Tales of the small community of Kentfield, beginning with the Coast Miwok and moving into the 1800s, growing in fits and starts, punctuated with celebrations and setbacks, and stories of suburban Greenbrae, carefully and thoughtfully planned, beginning in the middle of the 20th century, are included in the inaugural stand-alone history of the two communities, In the Heart of Marin: The History of Kentfield and Greenbrae by Marin author and historian Dewey Livingston. Also highlighted is the history of the Kentfield School District. A reproduction of local artist George Demont Otis’ depiction of Mt. Tamalpais graces the book’s cover.

 

In addition to Livingston’s extensive research, Kentfield Greenbrae Historical Society research committee members, trained by Livingston, have, along with the author himself, conducted interviews with a variety of longtime residents of Kentfield and Greenbrae. (Additional interviews of Kent alumni from over the past 70 years were conducted by Kent Middle School 8th graders.) The resulting oral histories have been incorporated into Livingston’s history of the two communities and add a delightful sense of place to the work. Stories of long-ago childhood adventures in both Kentfield and Greenbrae rub shoulders with the intent and vision of the founders of the two communities.