Who developed the Meyer Hills subdivision?
As the historian for the City of Sonora, I have often been asked who was the Meyer of Meyer Hills.
I have had to tell them I do not know, and asking other historians found that they were equally unknowing. Turns out that we were looking way too far back, and anyone with a more recent knowledge of Sonora knows the answer.
The Meyer Hills subdivision in Sonora borders Lyons Street, Bald Mountain Road and includes parts of Jackson Street and Oakside Drive.
Henry Wilson “Bill” Meyer and his wife, Veryle Burns Meyer, developed the subdivision which was approved by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors on April 1, 1946. Bill had inherited the property from his parents, John Henry Meyer and Alice Wilson Meyer. John Meyer was a prominent Tuolumne County cattleman, based in Groveland, who inherited a great deal of property in the county from his uncle, Tim Carlon.
Bill, in partnership with local contractor Stewart Mackey, built a few spec homes in the subdivision, but mostly lots were sold to individuals. Prior to its annexation into the City of Sonora, each home had a septic system.
On June 10, 1958, a special election was held to determine if the subdivision should be annexed into the city. As part of the election by the property owners, the vote also stipulated that each lot would be subject to taxation or special assessment for the installation of sewer mains and laterals within the annexed area. The assessment was estimated to be approximately $1,100 per parcel, although a specific amount was not included in the election wording.
The vote was overwhelming, with 92 in favor and six opposed.