Sausalito History: Water equals prosperity 

Larry Clinton/Sausalito Historical Society 

Water literally put Sausalito on the map. The town’s name derives from the Spanish term Saucelito, or little willow. Groves of willow trees were a sign of pure spring water that attracted sailing vessels here as early as the 18^th century. But by the 20^th century, Sausalito had outgrown its domestic water supply, so the town issued $100,000 in bonds and contracted for a water distributing system using “healthy and pure Lagunitas water,” according to the Sausalito News.

In its July 3, 1909, issue, the paper pointed out that “Scarcity of water has been the greatest drawback to the advancement of Sausalito,” then proudly declared: 

“In less than a month from today Sausalito can truthfully and conscientiously say to the world ‘We have at last cast off the heavy yoke of water famine and we Invite you to make your home in the most picturesque and sanitary place in the world, only a stone’s throw from the future metropolis of the world. We have installed our own Municipal Water Distributing System.”  The News predicted that the new system would be operational by August.

And sure enough, one month later the paper giddily announced a water carnival to celebrate the new system:

“The business houses are decorated and the town presents a gay appearance. For the reception of guests Sea Point Parlor will maintain headquarters at Eagles’ Hall, the ladies’ committee at the town hall and the Ross, the firemen at the fire house and Golden Gate Yacht Club and the Foresters at Lowder’s Hall. In the evening a dance will be held in Eagles’ hall. A special boat will be run to San Francisco at 12:45. 

“The parade will start at 10 A. M. It will be made up of five companies of United States troops from Fort Baker, headed by the Third Artillery Band; Sea Point, and Tamalpais Parlors, N. S. G. W. and Keith Parlor, Native Daughters, headed by St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum Band; Volunteer Fire Departments of Sausalito, Mill Valley and Larkspur, veteran firemen of San Francisco and their old equipment; Mill Valley Redmen, high officers and Court Star of California Ancient Order of Foresters of America, headed by their boys’ band; Court Sausalito, Foresters of America; Sausalito Aerie of Eagles and Sausalito Camp, Woodmen of the World; Sausalito Band; Officers of the Day; Orator. Queen and attendants; invited guests and county and town officials. 

“There will be fourteen aquatic races, the firemen will compete in a race for a perpetual trophy cup, and the Tamalpais Union High School team will play baseball against the local Sausalito team. There will be fireworks in the evening from a barge in the bay, literary exercises will be held in the park where Rev. Father Valentini will begin the program with prayer. School children will sing national hymns, former Judge Ferrel will deliver an oration and Rev. Dr. Fruhling will say the benediction. This will certainly be a grand day for Sausalito and one that will remain in the memory of the town for years to come. With this celebration Sausalito enters on a new era, and one of prosperity. Sausalito invites everybody to come and help celebrate and promises a good time.”

The following week, the News reported, “Several thousand people from all over the county and around the bay, were at Sausalito last Thursday to help celebrate the completion of the Sausalito municipal water system and Admission Day. Sausalito certainly welcomed the vast throngs with open arms and gave them the town for the day.” After crediting virtually everyone who participated in the festivities, the News concluded: “The celebration wound up late in the evening with a grand ball, which was a most befitting close to such a successful day. Sausalito should feel justly proud of herself for the excellent manner in which the whole long list of attractions were successfully carried out.”