The Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) sits among oak, chestnut, and laurel trees and wide-open land about an hour north from San Francisco. It once was a place where thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities lived and learned and built community. SDC was the entire town of Eldridge, and it even had its own ZIP code. Now, SDC is entering a new chapter.
SDC’s Chamberlin Hospital, built in 1927.
Caring for the Past
This location was selected more than 130 years ago by a couple of mothers who wanted a peaceful, natural setting for their children with developmental disabilities. Both Frances H. Bentley and Julia M. Judah were unhappy with the lack of services for their own children. What they found in Eldridge was a quiet, open space where they believed their children could feel safe and cared for.
The history that followed is complex. Some residents experienced care, support, and friendships. Others faced discrimination, loss of freedom, or harmful treatment shaped by the beliefs of the time. These truths are part of California’s story, and they deserve to be told with honesty and care.
A memorial bench sits near the iconic red brick building in remembrance of those individuals who experienced forced sterilizations. Here is a quote from part of the bench’s inscription: “This memorial is in recognition of the survivors and those who have dedicated themselves to educating others on the history of eugenics and deeply harmful sterilization practices to create a more just society.”
SDC originally opened with 148 children. By 1908 it housed 1,358 adults and children. By its 75th anniversary in 1966, SDC was the largest employer in Sonoma County, with about 1,800 staff caring for approximately 3,500 residents.
Designed to be almost self-sufficient, SDC included a farm, dairy, and other industries that provided work and food. It later offered vocational services that created paid jobs for the individuals living there, both on and off the grounds.
Out of SDC and Into the Community
Since 1996, four large developmental centers (DCs), including SDC and one state-operated community facility have been closed. In 2014, a statewide task force released a Plan for the Future of Developmental Centers in California, making recommendations for the future of DC residents and use of the land at these locations.
In partnership with the regional centers, interdisciplinary teams that included individuals and their families went through thoughtful transition planning in preparation for closure of these facilities.
From 1891 to 2018, more than 45,000 people called this place home. On December 17, 2018, the last resident moved out of SDC. Some of them still live nearby and are part of the larger neighboring communities, occasionally recognizing former SDC staff in town.
In 2019, the Department of General Services (DGS) took over management and oversight of the property. Until recently, the Department maintained a small, dedicated team on the campus to support maintenance, operations, and respectful management of the facilities. Many of the buildings at SDC are still standing, including the theater, dining hall, post office, hospital, and residential cottages. There’s also a camp where residents once enjoyed the outdoors located beyond the cemetery.
Remembering the SDC Community
Artwork created by former residents of the Sonoma Developmental Center.
Today, we remember those who lived at SDC through the art they created, the stories shared by former staff and families, and the cemetery where nearly 2,000 people are buried or interred.
The Eldridge Memorial includes a viewing platform, granite plaques with names, and a place to reflect. For years, the cemetery had almost no markers. Many people didn’t even know it was there. That’s starting to change.
Researchers from Sonoma State University are working with families, former staff, and local historians to help preserve this history. Their project builds on years of community effort to remember former residents, especially those who were buried or interred in the Home Cemetery between 1892 and 1960. Their work includes photos, records, and a digital map that shares stories of residents and their resting places.
Details from the Eldridge Cemetery and the Memorial.
You can visit the Eldridge Cemetery and the Memorial by walking Orchard Road in Jack London State Park.
Moving Forward
As the State prepares to transfer this land for future use, we take a moment to honor the people who lived and worked here. In the words of SDC staff, “Many of us, who have spent our entire careers here or even short term, would tell you how truly special the experience has been! Thank you to all for being a part of the SDC Community!” Elderidge Press, December 2018.
Department staff in front of the Professional Education Center (PEC), also known as the Main Building. This photo was taken Jun 5, 2025 during a luncheon in recognition for the SDC staff who were still working at the facility. SDC opened on November 24, 1891. The last day employees will be working on the property will be on Monday, June 30, 2025.
Thank you to the staff who have made these transitions toward this new chapter and supported former residents to find opportunities to live in their communities.