Back by popular demand and just in time for the holidays, the East Contra Costa Historical Society (ECCHS) calendar is now available for purchase, and this year’s edition is better than ever.

“We’ve received such a good response from the community. People really enjoy these calendars,” said calendar creator and ECCHS member Kathy Leighton. “Longtime residents love the pictures from the good old days and newer residents like a peek at local history. This year, we’ve added even more historical facts.”

This year’s calendar, printed on a higher quality paper, features local historical dates as well as an array of fun facts, such as state history (California adopted the bear flag on Feb. 3, 1911) and patent dates (the bicycle was patented on June 26, 1918). The calendar also includes the birthdates of all United States’ presidents.

As Leighton and ECCHS members continue to dig through archives and newly donated historical materials, they maintain a list of significant local historical dates to include in future calendars. After receiving a historical memorabilia trove from the late Bob Gromm’s estate, Leighton has already begun compiling dates for the 2013 edition.

This year’s calendar includes interesting local tidbits such as the opening of the Oakley post office on Sept. 9, 1898 and the birth of renowned local teacher Edna Hill on March 13, 1892.

“As we research, we’re always finding new things about the community,” Leighton said. “Some bits of history don’t have a particular date, but we’ve tucked in these little fun facts here and there. My favorite is that the Brentwood city budget was $28,550 in 1948. Today, it’s in the millions. It’s amazing how times have changed.”

Each month of the calendar is highlighted by a historical photo. This year’s images include the Bethel Island Bridge, the Liberty High School class of 1911 and a vintage shot of Oak Street in Brentwood, of particular interest when compared to the recent downtown renovations.

Leighton expects people will most like the 1926 photo of a group of packing sheds known as the Arbor, located on Lone Tree Way where the Valley Oak Nursery stands today. “I think a lot of the old-timers are going to like this photo best,” said Leighton, “because a lot of them will remember working there as children.”

The 2012 ECCHS calendar costs $10 and is available for purchase at the Brentwood Press offices, 248 Oak St., or by calling Leighton at 925-634-0917.