In 2009, the Kelley House received a gift of approximately 300 negatives from Dot Johnson, the daughter of Fort Bragg merchant, Everett Racine. Racine was a man of many interests and had numerous hobbies, photography being just one of them. During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, he traveled up and down the Mendocino Coast photographing the scenes of his time: redwoods, fishing, mills, ships, and the activities of daily life in towns such as Caspar, Cleone, Manchester, Little River and Westport.
Everett was born and raised in Fort Bragg. After leaving to attend college in Stockton, Racine returned and eventually bought the shop, started by his father in 1904. From tobacco to fishing gear and souvenirs, Everett expanded the shop to sell musical instruments, bicycles, art supplies, stationary, and toys for all ages. Everett died in Fort Bragg in 1988 at the age of 82.
In Spring 2010, thanks to generous donations from the Kelley House community, we raised enough money to purchased a new multi-purpose scanner, and now we are able to share these exciting images of the Mendocino Coast captured through the eyes of Everett Racine. Thank you, Mr. Racine, for giving us a window back in time.Thank you, Dot, for sharing it with all of us.
