volunteer fire fighters in a training exercise in 1987. About that same time, across Spenceville Road from the fire house the newest professional complex for five occupants was completed by Dr. Eaton.
Walt and Dolly Becker added a professional center next to the Tack Room. Plaza Tire has a facility and a business complex to the north of Airhill Hardware.
The Fire Station expanded to include an equipment garage, thrift store and now a new complex to the south. After many years without an occupant, Penn Valley Fence now occupies the old Country Junction.
The building next to the Charter School has had many occupants, most recently Pattie Hastert, long-time Penn Valley chiropractor, and Ambercrombie Stove and Awnings.
To the west of the Chamber building is a gas station and car wash. The post office was moved from Brown’s store to the shopping center, to a temporary facility (which is now the Charter School), and then to its permanent home west of the gas station.
Artie still has her beauty shop, Hauser’s Hardware looks the same, and the Tack Room is still grilling steaks.
Today Penn Valley has a thriving commercial center. Susan George is a local realtor, Chamber Board Member and a fifth-generation Californian, tracing her family back to an original Spanish Land Grant. Until recently, her Aunt Reva “Skip” Rouse owned the old Timbuctoo Ranch near where Jonas Spect first found gold on the Yuba River.
Susan characterizes the changes in Penn Valley as what one could expect over time. She believes, however, as a community we can influence the growth and changes that Penn Valley experiences and preserve our rich local history.
Susan hopes that will happen by teaching it in our schools and showcasing a future Penn Valley Visitor’s Center – Something that even Jonas might find interesting
Article provided courtesy of the
Penn Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you!