BRENTWOOD, CA – On Monday, January 6, 2025, the City of Brentwood celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Davis Camp Site Historical Display.
The display features three interpretive panels that serve as an educational exhibit, honoring the resilience of Dust Bowl migrants and, at onset of WWII, workers in the Bracero Program who have contributed to Brentwood’s agricultural history. This project, a collaborative effort between the City of Brentwood and the East Contra Costa Historical Society, ensures the legacy of Davis Camp is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Mary Casey Black, president of the East Contra Costa Historical Society, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “East Contra Costa Historical Society truly appreciates the value that the City of Brentwood has placed on local history by bringing this project to reality. History is all around us, and these panels represent one way community members can interact with and learn how their present-day community was shaped by those of the past.”
Davis Camp, originally established in the 1930s by Cal Davis, provided a settlement for families fleeing the hardships of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Located near the intersection of what is now Brentwood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, the camp offered affordable housing for migrant workers employed by East Contra Costa County’s thriving agricultural industry. Over time, Davis camp evolved into a close-knit community where families worked together, created a sense of belonging and demonstrated remarkable resilience during difficult times.
Frank Davis, a descendant of the camp’s founders, shared his personal stories of camp life during the ceremony. His reflections highlighted the vital role Davis Camp played in fostering a strong sense of community and hope.
The East Contra Costa Historical Society played a key role in initiating the project, advocating for the commemoration of Davis Camp. With the support of the Brentwood City Council, the society’s vision was realized through extensive research, collaboration, and thoughtful design.
The Davis Camp Site Historical Display is now open to the public and is located along the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail, situated on the EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) easement near the southeast corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibit and learn about the families who helped shape Brentwood’s agricultural legacy.
Information released by City of Brentwood
