Woodside (Images of America)

Nestled in the foothills of the San Francisco Peninsula, just north of Silicon Valley, is the small community of Woodside, which insists on being called a town. Herein are the tales of the indigenous Ohlone culture, Spanish and Mexican periods, logging of the magnificent redwoods, settlement by European and other pioneers, and Woodside’s incorporation as a town. There are no traffic lights, sidewalks, or roads named “streets,” making Woodside seem anachronistic. Horses have the right-of-way, and the main road through town, a state highway, is closed for the annual May Day Parade. Defining rural may be elusive, yet residents would agree that the narrow roads, open spaces, and plentiful trees contribute to its rural character.