San Carlos Centennial 2025
Celebrating 100 Years in the City of Good Living, 1925 to 2025
San Carlos Turns 100
July 8, 2025
With only 600 residents, a small schoolhouse, and one incredible man, Ed Wheeler, who served as both the police and fire departments, San Carlos took charge of its own future and officially became a city in July 8, 1925. San Carlos officially celebrates its 100th year birthday this 2025.
STORYCORPS
In celebration of our centennial anniversary, the City of San Carlos partnered with StoryCorps to document and archive unique stories about the City of Good Living.
SAN CARLOS CENTENNARIANS
Dorothy Young and Nancy Grandfield
In a heartwarming conversation, San Carlos centenarians Dorothy Young (101) and Nancy Grandfield (100) reflect on a century of life, sharing fond memories of their homes, raising children, and the strong community ties that shaped their experiences. They speak lovingly of their late husbands, the joys of growing old in the same neighborhood, and offer thoughtful advice on longevity and living well.
With humor and grace, they express deep gratitude to The Sequoia Village, a local volunteer group that has helped them maintain independence in their own homes.
ORIGINS OF BELOVED SAN CARLOS TRADITIONS
Dulcie Morrison-Findlay and Dan Young
In a touching reunion after four decades, 94-year-old Dulcie Morrison-Findlay sits down with her former student, Dan Young, to reflect on a lifetime of community service and cherished traditions in San Carlos.
With warmth and clarity, Dulcie shares the origins of beloved local events she helped found—from The Chicken's Ball and Hometown Days to the city’s Christmas tree lighting, Toy Drive, and “Taste of Italy” celebration. She also speaks about her pivotal role in establishing the Sister Cities program and her continued involvement with the Adult Community Center.
DRONE SHOW
If you missed it—or just want to relive the fun—San Carlos Resident, William Zachry captured the most exciting parts of the Centennial Drone Show during Hometown Days, in close proximity.
CENTENNIAL MURAL
The Biggest Mural in the History of the City, by Art Bias
This summer, the heart of Laurel Street will come alive with color and stories. As part of the San Carlos Centennial celebrations, Art Bias, San Carlos’ very own nonprofit arts organization, is leading the creation of a 6,000-square-foot pavement mural, the largest in city history. The mural will stretch from Cherry Street to Harrington Park along the pedestrian-only 700 block of Laurel Street.
The Art Bias team has started scraping the street and applying foundation paint along the 700 block of Laurel Street. Mural painting officially begins in July. For more information, please read updates.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Contribute to the History of San Carlos
Got a piece of San Carlos history we missed? If you know of an important milestone or moment that belongs on our timeline, we’d love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us your story, date, or historical gem—big or small. Let’s build this together and make sure no key chapter gets left out!
HISTORICAL SITE MARKERS
In Celebration of the City of San Carlos' Centennial year, the SCPR have put out historical markers all throughout San Carlos. Have you had a chance to see any of the 23 spots? All locations can be spotted from the yellow sticker on the ground. Scan the QR code and learn a little bit more about all of the locations in San Carlos. Read the guide below.
CALENDAR
STORYCORPS LISTENING PARTY
July 24, Thursday | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Adult Community Center
Join Parks & Recreation and the StoryCorps studio team on Thursday, July 24, for a behind-the-scenes look. You'll learn more about the interview process, hear how StoryCorps creates and stores thousands of memories online and through the Library of Congress, and get a sneak peek at the animated audio cards created using choice clips from five of our San Carlos stories! RSVP online by July 20:
AGENTS OF DISCOVERY
OCTOBER CHALLENGE
Casa De Flores & Downtown
ABOUT AGENTS OF DISCOVERY
A Year-Long Augmented Reality Challenge
Agents of Discovery is a fun, interactive app that brings the city’s history, parks, and community to life through augmented reality. Created by the San Carlos Youth Advisory Council, this year-long game features 12 unique missions released every first day of the month, each set in a different park or local destination.
Players can test their knowledge of San Carlos history, explore their surroundings, and solve custom challenges curated by local organizations. Unlock both digital and real-world rewards. Download Agents of Discovery on the App Store or Google Play and start exploring San Carlos in a whole new way.
MECHANDISE
Centennial Swag Shop
For all your centennial-branded needs! Check out all the fun merchandise you can purchase including sweatshirts, totes, hats and more! Do you have a suggestion for other items you’d like to see in the shop? Email centennial@cityofsancarlos.org
CONTACT US
For questions, please email centennial@cityofsancarlos.org
RESOURCES
