Editing Novato, California (section)

===Modern era===
The [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]] of the 1930s had a marked effect on the area, as many farmers lost their land. After [[World War II]], Novato grew quickly with the construction of tract homes and a freeway. As the area was unincorporated, much of the growth was unplanned and uncontrolled.

Novato was finally [[municipal corporation|incorporated]] as a city in 1960.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofnovato.org/prcs/museum.cfm|title=Early Novato Area History|access-date=December 6, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123040711/http://www.cityofnovato.org/prcs/museum.cfm|archive-date=November 23, 2007}}</ref> One of the most important events of the time (1960 to 1965) was "Western Weekend". Beard-growing contests, sponsored by Bob's Barber Shop, and many other odd activities helped to bring this community together.