Masters Thesis

Preston : History of a Late 19th-century Religious Colony in Sonoma County, California

Purpose of the Study: The primary goal of this thesis is to comprehensively document the social history and physical development of Preston, a health-oriented religious colony which existed from 1885-1935. The Sonoma County settlement numbered about 150 people at its peak in 1895, and declined sharply in population after the death of its leader (and main employer) in 1909. The community centered around the spiritual teachings and medical practices of charismatic founder, "Madam" Emily Preston. The thesis analyzes the community within the context of late 19th-century religious and medical history, and considers the mechanisms of commitment which held the settlement together. Historical photographs, excerpts from letters, and newspaper coverage of Preston are included to present Preston as it was viewed during the historic period. Modern photographs document the surviving historic resources. Procedure: Research involved extensive review of primary sources and other documents. A collection of papers from Emily and Hartwell Preston was closely examined. To research Preston real estate transactions and land use, maps, leases and deeds were obtained from the Sonoma County Recorder's Office and the Mendocino County Recorder's Office. Also consulted were probate records, census records, voting records, city directories, Sonoma County histories and atlases. A survey of medical, utopian and religious literature was conducted to evaluate Preston within its historical context. Conclusions: Preston is a notable example of a late 19th-century religious colony. While it has characteristics in common with several contemporaneous Sonoma County utopian communities, it is more aptly described as a religious sect. Such communities have had an important influence on the social history of California.

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