John C. Schubert - Russian River

The forest in this area, known as Summerhome Park, was cleared out in the 1880s, as depicted in this c. 1905 postcard. After logging ceased, the land was converted to agricultural use and, in 1908, Summerhome Park Company was formed to sell and develop lots for vacation use. Typical of this early summer vacation area were tent cabins and tent platforms. (Collection of John C. Schubert.)

This c. 1900 postcard shows a northeast view of the railroad bridge at Hacienda. The area on the west side of the bridge was formerly called Cosmo, while Forest Hills lies on the east side. In 1914, this span was replaced by a steel railroad bridge and, after the railroad was removed in 1935, was converted into a one-lane automobile bridge. Then in 1950, Sonoma County funded a bridge-widening project, creating the two-lane structure seen today. (Photograph by Jesse Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)

Clay deposits discovered around 1885 were developed for making bricks and terra cotta drainpipes and became known as the Hilton Brick Yard. This real photo postcard, taken in 1907, shows a view facing south toward the Russian River. The train stopped here to pick up loaded boxcars for shipment to the outside world. The brick industry shut down in 1912, and the buildings were torn down; afterward, the district slowly developed into a residential and camping area. (Photograph by Valerie Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)

Looking east along the railroad tracksnow the site of River Road, which closely follows the original railroad bedis a view of Korbel Champagne Cellars from around 1910. The Korbel Winery, established in 1880, is a world-renowned champagne producer. The earlier photograph shows a typical conversion of logged-over land into agricultural use, in this case vineyards, hops, and tobacco. Due to the growth of trees, the modern image was taken from a different angle. (Photograph by Valerie Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)

Taken around 1920, this photograph of Esterville, looking south, shows the Russian River at the Odd Fellows Summer Bridge that is still used today as a summer crossing. This crossing connects Korbel and River Road traffic to Esterville, Odd Fellows Park, and Highway 116 in Pocket Canyon. At this spot can be seen year-to-year changes that the river makes in the immediate landscape. (Photograph by Jesse Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)

The photograph, taken in 1909, is facing north from the railroad tracks into Eagles Nest. In 1910, the name was changed to Rio Nido, Spanish for river nest. The area was developed and expanded greatly during the 1930s. The modern view shows the hub and commercial center of Rio Nido, which includes the Rio Nido Roadhouse and public pool. (Photograph by Valerie Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)

This picture shows another northern view from River Road at Rio Nido looking into the commercial center. Today the Rio Nido Roadhouse and public pool are what remains of the neighborhood commerce. Rio Nido does, as it always has, receive a vast array of visitors, like this motorcycle group of about 200 riders, as seen in this modern photograph. (Photograph by Valerie Munthe; collection of John C. Schubert.)