Experts estimate that as many as 3,500 wooden carousels were built at the turn of the 20th century. Only 150 have survived.

When the Marin County town of Mill Valley hosts its Memorial Day Parade on Monday, it will feature a guest of honor more than 100 years old.

Here are a couple of California stories — one about a fading landmark district, the other about a crooked railroad. One is a Southern California classic. The other is in San Francisco’s backyard. It’s ...