one of the original activists, promoting education and other services for Carmichael. She was the founder and first president of the Carmichael Improvement Club and was instrumental in the establishment of the Carmichael Irrigation District and the Carmichael Utility District. Her active involvement in community affairs continued until her death in 1940. (Courtesy of Russell Deterding.)

Charles W. Deterding Jr., son of Charles and Mary Deterding, was born in 1885. He was an engineer and bridge builder and served as Sacramento Countys first county executive. (Courtesy of Russell Deterding.)