The City of Dixon, in partnership with the Dixon Historical Society, 125 W A St., installed a series of tiles representing Dixon’s long-spanning history on Nov. 1. Each tile, 50 in total, is etched with photographs provided by the Historical Society. Shown is a render of the photos before being turned into tiles. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The City of Dixon, in partnership with the Dixon Historical Society, 125 W A St., recently installed a series of tiles representing Dixon’s long-spanning history.

Each tile is etched with photographs provided by the Historical Society. According to Madeline Graf, Dixon’s Economic Development manager and public information officer, there were several options to consider when working on this project.

“We know we needed 50 tiles to cover the sides, as each tile is one foot,” said Graf. “We originally had a couple different options, so I gave the council four choices: One big photo of what once stood in Pardi Plaza (Pardi Market), agricultural and nature scenes around the area and significant locales, like the May Fair and Milk Farm. We went with the final option, using 50 photos representing Dixon’s heritage.”

The project was initially suggested by council member Jim Ernest in 2021. It was Ernest’s suggestion to partner with the Historical Society in this endeavor. According to Kim Schroeder-Evans, president of the Dixon Historical Society, the organization spent countless hours researching and locating all 50 pictures.

“As board president, my goal was to be sure that all cultural groups who had a part in Dixon's history, as well as the history of the land, were included,” said Schroeder-Evans. “I had to speak in front of the City Council and Mayor to advocate for this and was so happy that they approved our ideas.  The Dixon Historical Society was also so happy that the city gave us the task of selecting the pictures for this project.”

Dixon Economic Development manager and public information officer Madeline Graf cropped, colorized, and sent the photos off to be turned into tiles. The Dixon Historical Society board spent countless hours researching and locating all 50 pictures. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon

Alongside Schroeder-Evans's advocacy for this project, Vice-President Bill Schroeder helped with schools and local businesses, former Secretary Wendy Riedel helped with final selection of pictures and edits, Treasurer Diane Schroeder helped with the initial research and line-up of pictures, former Member-at-Large María López helped advocate for various cultural groups and photo selection and Historical Society member Binky Rowe Eason helped to edit all 50 historical writeups and picture tiles.

After pictures were selected by the Historical Society, Graf was tasked with cropping, colorizing and sending the pictures off to be turned into tiles. According to Graf, this project is significant because Pardi Plaza is significant.

“We use Pardi Plaza all the time for community events,” said Graf. “The place itself is significant to Dixon’s culture and lets people reflect on where we have been and where we are going. I consider Pardi Plaza the cultural hub of Dixon, its central gathering place.”

After this three-year process, both organizations have already begun work on their next projects. The Dixon Historical Society unveiled a “Hammer and Heat: The Legacy of Blacksmithing” exhibit on March 7. The City of Dixon is currently gearing up for Concerts in the Plaza in May, the May Fair, beginning May 8 and Grillin’ and Chillin’ on June 28.

Said Graf “I just wanted to share that we’re really grateful for the Dixon Historical Society. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible to find all the pictures we used and to honor our history.”