Ferndale in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Ferndale Memorial Day Parade

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

1. Ferndale Memorial Day Parade Marker

Inscription. The Memorial Day Parade, previously known as the Decoration Day Parade, in Ferndale began in 1882, when the participants were mainly Civil War Veterans who organized themselves as the Grand Army of the Republic. In the early 1900s, the Native Sons of the Golden West, Ferndale Parlor #93 began oversight of the Memorial Day Parade in Ferndale, proudly assuming responsibility from the Grand Army of the Republic as their numbers began to dwindle. After World War 2, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars joined ranks with the Native Sons to continue the celebration.

Each year, residents and individuals throughout Humbolt County gather on Main Street to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. The Parade proceeds to Ocean Avenue and then to the Ferndale Cemetery where the Memorial Day Services are held. The Memorial Day Parade in Ferndale is recognized as one of the oldest, continuous Memorial Day Parades in California.

Erected 2020 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number GPY-23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations

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• Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.

Location. 40° 34.459′ N, 124° 15.82′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. It can be reached from Ocean Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s North Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast

and in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ferndale Cemetery (here, next to this marker); A. Berding House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Danish Hall (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named The Danish Hall

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

2. Ferndale Memorial Day Parade Marker

(about 400 feet away); Ferndale Masonic Hall (about 500 feet away); The Victorian Inn (about 600 feet away); Centerville Beach Cross (about 600 feet away); Joseph C. Oeschger Field (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

Ferndale Cemetery entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

3. Ferndale Cemetery entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2023, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2023, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.