Sherman Oaks, and The Myth of California

Questions like the significance of where we come from become more important as we come to need elder care. Sherman Oaks, CA seniors may wonder where the name “Sherman Oaks” came from, or even “California.”

Well, research can be done on the internet, with the aid of an excellent senior care services provider. Or, if you rely on the caring, trained, licensed, and bonded CAREGivers of Home Instead, they can do more. Our CAREGivers can give rides for seniors near Sherman Oaks, CA. The local library would then be accessible, where much more in-depth research can be conducted.

But to whet the appetite of those in senior care in Sherman Oaks, CA, the “Sherman” in Sherman Oaks comes from General Moses Hazeltine Sherman. Sherman was the man who developed what is now Sherman Oaks back in the early 20th century. But that isn’t all that he did. He also was a major developer of Hollywood, and the rail system that enabled all the regional growth.

Now, with a title like “General,” you might think his earlier career was as a military man, perhaps during the Spanish-American War. Or maybe he chased Pancho Villa all over northern Mexico. That, however, is not the case. He was an educator, originally from Vermont.

But to get the rest of the story, work with your Home Instead senior day care provider to find out the rest of the story.

As for the name of California, this one is a bit more straightforward. When the Spanish ruled from Mexico City, they named the two provinces on the northwestern corner of their territory “Alta California” and “Baja California.” “Alta” and “baja,” of course, just mean “upper” and “lower.”

But “California” comes from an ancient Spanish mythological story. There was a queen named Calafia who ruled over an island named “California.” This island was populated by powerful women, who lived much like the Amazons of Greek and Roman mythology.

This mythological island of California was reputedly very beautiful. Also, since the Baja California peninsula was thought to be an island for many years, the idea of calling the region “California” after the island of the myth made sense.

Both names, the mythological “California,” and the more mundane “Sherman Oaks,” have stories behind them that are worth looking up. Rely on your CAREGiver from Home Instead to help you find out more!

Call Home Instead today for a virtual or in-home assessment, 818-988-6848.