WELCOME TO THE RAMONA TOWN HALL

The People's Hall

Celebrating the Stories of the Ramona Town Hall

Ramona, California, carries a history as layered and resilient as the landscape that surrounds it. Long before the town took shape, the region was home to the Kumeyaay Nation—skilled, semi‑nomadic people who moved with the seasons and left behind a legacy of rock art, grinding stones, and cultural traditions that still echo through the valley

Modern Ramona emerged in the 1880s. The first spark came in 1883 when Amos Verlaque built a small store and post office, establishing a settlement known as Nuevo, or “New Town.” Just a few years later, land developer Milton Santee purchased acreage in the area and renamed the community Ramona, inspired by the heroine of Helen Hunt Jackson’s popular novel. The book had captivated the nation and fueled romantic interest in Southern California, helping draw new settlers to the region.

For decades, Ramona remained a quiet, rural community. By the 1970s, the population hovered around 5,000, but the town soon experienced a dramatic surge, growing more than 500% by the 1990s. Agriculture shaped much of its early identity; at one point, Ramona proudly held the title “Turkey Capital of the World,” a nod to the thriving turkey ranches that dotted the valley. Ramona also boasts over 40 wineries, over 15 farm stands, animal sanctuaries, rolling green hills, white picket fences, and lovely farm-to-table restaurants on Main Street.

As Ramona grew, so did the desire to protect its heritage. In 1970, the Ramona Pioneer Historical Society was founded to safeguard the stories, artifacts, and landmarks that define the town’s character.

Past, Present, and Future...

DID YOU KNOW?

The Town Hall was used as a theater in the 1940s, with Harry Miles running the movie projector. It also was known as the community dance hall and the site of costume balls.

Great Gift for the History Lover in Your Life

On Memories Back Trail

A Story History of Ramona and the Backcountry of San Diego County, written by Charles Darrell Beck.

On Memory’s Back Trail is a story about the pioneers who settled Ramona and the backcountry of San Diego County. It focuses on the early development of Ramona through the height of the agricultural period. It is also intended to be a record of tribute to many of the people who most influenced the author’s life.

Purchase

The author conveys his personal impressions, describing the mood of those times based on his acquaintance with many of the pioneers and/or their descendants, including his maternal grandparents and family members who settled in the area in 1917. Adding to a lifetime of experiences, observations, and interviews, including some personal opinions and philosophy, the author has conducted an extensive study of Ramona Sentinel archives and has included in the book many colorful excerpts from that publication.

Because of their dedication, the people of Ramona have always had a place to meet, to laugh, to support one another, and to feel at home. The Town Hall is more than a building; it is a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a community that continues to thrive because of the foundations laid long ago.