Gonzales has a rich history. The Southern Pacific Railroad laid tracks through the area in 1872, and later a depot was built to service freight and passenger trains. In 1874, Mariano and Alfredo Gonzalez planned the original town, consisting of 50 blocks on land originally deeded to their father, Teodoro Gonzalez, in 1836. Twenty years later in 1894, the earliest recorded population was 500 residents.

Cattle and grain raising dominated the area until the 1890s when Swiss immigrants founded dairies. At the turn of the century, the Alpine Condensary was established to produce condensed milk, a process originated by a local resident. In the 1920s dairy farming gave way to vegetable crops in which thrived because of rich soils and advancements in irrigation, machinery, and transportation.

The first school house was built in 1874. The Gonzales Baptist Church was built in 1884 and still holds weekly worship services at the corner of Fourth and Day Streets. On January 10, 1947, Gonzales residents voted to incorporate the City. Today, historic buildings still stand on Fourth Street in downtown Gonzales and contribute to the City’s small town charm that is enjoyed by residents and visitors.

 

Gonzales in the 1950s

 

These pictures and more can be seen on display at the old IOOF hall, 117 Fourth Street by appointment. Call City Hall to make arrangements. 

 

Construction of the Gonzales Water Tower in 1953

Construction of the Water Tank

 

Alpine Display

Alpine Display

 

Gonzales Historic Pictures

Historic Display 1

Historic Display of pictures

 

Gonzales Pictures from 1940

Picture of Gonzales in 1940

Pictue of Gonzales in 1940

Historic Picture of Gonzales from 1940

Historic pictures of Gonzales from 1940

 

Gonzales' Last cobler
Jim Corda

picture of Jim Corda - last cobbler

 

Gonzales 1894
Fourth Street near Centre - looking west
IOOF Hall on right (current City Council Chamber)
notice the Gonzales wind on the Post Office flag
Constable's court was part of the Post Office
Gonzales Tribune newspaper office
railroad depot seen across Alta/highway

Picture of Gonzales from 1894

 

Gonzales Fire Department was housed next to the jail cell behind 46 Fourth St on Belden St at the alley. 

The two story building had meeting/training room on top of the two engine bays. California State Forestry build the first Gonzales CDF station attached to the Rural fire station. 

Gonzales Fire Department pre-1967


September 23, 1914

Most Devastating fire ever in Gonzales according to the notes from the 1974 centennial book. The fire burned several buildings on Fourth St. Fire spread from building to building stopping only at the masonry building and wide Belden street. 

Fourth Street buildings burning in 1914


2010, February 18 - Diesel Tanker rolls over on one near Fifth St bridge

newspaper clipping of a diesel tank truck rolled over on US101 near Fifth St


The year the Little Swiss burned (2010)

Little Swiss on fire


Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department training burn

Gonzales Firefighters during a training drill

Gonzales 1987

Gonzales 1987 


Gonzales 1989

Gonzales 1989


Gonzales 1994

Gonzales 1994


Gonzales 2004

Gonzales 2004


Gonzales 2005

Gonzales 2005


Gonzales 2006

Gonzales 2006


Gonzales 2007

Gonzales 2007


Gonzales 2009

Gonzales 2009


Gonzales 2010

Gonzales 2010


Gonzales 2012

Gonzales 2012


Gonzales 2013

Gonzales 2013


Gonzales 2015

Gonzales 2015


Gonzales 2016

Gonzales 2016


Gonzales 2017

Gonzales 2017


Gonzales 2018

 


Fire Department History

Gonzales Fire house with CDF Station attached

Gonzales Fire Department was housed next to the jail cell behind 46 Fourth St on Belden St at the alley. 

The two story building had meeting/training room on top of the two engine bays. California State Forestry build the first Gonzales CDF station attached to the Rural fire station. 

September 23, 1914 Fire

Picture of a fire on Fourth St from 1914

September 23, 1914

Most Devastating fire ever in Gonzales according to the notes from the 1974 centennial book. The fire burned several buildings on Fourth St. Fire spread from building to building stopping only at the masonry building and wide Belden street. 

How do I's

Wideman Bank

Wideman Bank on Fourth Street early 1900s

A staple of any community is the stability provided by the local bank. 

Wideman Bank was located on Fourth St. at Alta where the only local bank is still located.