Do You Know My Name? (Santa Cruz County History Journal #8)

If you want to know the names of some little known people who once lived in our community, check out the current MAH history journal, Do You Know My Name? It provides a glimpse into the history of Santa Cruz County through the lives of its people. It tells of Native Americans who came to live at Mission Santa Cruz; of Californios who struggled to keep their land after California became a state; of the young men of color who played baseball here in the early 1900s; of African American preachers who founded early churches in our community; of Japanese Americans from Watsonville who were interned after Pearl Harbor. The journal also takes the reader into the lives of ordinary men and women who may not have achieved riches or renown, but who found fulfillment in art and invention. It tells of strong women who acted on their beliefs, as well as women who endured great loss, yet went on to lead full lives. These are not just stories of a remote past, but are stories that can resonate with people living in our community today. Like all the Santa Cruz County history journals published by MAH, Do You Know My Name? contains scholarly, well-researched articles that are written to be read and enjoyed by anyone interested in our past not just by historians. This particular journal was inspired by and is dedicated to the late historian, Phil Reader. Phil researched all aspects of Santa Cruz County life, but his prevailing interest was in the underdog. As Santa Cruz historian Sandy Lydon says, Phil was a champion of the working stiffs, those who were born, lived, and died out on the edges.