From: Marie Thomas McNaughton, M.A.
To: Damien O"Bid
Cc: Judy Gustafson
Subject: Re: Cotati Interpretive Sign Panels, 2nd Response Date: Monday, August 15, 2022 5:23:42 PM
Attachments: MTM.Trail_Interp__Horiz_FINAL_V4 copy.pdf
MTM.Trail_Interp_FINAL_V4 copy.pdf
MTM.Downtown_Interp_FINAL_V4 copy.pdf
Hi, Damien--
I reviewed the panels again and did find a few problems. I am attaching pdfs with comments, but I will reiterate the gist of them here.
(I conferred with fellow historian Judy Gustafson on each of these concerns this afternoon and we are in agreement that these changes are important. This should not, however, be considered the official response from the historical society. That should come from John Allred or his designee.) Speedway Text
The promoter of the Speedway was Jack Prince, not "Price." I believe it's important to describe him as a track promoter as well as a builder. To think of him as a builder of anything other than racetracks would be to miss his historic significance on the American race scene.
Also, a review of the Draper materials and original newspaper clippings shows that some 20,000 people attended the first race, 10,000 of them in the middle of the track without seats, that is, twice what the panel indicates.
I'm very sorry I didn't catch these earlier. I have only recently become familiar with the history of the track.
Cotati through the years Date
The "City of Cotati" was not even platted until 1892. Emphasizing the date of 1870 is highly misleading. It has no importance to the history of the city, though it may have been important to the Page ranch operations.
I have pointed this out in previous responses.
Bottom Credit Edit
There should be a period at the end of the suggestion to visit cotaticity.org on all panels. It is a complete sentence.
Thank you for continuing to include me in this process. I wish you luck in receiving appropriate and timely text and images from the Graton Rancheria elders and staff.
Yours in history,
Marie
On 2022-08-12 17:55, Marie McNaughton wrote:
Thanks, Damien--
Do send these to John Allred, as he is president of the Cotati Historical Society. I have been acting in this project as an independent scholar consultant.
I will review these carefully. But I have to say right up front, the promoter of the Speedway was Jack PRINCE, not Price. I'm not sure how that mistake has gotten this far, but it inspires me to be especially careful. I'll be back to you ASAP.
Marie
On 2022-08-12 16:59, Damien O'Bid wrote:
Hi Marie,
The attached interpretive sign panel graphics were sent to the Graton Tribe for their review, but I thought you'd want to see them also before we take them to Council in early September. They should be final or pretty close to it (depending on what the tribe says!).
I hope you have a great weekend,
Damien O'Bid
City Manager
City of Cotati
Under the Public Records Act (California Government Code §6250-6270), e-mail messages of local agencies are public records which are subject to disclosure to the public or may be subpoenaed.
Under the Public Records Act (California Government Code §6250-6270), e-mail messages of local agencies are public records which are subject to disclosure to the public or may be subpoenaed.