Local History Is In Good Hands

Downtown Larkspur might look a lot different without the Lark Theater, without some of the historic buildings, without the efforts of Nancy Curley.

Curley has worked for the past 41 years to put Larkspur on the map, and she has, with several state and national historic landmarks.

"Even though this sounds like it was a lot of work, it was a lot of fun. Getting to know the comity was the best part," Curley said.

Curley is resigning her post on the Larkspur Heritage Preservation Board, but she can't slip quietly into the pages of history. Her friends won't let her. February 15, 2012 was named Nancy Curley Day in a special meeting of the Larkspur City Council on Wednesday.

"Whereas, Nancy (Curley) and colleague Helen Heitkamp, responding to a 1971 Larkspur Town Meeting challenge to form a volunteer committee to deal with the renovation and beautification of what was called Larkspur's 'shabby' downtown, created a preservation movement that continues today," the resolution honoring Curley reads in part.

Curley is credited with creating Larkspur's original Historic Inventory and for getting the Dolliver House, Alexander Avenue Bridge, Remillard Brick Kiln and Stack and Remillard Cottage on the National Register of Historic Places.

Her most recent work is displayed within the pages of the latest edition of "Larkspur Past and Present," a publication which she first helped put together in 1971 as a history and walking tour book.

"Working will all of you, accomplishing things — big and little — has added a tremendous amount to my life," Curley said.