Sonoma County CA Archives History - Books .....Petaluma Township, Part 3 1880
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Book Title: History Of Sonoma County

   Methodist Episcopal Church, Petaluma.—The Methodist Episcopal church was the
first to organize and erect a church edifice in Petaluma. The history of the
organization is as follows: The first Protestant services ever had in Sonoma
county were held at Sonoma in the Fall of 1849, by the Rev. A. J. Heustis, a
Methodist preacher from Wisconsin. In 1851 Rev. Isaac Owen organized that region
north of the Bay of San Francisco, including Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Lake,
Sonoma, and Marin counties, into a circuit, and Rev. S. D. Simondo was placed in
charge. This circuit comprised ten appointments, viz.: Martinez, Benicia,
Suisun, Vallejo, Napa City, Harbin's, Kellogg's, Sonoma, Bodega, and Russian
River, and to go once around it required over two hundred miles of travel. On
Friday, May 2, 1851, the first camp-meeting ever held in California was begun
about one mile from the town of Sonoma.

   Rev. S. D. Simonds was succeeded on this circuit by Rev. James Corwin, Rev.
Alexander McLean, and Rev. J. R. Tansey.

   In 1853, Bodega circuit was set off from the original large territory
mentioned above. Bodega circuit included Petaluma, all the Bodega country,
Russian River, Anderson and Big River valleys. Rev. A. L. S. Bateman was placed
in charge. In February, 1854, Bodega circuit ceased to exist, and out of it were
formed Marin mission (which included Petaluma) and the Russian River circuit.
Rev. J. Speck was in charge of the Marin mission. In August, 1855, a church was
organized at Petaluma and a building erected shortly after, which is still
standing on Fourth street and is used as an engine house. In 1858 Petaluma was
discontinued from the circuit and became a station. From the organization of the
church to the present time the pastorates have been as follows: Revs. James
Hunter, two years; W. J. Maclay, two years; D. A. Dryden, one year; J. McH.
Caldwell, one year; J. W. Stump, two years; I. M. Leihy, one year; E. S.
Lippitt, two years-Wesley Peck, one year; R. W. Williamson, two years; W. S.
Turner, two years; J. L. Trefren, two years; A. J. Nelson, two years; George
Clifford, three years; E. R. Dille, one year (the present pastor), which brings
the record up to 1879.

   The church has now the largest membership, two hundred, of any Protestant
place of worship in the city, while it has a Sunday School with an enrollment of
about two hundred, and an average attendance of one hundred and fifty.

   The church building, on the northwest corner of Keller street and Western
avenue, was begun in 1865, and finished in 1874, during the pastorate of the
Rev. A. J. Nelson. It is of brick, gothic in style of architecture, is
eighty-five by fifty-six feet in dimensions, and thirty-five feet from floor to
ceiling. It is handsomely finished and furnished, and is lighted with gas, by
means of two large sun burners. It has gallery, orchestra and class-rooms. The
building was erected at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars, and the trustees
are William Zartman, D. G. Heald, J. H. Ranard, R. Haskins, D. S. Dickson, J.
Harmon, J. F. Howard and H. T. Fairbanks.

   The First Baptist Church,, Petaluma.—On Sabbath, the 17th day of July, 1853,
in Bodega, Sonoma county, upon a call made by Rev. A. A. Guernsey, the following
brethren and sisters presented themselves for the purpose of being organized
into a Baptist Church: John C. Hughes, Jane Hughes, Worham Easley, Elizabeth A.
Easleyr, Ari Hopper, Susannah Hopper. The Church was duly organized as the First
Baptist Church of Bodega. Rev. A. A. Guernsey was elected Pastor, and Worham
Easley, Clerk. Articles of Faith and Practice were adopted.

   The next, meeting was held August 14, 1853, when it was voted to hold
meetings at such places as may be from time to time designated.

   The Church held its regular monthly meetings at Bodega until the second
Saturday in October, 1853, when it was voted to adjourn, to meet in Petaluma.
The meetings were continued in Petaluma statedly. On the Saturday before the
first Sabbath in November, 1854, the Church, by vote, changed the name from the
First Baptist Church of Bodega to the First Baptist Church of Petaluma. John C.
Hughes and Worham Easley had been elected deacons September 10, 1853, and served
as such since. Several new members had been received since its organization, so
that the constituent members of the First Baptist Church of Petaluma were as
follows:—

   Rev. A. A. Guernsey, Pastor; John C. Hughes, Deacon; Worham Easley, Deacon
and Clerk. Members: Rev. A. A. Guernsey, John C. Hughes, Jane Hughes, Worham
Easley, Elizabeth A. Easley, Ari Hopper, Susannah Hopper, Hannah Clymer,
Susannah Lindsley, Margaret Corrothers,, William Conloy, Elizabeth Conley, Sarah
Heald, Flemming Spencer, Nancy C. Renarde, Rachael G. Randolph, Israel T. Duval,
Michael Barnes, Margaret A. Corrothers, Elizabeth Hootin, Mary A. Thompson. In
February, 1855, a movement was set on foot to secure a suitable lot and procure
funds to erect a meeting-house. In March, 1855, a corporation by the name of the
Baptist Church and Society was formed, with James Hogal, William Conley and Mr.
Mathews as Trustees, Flemming Spencer, Clerk, and Deacon Michael Barnes,
Treasurer. During the year 1857, a church edifice, forty by sixty feet, was
completed, with a seating capacity of about four hundred-The same edifice, with
some improvements, remains to the present time. The Rev. A. A. Guernsey remained
pastor until August 1, 1857, when his resignation was accepted. During his
pastorate, one hundred and seven members were added to the church, including the
constituent members* During the pastorate of Rev. A. A. Guernsey, very
successful protracted meetings were held at the Liberty school house, and camp
meetings near Stony Point, where large accessions were made to the church by
them. The church was without a pastor until November 14, 1859, when C. W. Rees
was elected. He remained pastor until March 9, 1861. Seventeen members were
received during his pastorate. Rev. H. Richardson supplied the church for six
months from August 3, 1861. Rev. J. A. Davidson served the church as pastor from
April 2, 1864, to February 11, 1865. Rev. B. S. McLafFerty was elected pastor
and commenced his labors the first of January, 1866, and continued until January
1, 1869. This was an era of prosperity to the church. One hundred and fourteen
members were added to the church. Rev. James D. P. Hungate served as pastoral
supply from February 11,1869, to August 1, 1869. Rev. J. W. Johnson was pastor
from October 6, 1869, to October, 1871. There were fifteen additions to the
church during the pastorate of Mr. Johnson. Rev. J. H. Ruby was supply from
December 10, 1871, for about a year. The church depended upon supplies from this
date until 1877, and was very much reduced in membership and discouraged in
consequence. Rev. A. Hitchcock served as pastor from January 6, 1877, to
November 30, 1878. During the labors of Rev. A. Hitchcock, a troublesome debt of
several hundred dollars was paid, through the indefatigable labors of Mr. and
Mrs. Hitchcock and the church. Rev. Winfield Scott commenced his labors as
pastor March 1, 1879, and is pastor at the present time. There have been
twenty-three additions to the church since March 1st, and the church is prompt
in meeting all of its financial obligations. Its present membership is seventy.
It sustains a Sunday School, and is prospering. It has a good church edifice,
which has been recently repaired and refurnished, and is wholly out of debt.

   Rev. Winfield Scott was born February 26, 1837, in Novi, Oakland countv,
Michigan. He was the son of James B. Scott, a farmer. In 1845, he moved with his
father's family to Ovid, Seneca county, New York. He entered the University of
Rochester, New York, in 1855, and graduated from this institution in the class
of 1859. He graduated from the Rochester Theological Seminary July 11, 1861. On
the day of his graduation he was united in marriage to Helen L. Brown, of
Spencerport, New York. Miss Brown was a talented, highly educated young lady,
who had been teaching for some time in a ladies' seminary in Buffalo, New York.
Soon after graduation he accepted the pastorate of the Second Baptist Church,
Syracuse, New York, where he remained one year. Under the first call of
President Lincoln for three hundred thousand troops he went to Seneca county
among his his friends, and in seven days' time enlisted a maximum company for
the one hundred and twenty-sixth regiment N. Y. Y. I. Was mustered as Captain
with his company in the United States Army, August 9, 1862. His church
manufactured for and presented to him a beautiful sword, with the following
inscription wrought into the blade: "Presented by the Baptist Church, Syracuse,
to their Pastor, Winfield Scott," which Mr. Scott carried through the war and
still possesess. He was severely wounded in the battle of Harper's Ferry,
September 12, 1862, was taken prisoner and paroled. He returned to his regiment
January 3, 1863, and did duty on crutches for several months. He was appointed
Assistant Provost Marshal of Abercrombie's Division, with headquarters at
Centerville, Vermont, and remained until the Army of the Potomac went to
Gettysburg. In the battle of Gettysburg he was slightly wounded twice, and came
out of the battle in command of his regiment. He commanded the one hundred and
twenty-sixth regiment in several battles during the year 1863, and through the
battles of the Wilderness, Po river, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, in 1864. On
the charge of May 12, 1864, of General Hancock's corps, he was struck in the
breast over the heart, by a musket-ball, the force of which was spent on a
handkerchief and testament in his side pocket. On the 18th of May following,
while charging a battery he was struck by a shell and lost his right thigh. On
account of this he was discharged at Anapolis, Maryland, in October, by order of
the Secretary of War, special orders No. 265. He immediately returned to the
Theological Seminary, and remained there till January 1, 1865, when he went to
Leavenworth, Kansas, as pastor of the Baptist Church. He remained there for six
years, building a beautiful church edifice, at a cost of sixty-five thousand
dollars, and gathered a large and flourishing church. He accepted the pastorate
of the church in Denver, Colorado, January 1871, and was elected Chaplain of the
Upper House of the Colorado Legislature in January 1871. He remained in Denver
four years, gathering a large church and building the chapel to a church at a
cost of sixteen thousand dollars. He came to California in October, 1875, and
soon after became the editor of the Evangel, the denominational paper of the
Baptists. During the year 1877, he was pastor of the church of Los Angeles,
California. In the Fall of 1878, was associate pastor with Rev. I. S. Kalloch,
D. D., of the Metropolitan Temple, San Francisco, and by mutual agreement came
to Petaluma in February, to take charge of the Baptist Church that had been
closed for a year. He is now forty-two years of age, in the prime and strength
of life, and full of heart, hope and good will. His wife has proven a true
help-mate, a prudent and wise counsellor, ever entering heartily into sympathy
with him in his life work. He has two children living—two daughters—one aged
fourteen and one eleven. He has buried two younger children, one in Denver and
one in Southern California.

   The Bell in the Baptist Church at Petaluma.—The bell which hangs in the
steeple of the Baptist church of Petaluma has a remarkable history; a history
which will within a century make it as famous in California as the old Liberty
Bell of Philadelphia. It is a pure metal bell manufactured by Hopper & Company
of Boston, Mass., and weighs about eleven hundred and fifty pounds. It is the
identical bell owned and used by the famous Vigilance Committee in the historic
days of 1856. It was then rung by the Committee when William T. Coleman was its
President. Those were days that tried the souls of San Francisco's best men; and
days that tried the necks of San Francisco's worst men. At its faithful and
significant call, the watchful servants of the people's interest gathered for
council and for war. It sounded in its solemn toll the death knell of many a
rascal and lawless villain. Its silvery tones proclaimed peace and victory to
the upright and good, and struck terror to the hearts of the vicious, the
lawless and bad. In 1858 the citizens of Petaluma, without regard to church,
raised a fund to purchase a bell to be placed in the Baptist church, for the
benefit of the church and the accommodation of the town. A committee of citizens
went to San Francisco and purchased the old Vigilance Committee bell of Conroy &
O'Conner, paying five hundred and fifty dollars therefor. It was accounted one
of the sweetest sounding bells in the whole country. When rung, it could be
heard with distinctness from eight to ten miles. It was used by the citizens for
a long while as a time bell and was rung at six in the morning, twelve noon and
six in the evening. During the great excitement of the war of the rebellion, it
was rung frequently when victory crowned the armies of the Union. This became—as
was natural—a source of annoyance to many who sympathized with the South, and
especially those who had paid liberally towards its purchase. Accordingly in
1864, everything was made ready and early one morning the historic and annoying
old bell came down from the steeple and was conveyed quietly by a back street to
a public warehouse, where strict orders were given not to allow any one to take
it. This aroused the ire of the opposing party, and preparations were made for
its recapture. The following day about forty, among them many of the leading
business men, went at midday and took possession of the bell, and hoisting above
it the American flag, it was taken through the main street and replaced in the
church again where its silvery tones rung out loud and long and clear. The
American flag was placed upon the steeple above it. Soon after, at the midnight
hour, the old bell (as one party declares) sounded once, and its silvery tones
were forever silenced. In the morning it was found that it had been broken. The
other party say they "reckon" that the continual jubilee ringing was too much
for it, and so it was shamefully broken. Ever since, the old broken bell has
thugged away in the steeple, reminding the old residents by its dead tones of
its significant history, and awakening the wonder of the new-comer why such an
old cracked institution is tolerated in such an enterprising town. Arrangements
are being made by the Pastor of the church to dispose of it or have it recast.
It really should be kept as a souvenir in the Pioneer Society of the State, for
about it will gather in years to come historic memories and reminiscences that
will be priceless in history. Who, will see that it is secured and preserved?

   Methodist Church, South.—This church, which is situated on the southeast
corner of Liberty street and Western avenue, Petaluma, was the outgrowth of the
labors of Samuel Brown, who came to this city by direction of the Pacific
Conference, commenced preaching in the Fall of 1859, and finally established a
church under the rules and regulations of the above-named body. The organization
was represented by about twenty-five members, who held their firsc- services in
the Baptist church and McCune's Hall until the present edifice was erected in
the year 1860. This structure is forty by sixty feet, built of brick, and has a
seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. As has been remarked, Samuel Brown
was the pastor from the Fall of 1859; these duties he continued until 1856, when
he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Emory for one year; Rev. J. C. Simmonds,
1863-4-5; Rev. A. P. Anderson, 1866; Rev. W. F. Compton, 1867; Rev. J. Alsanson,
1868; Rev. Samuel Brown, 1869; Rev. George Sim, 1870; Rev. B. F.Burris, 1871;
Rev. — Mason, 1872; Rev. — Howell, 1873; Rev. S. W. Davis, 1874; Rev. J. K. P.
Price, 1875-6; Rev. P. F. Page, 1877; Rev. R. F. Allen, 1878-9. The Church
Trustees are: J. A. Pay ton, A. F. Bradley, M. H. Falkner, Samuel Jennison, F.
W. Shattuck, J. M. Preston; Stewards: J. A. Pay ton, A. F. Bradley, M, H.
Falkner, Samuel Jennison, Samuel Robberts, and J. M. Preston. The present
membership of the church is seventy-eight, and the average attendance at
Sunday-school is fifty-five, J. M. Preston being the Superintendent thereof.

   St. John's Episcopal Church.—The lot on which this church stands was
purchased by I. G. Wickersham and D. D. Carder on June 9, 1858, for the sum of
two hundred dollars, and the building was therefore immediately proceeded with.
The church is gothic in its style of architecture, with a seating capacity of
from three to four hundred. The interests of the parish of St. John were first
entrusted to Rev. G. B. Taylor, who after a time was succeeded by the Rev. Mr.
Smeathman, the vestry being at that period composed of Messrs. Huie, Wickersham,
Carder, Weston, Sprague, Sweetland and Cooper. Messrs. Carder, Cooper, Sprague
and Wickersham being nominated Treasurer, Secretary, and Wardens respectively.
On January 29, 1860, the church was declared ready for consecration, which was
duly done by the Right Reverend W. Ingraham Kip, Bishop of the Diocese of
California, before a large congregation. On July 15, 1860, the time for which
the Rev. Mr. Smeathman had been engaged having lapsed, a successor was desired
to take his place. One was found in the person of the Rev. Mr. Jackson, who was
inducted to the pulpit of St. John's on September 23,1861. On November 10, 1863,
Rev. David J. Lee became Rector of the parish: he resigned, April 14, 1864, when
Rev. George Whipple, a brother of the distinguished Bishop of that name,
occupied the pulpit temporarily. On December 18, 1865, it was resolved to call
the Rev. George H. Jenks to the parish; he remained until January, 1874, when
the pulpit was filled from Sunday to Sunday till August 30th of that year, when
the Rev. Thomas Smith entered upon the duties, which he resigned on July 9,
1876, and was succeeded by Rev. George B. Allen, the present Rector, in the
month of November of the same year.

   The Public Schools of Petaluma.—The people of Petaluma are noted for their
interest in the cause of public education. Several private educational
institutions have been started at various times, with well trained instructors
and extensive advantages, offering splendid opportunities for education. But the
people have uniformly turned to the public institutions with their patronage,
and for the education of their children, until now there is left, with the
exception of the excellent school of the Sisters of Mercy, and of Miss Martin,
which draw much of their patronage from the country, and average together not
more than seventy or eighty pupils, none but the public institutions of
learning. The history of these we shall essay to give in this short chapter. In
so doing, we labor under some disadvantage, for in one of the great fires of
Petaluma were destroyed all the records of the Board of Education, containing
the data so valuable in compiling facts in relation to schools. We have,
however, been aided by the memory of some of Petaluma's citizens, in acquiring
what data we are able here to present.

   The first public school was opened in a little wooden, one-room school-house,
located on the site of the splendid edifice now occupied by the Grammar Department.

   Among its early teachers was A. B. Bowers, well known to all old residents of
the county, as the Sonoma county map man.

   This small house, surrounded by a paling fence, dusty and uneven streets and
unattractive grounds, could not long serve the purpose of the then rapidly
growing town. It was enlarged several times, to meet the wants of the city,
until in 1857 or 1858, it became patent to all that some better and more
appropriate accommodation must be made for the constantly increasing number of
pupils. At an election held for the purpose, a tax was voted to build a new
school-house.

   Dr. Samuel Brown, George B. Williams and W. L. Van Doren were then trustees
of the school district which included much of the adjacent country extending
from San Antonio Creek to some distance east, west and north of town, and taking
in the present districts of San Antonio and Marin, and portion of Bliss, Payran
and Walker.

   These gentlemen concluded that the better way to construct a school building
for a growing city like Petaluma was to, in their plans, foreshadow some of the
future wants of the department. They accordingly began the erection of a
building which was destined to exceed in cost the amount voted by the people.

   The wisdom of this act has been amply attested to by the subsequent growth of
the schools. But the people of the district at that time were not possessed of
sanguine faith in the prophetic visions of the worthy Board of Trustees, and
when Messrs. Brown, Williams and Van Doren were compelled to pay the additional
cost of some eight or nine hundred dollars, they, with an illiberality that has
never since marked their interest in public education and that leaves the only
blot upon the history of education in the fair city, refused to vote an
additional appropriation to reimburse the members of the Board.

   The regard and gratitude of the people, for this act of these early friends
of education, have been manifested in a touching manner since. In the cemetery
at Cypress Hill stands a marble shaft, erected to Dr. Brown, on which is
inscribed, "The Children's Friend." This beautiful tribute to the worthy man
whose whole life was marked with noble interest in the education of youth, was
erected by the children themselves, by ten cent subscriptions, and it speaks
more than words the feelings which the self-sacrifice of those gentlemen aroused
in the people of the city.

   As I have said before, the increase in pupils was destined-to fill even this
building, and not many years elapsed after its erection in 1859 until it became
too small indeed to accommodate the increase. Three one-class primary school
buildings were erected in the suburbs of the city to accommodate the primary
pupils, and the city was divided into four districts for those who attended the
primary grades. In 1870 the main brick building was altered from a six to a
seven-class building, and in 1872 to an eight-class building.

   In 1873 the Board of Education purchased for a high school the handsome
Gothic edifice erected by Prof. E. S. Lippitt on D street, for a private
academy, in 1868.

   Teachers.—To attempt a list of teachers who have been employed in the schools
would occupy too much space and probably be beyond our power. Among them were^
Mrs. A. A. Haskell, Mrs. J. E. Woodworth, Prof. E. S. Lippitt, who taught as
principal for four years. Prof. Brodt, now of Oakland, Prof. J. W. Anderson, C.
E. Hutton, C. H. Crowell, and J. W. McClymonds. To the efforts of these much of
the good condition of the schools at the present time is due.

   Mrs. A. A. Haskell was for a long time one of the leading: assistants in the
school, and for a time Principal.

   Prof. E. S. Lippitt, now engaged in the practice of law in this city, was
Principal from 1863 to 1867. He was succeeded by Prof. Brodt, who taught one
year and was succeeded by Prof. J. W. Anderson, now Principal of the Spring
Valley School in San Francisco. Prof. Anderson is a man whose administrative
ability is excelled by no teacher in the State. He completed the task of
systematizing the school work in the five years that he was Principal, 1868 to
1873. Of the fifteen teachers now engaged in the Petaluma schools, ten were the
pupils of Prof. Anderson during the time he was here, and all over the county,
and in fact all over the State, do you find those who stepped from the
school-room under his tuition into the schoolroom as instructors. C. H. Crowell
succeeded him in 1873.

   In this year the High School, which up to this time had been under the same
Principal as the grammar and primary departments, was put under a separate
Principal. Professor C. E. Hutton was chosen by the Board to take charge of it.

   To Mr. Crowell's charge were assigned the grammar and primary departments.
Professor Crowell taught one year, and was succeeded by J. W. McClymonds, who,
at the end of four months, was elected Principal of the High School, to succeed
Dr. T. H. Rose, the successor of Professor Hutton. M. E. C. Munday, the present
incumbent, succeeded Mr. McClymonds in November, 1874, and has held the position
for the past five years. The schools under his charge are divided into eight
grades, the first four constituting the grammar department, and the last four
the primary department. In his department are thirteen teachers, M. E. C. Munday
being Principal and teacher of the first grade. The Vice-Principal is Mrs. J. E.
Woodworth; she teaches in the second grade. She has been in the department to
the satisfaction of every patron of the school for the past fourteen years.
Miss Eliza Robinson has charge of the third grade; Miss Marilla Canun of fourth
grade, Miss Rosa Haskins of the fifth grade, Miss Hat tie Fuller of the sixth
grade, Miss Sallie E. Hall of the seventh grade, Miss Jennie E. Davis of the
eighth grade—all of these being teachers in the brick school.

   In the High School building is a class composed of the overplus of grades of
the brick school. This year it is composed of the overplus from the fifth and
third, but next year it may be of some other grades, varying according to -the
manner in which the various grades fill up yearly. It is presided over by Miss
J. E. Anderson, daughter of Professor J. W. Anderson, the former Principal.

   There are also three primary schools already mentioned, situated in the
suburbs of the city for the accommodation of the small primary pupils. One in
East Petaluma is taught by Miss Helen Singley; one on F street, by Miss Carrie
Hammond; and one on the hill in the north-west part of the city by Miss Libbie
Colvin.

On D street is a school provided in accordance with the provisions of the law
for the separate instruction of colored children, presided over by Miss Louisa
M. Dixon, also colored.

   We take the following from the annual report of the Principal of the grammar
and primary departments for the year ending June, 1879: Whole number pupils
enrolled, seven hundred and twenty-eight; average number pupils belonging, five
hundred and sixteen and six-tenths; average daily attendance, four hundred and
eighty-five and three-tenths; percentage of attendance, ninety-five; whole
number of tardiness, one thousand, five hundred and seventy-six; whole number of
days absence, four thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight.

   The High School.—The High School was opened as a separate school in 1873,
with Professor C. E. Hutton as principal. Professor Hutton remained in charge
for one year, and then resigned to take a position as cashier of the Healdsburg
Bank. He was succeeded by Dr. T. H. Rose, who taught but four months and
resigned. J. W. McClymonds, who had been principal of the grammar department for
four months, succeeded Dr. Rose, and continued as principal until he resigned in
June, 1877, to engage in the dry goods business. Professor Hutton again took
charge, and is the present incumbent, with his wife as assistant. Since the
first year the school has required the labor of two teachers. We take the
following from Professor Hutton's annual report for the school year ending June,
1879: whole number of pupils enrolled, seventy-four; average number of pupils
belonging, fifty-eight and eight-tenths; average daily attendance, fifty seven
and seven-tenths; per cent of attendance, ninety-eight and one-tenth. Pupils
enter this school on a certificate of graduation from the Grammar School. The
course embraces the usual academic work, and is the connecting link between the
grammar schools and the university. It embraces all the studies necessary to fit
one for any of the colleges of the university.

   School Buildings.—These have been alluded to in this article in brief. The
High School building is situated on D street. It is of Gothic architecture,
containing two class-rooms on the first floor, two on the second, and a
commodious though unfinished hall on the third.

   The one on the corner of B and Fifth streets, and occupied by the Grammar
School, is of brick, two stories in height, and contains eight class-rooms, with
accommodation for fifty in each room.

   The Primary school-houses already mentioned are one-class houses, with
accommodation for sixty pupils each, and are three in number.

   All the rooms, except the three last mentioned, are provided with patent
single seats and desks. The school grounds of the Grammar and High Schools are
divided into separate grounds for boys and girls, and each of these into a front
and back yard, the front yard being handsomely ornamented with trees, flowers,
shrubbery, and grass plots, the pride of citizens teachers and pupils.

   The value of school property, according to an approximate estimate, is as
follows: High School property, fifteen thousand dollars; Grammar School
property, forty thousand dollars; outside property, eight thousand dollars;
total valuation, sixty-three thousand dollars. The cost of maintaining the
schools is about thirteen thousand dollars per annum, assuming ten thousand and
five hundred dollars for teachers' salaries, three hundred and sixty dollars for
janitors, and the balance for incidentals, improvements, etc. The revenue for
their support is derived from the State and county apportionments, and from a
special city tax of from three thousand dollars to four thousand dollars annually.

   Up to 1870, the management of property, election of teachers, etc., were in
the hands of a Board of Trustees, in accordance with the present plan of country
school management. In 1870 a special act was passed, restricting the district
limits within the city limits, and providing for the election of a Board of
Education of five members, who hold office for two years, two of them being
elected one year and three the next.

   The present Board is Messrs. James Singley, G. W. Edelman, W. H, Dalton, N.
M. Hedges, and F. T. Maynard The Secretary and ex-officio City Superintendent of
Schools, being Mr. Maynard. Messrs. Maynard, Singley and Hedges have been
re-elected for so many successive terms that they have become regarded as fixtures.
Messrs. Edelman and Dalton have been members for two successive terms. These
gentlemen having betn selected in the first place for their educational
interest, their successive re-election has contributed probably more than any
other one cause to the present unexcelled condition of the schools. The schools
rank among the best in the State. They constitute one of Petaluma's highest
recommendations as a place of residence, and are always pointed out to strangers
as the pride of the city by its citizens.

   The progress in education throughout the State, whereby the public school
system has been raised, step by step, from the old "deestrict skewl" system of
earlier days, to keep pace with a progressive State, has been the history of
progress in the schools of this city.

   Unfortunately, we believe, an experiment, which has been tried before in
other States and found wanting, is to take the place of our harmonious and
complete system. Whether the schools of this city are to suffer or not depends
much upon the people of the city, and judging from the support which they have
always accorded so cheerfully to their schools, we are led to believe that they
may survive the shock.

   Besides the public schools, mention has been made of the private institutions
conducted by the Sisters of Mercy and Miss Martin. Miss Martin's school is
conducted much upon the same plan as that of the public schools. She has about
twenty pupils, with three or four boarders. Her instruction is very thorough and
systematic.

   The Convent school was founded several years ago. It has about sixty pupils
of every grade, and is well conducted in every department. The education is not
sectarian, unless such is the choice of its patrons. It also accommodates
boarders in addition to the regular day scholars, and is supported by tuition.
The grounds are well improved, and are an ornament to the city.

   St. Vincent's Academy, Petaluma.—This institution was established in July,
1867, by two members of the Order of Charity, founded in France by Vincent de
Paul, in the early part of the seventeenth century. The beginning was a small
day-school, consisting of some twenty or thirty pupils occupying two small
class-rooms in what had been the private residence of Judge Southard.
Application to admit boarders soon became so urgent as to necessitate the
building of extra accommodation, which was accomplished in 1869. From time to
time improvements were made which enabled the Sisters, in the present
flourishing condition of the Academy, to accommodate about one hundred boarders.
The plan of the interior building exhibits much economy and good taste, embodied
with excellent judgment. The middle story, on which is the front entrance,
comprises halls, parlor, chapel, music-rooms, four class-rooms, library and
clothes-rooms. The upper story contains three large dormitories, infirmary,
community-room, the latter used by the ^Sisters, whose present number is seven.
The entire lower story is devoted to the use of the children, containing
study-hall, refectories, bathrooms, wash-room and kitchen. Last to mention, but
not least, are the spacious play grounds, which command a beautiful view of the
surrounding country. Different games are furnished in order that the time of
recreation may be occupied in relaxing the minds and giving proper exercise to
the physical constitutions of the pupils.

   SECRET SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.—Petaluma is second to no other city in
the State of California in the condition of its Lodges, save, perhaps, with the
single exception of San Francisco. The Masonic Order, as well as that of the Odd
Fellows, is in a most flourishing condition, while the benefits which they
confer are dispensed with a due regard to the lessons inculcated by the several
Orders.

   Petaluma Chapter. No. 22, K A. M.—This Chapter was organized under
dispensation and granted a charter, the members applying for such being Thomas
L. Barnes, Philip R. Thompson, L. E. Brooks, M. R. Evans, William Burnett, P. W.
Randle, S. Powell, Job Cash, William Ross, and others. The first holders of
office were: High Priest, Thomas L. Barnes; King, Philip R; Thompson; Scribe, L.
E. Brooks. Since its first inauguration the membership has considerably
increased, there being now fifty -seven on the roll, while the following are the
holders of office for the current term: High Priest, James Singley; King,
William B. Haskell; Scribe, Alexander Lackey; Treasurer, Conrad Poehlman;
Secretary, Josiah H. Crane; Captain of Host, Marcus D. Goshen; Principal
Sojourner, John W. McClymonds; Royal Arch Captain, Thomas R. Jacobs; Master of
Third Vail, N. W. Scudder; Master of Second Vail, Joseph A. Wiswell; Master of
First Vail, William R. Veale; Guard, William S. Keays. The Chapter meets on the
first and third Monday in each month.

   Arcturus Lodge, No. 180, F. A. M.—This Lodge was organized on October 11th,
1866, and a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of California to Right-Worshipful
Master, C. Simmons; Senior Warden, Simon Conrad; and Junior Warden, Benjamin F.
Tuttle, who held office under dispensation. The Lodge now has a roll of
seventy-five members and the office-bearers for the current year are: Right
Worshipful Master, M. D. Goshen; Senior Warden, J. W. McClymonds; Junior Warden,
T. R. Jacobs; Treasurer, W. B. Haskell; Secretary, J. H. Crane; Senior Deacon,
W. R. Veale; Junior Deacon, A. R. Doughty; Marshal, N. W. Scudder; Stewards,
Alexander Lackey and Charles E. Polk; Tyler, William S. Keays. The Lodge meets
on Thursday on or before full moon.

   Relief Encampment, No. 29, I. O. O. F.—Was instituted July 11, 1858, the
charter members being David Sullivan, G. Warren, B. Bowman, J. S. Cutter, L.
Ellsworth, James K. Knowies, William Zartman, Moses Korn. The first officers of
the Encampment were: G. Warren, C. P.; J. S. Cutter, H. P.; L. Ellsworth, S. W.;
B. Bowen, Scribe; William Zartman, Treasurer; David Sullivan, J. W. There are at
present fifty-four members in good standing, while the present officers are: G.
W. Edelman, C. P.; J. B. Fulmer, H. P.; S. J. Hopkins, S. W.; W. H. Zartman,
Scribe; L. Ellsworth, Treasurer; Charles Young, J. W. The institution is in a
prosperous condition.

   Petaluma Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F.—This Lodge was instituted on September
30, 1854, with the following charter members: Daniel McLaren, S. C. Hayden, S.
M. Martin, Thomas M. Murray, E. S. McMurray, Stephen Payran, Charles Purvine,
William Ayers. The original officers were: Daniel McLaren, N. G.; S. C. Hayden,
V. G.; S. M. Martin, R. S.; William Ayers, Treasurer. The present membership of
the lodge is one hundred and eighty-eight, while the office holders for the
current year are: J. B. Christie, N. G; J. B. Fulmer, V. G.; W. H. Zartman, R.
S.; L. Ellsworth, Treasurer; F. E. McNear, P. S. The institution is in a
flourishing condition, and has a fine hall on the principal thoroughfare of the
city.

   Petaluma Lodge No. 161, I. O. G. T.—This Lodge is the result of the
consolidations of the Lodges Star of the West, No. 380, and Starlight, No. 161,
which was effected February 3, 1879. The number of charter members, was
thirty-five, and the officers under that grant: William C. Ordway, W. C. T.;
Clara Wright, W. V. T.; J. S. Fillmore, Chaplain; Ella Gale, W. S.; A. G. Twist,
W. A. S.; L. D. Gale, W. F. S.; Mrs. C. A. Ten Eyck, W. T.; Gordon Cameron, W.
M.; Jennie Cameron, W. D. M.; Dollie Schlosser, W. I. G.; Aleck Connolly, W. O.
G; Sadie Wright, W. R. S.; Ella Benjamin, W. L. S.; J. B. Schlosser, P. W. C.
T.; H. H. Jessup, L. D. The Lodge is in a flourishing condition, and has a
membership of sixty. The officeholders for the current term are: A. G. Twist, W.
C. T.; Ella Gale, W. V. T,; W. C. Ordway, W. S.; Dollie Schlosser, W. A. S.; L.
D. Gale, W. F. S.; F. S. Johnson, W. T.; Annie Eustice, W. M., J. W. Congdon, W.
D. M.; Jennie Hughes, W. I. G.; John Offutt, W. O. G.; Mary Frazier, W. C;
Minnie Aiken, W. R. S.; Alice Gale, W. L. S.; M. E. Congdon, P. M. C. T.; H. H.
Jessup, L. D. The order meets in the building of the I. O. O. F. on every Monday
evening.

   BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS.—The importance of beneficial assurance to society
everywhere; the solidity it imparts to all domestic institutions; the protection
it affords to the labors and recreations of existence; the comforts it brings to
the sacred fireside of home; the relief it pours out so abundantly upon the
bereaved and suffering; the countless benefits it scatters along the pathway of
life; the blessings it reserves for a future of sorrow—all these are now more
truly perceived and more warmly appreciated than ever they were before. People
are beginning to understand, and understand in earnest, that their best
endeavors are conserved in these wise and benevolent institutions. Great
confidence is reposed in, in all these directions. The hopes of parent and
child, lover and sweetheart, husband and wife, brother and sister, old and
young, the widowed and orphaned—all are gathered up in their keeping. As
population, intelligence and refinement advance, beneficial associations must
become a more essential part of the social fabric. Beneficial associations are
more efficacious in their operations—as regards the moral and domestic comfort
of the people, and in their tendency to diminish taxation by reducing pauperism
and the possibility of crime—than the legislation of our wisest statesmen, and
if universally adopted would be a national blessing.

   Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma.—The Mutual Relief Association of
Petaluma is incorporated under an Act passed April 22, 1850, entitled "An Act
for Incorporating Religious, Social, Beneficial and Literary Associations," and
reincorporated under the Act passed March 23, 1874, entitled "An Act Relating to
Mutual, Beneficial and Relief Associations."

   The latter Act was passed especially for the protection of this and similar
societies, and to guard them against the encroachment of the life insurance
companies and the life insurance laws. These statutes are very strict in their
requirements, especially in regard to the funds. They cannot be applied in any
other manner than that set forth in the Act of incorporation. If they should
wrongfully b3 diverted from their proper use, they can be reclaimed at any time
within six years, upon the complaint of any member of the association filed in
the District Court.

   The original officers were: Col. J. A. Harding, W. K. Davis, E. Newburgh C.
Railsback, F. W. Shattuck, Simon Conrad, Capt. J. Snow, James Harvey, Thomas
Rochford, J. Cavanagh, L. F. Carpenter, G. R. Codding.

   This class of mutual associations originated with the Episcopal clergy, for
the protection of their families. Other denominations, as also the Masons and
Odd Fellows, soon adopted the same plan. It gave such general satisfaction,
accomplishing its designs with such a certainty and at such a trifling expense,
that it was not long before it was adopted by the large manufacturers and their
thousands of operatives, as the cheapest and best plan for protection against
the frequent demands of the needy, whose legal protectors had died in their
service, and to place their widows and orphans above want. In this manner it has
steadily and rapidly grown in favor throughout the Eastern States for more than
a quarter of a century. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San Francisco
formed an association confining its membership to that city. Some citizens of
Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by reason of its
restrictions, they determined to organize an association in Petaluma. A meeting
was accordingly called by a number of its leading citizens. The result was the
incorporating of a society in the spirit of the above, and, notwithstanding it
has brought out the strongest opposition of the several life insurance
companies, misrepresenting the association in the most subtle manner, through
thousands of publications, and with the aid of hundreds of their paid agents,
still the Mutual Relief Association has steadily increased in numbers and
influence until it is known throughout the land; and it has the satisfaction of
having relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over sixty thousand dollars.
This it has done with an expense so slight to each member that it was not
heeded, as they frequently remark that they are glad of an opportunity to
contribute occasionally to the needy and afflicted, especiaily when they know
that the money goes direct into their hands. The association stands a guardian,
ever ready to respond in like manner to the future call of its members, which
now number over fifteen hundred.

   The object of the association is to secure pecuniary aid of two thousand
dollars to the families or dependents of deceasad members. This is accomplished
in the most perfect and substantial manner, as has been substantiated within the
last few years by this and kindred societies; and that, too, with an expense so
light that it has proved not to be a burden upon its members, which not only
increases its popularity, but brings it within reach of those most needing its
protection and aid. Any person, male or female, may become a member of this
association, if in good health, and over eighteen and under fifty years of age.
Each member pays, according to age, four to ten dollars annually, and one dollar
on the death of any member.  On proof of the death of a member of the
association, his family or the person he has appointed, receives immediately
from the association, two  thousand dollars, or a like proportion to the number
of members, if not filled All surplus shall be loaned on good and sufficient
security (on real estate) to form a "permanent reserve fund," the interest on
which annually reverts to members in the form of an abatement of assessments. 
In case of death, they send a notice to each member.  They have agents in each
town to receive the assessments, and save members the trouble of sending direct
to the Secretary.   The association, as well as its funds, is under the control
of a Board of twelve Directors, who are elected annually by the members of the
association, and is also incorporated under the Beneficiary Act of the State
which Act does not allow any funds to be used for purposes other than set forth
in the rules and regulations, while the Secretary and Treasurer are required to
give heavy bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. The officers and
directors of the association receive no compensation whatever for their
services, except the Secretary, who is simply paid for keeping the books of the
association.  All members will be allowed the same interest on money standing to
their credit that the funds of the association draw* and can deposit such
amounts as they may desire as advance payments. The association is designed to
save money, not to spend it. None will feel poorer for belonging to it, while
many will bless the day that their father, mother, husband or brother joined it.
 The annual payments are: For those under thirty years, when they join the
association, four dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, five dollars; over
thirty-five and under forty, six dollars; over forty and  under forty-five,
eight dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, ten dollars.  These payments are
not raised above the first payment made when joining.  If a member prefers, he
may make the following full payments in advance, and not be required to make any
further annual payments: For those under thirty years at time of joining, thirty
dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, thirty-five dollars; over
thirty-five and under forty, forty dollars; over forty and under forty-five,
forty-five dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, fifty dollars.

   The ninth annual meeting of the Mutual Belief Association of Petaluma was
held at the office of the association on the evening of the 8th of July, 1879,
at 8 o'clock, pursuant to a notice published in the Standard. After receiving
the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, the meeting took action upon
proposed changes in the by-laws presented to them by the Directors. Each section
proposed to be amended was acted upon separately, and was passed as amended by
the Board, with nearly a unanimous vote.

   The meeting, after disposing of the by-laws proceeded to the election of
Directors to serve for the ensuing year, which resulted in the choice of L. F.
Carpenter, .Ed. Newburgh, E. S. Lippitt, F. W. Shattuck, John Cavanagh, Isaac
Bernhard, D. W. C. Putnam and F. E. McNear, of the old Board, and A. H. Drees,
Kelly Tighe, W. L. Van Doren and Wm. Camm, new members. G. R. Codding,
Secretary. After which the meeting adjourned, with a unanimous feeling among
themselves that the association is not only the largest as to the members, but
the strongest financially of any one in the State.

   Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association.—The subject of life insurance
is one of the great problems that the nineteenth century has attempted to solve.
It is a pleasing idea this preparing in life for the welfare of the loved ones
who must be left behind after our death, and it is for this avowed purpose that
men have joined themselves to associations, formed in different ways and under
different laws, each agreeing to pay certain sums in life so that after death
certain sums may be paid to surviving heirs. But one great fault with old style
life insurance companies was, that the expenses ate up the income derived from
the insured. High-priced officials must be employed, palatial offices must be
furnished, all at the expense of the insured. At last the crash came. In the
last few years it is safe to say that hundreds of the so-called life insurance
companies have been obliged to close their doors, and the country been filled
with thousands who have been swindled out of money they could ill afford to
lose. It was at this juncture that mutual protective and beneficial associations
came into notice, and the different secret societies, express and railroad
employees, and even members of churches, formed themselves into associations,
agreeing to pay a certain sum upon the death of each and every member. These
associations gave such general satisfaction, accomplishing its designs with such
a certainty and at such trifling expense, that it was not long before it was
adopted by the large manufacturers and their operatives, as the cheapest and
best plan for protection against the frequent demands of the needy, and to place
their widows and orphans above want. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San
Francisco formed an association, confining its membership to this city. Some
citizens of Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by
reason of its restrictions, they determined to organize an association in
Petaluma. The result was the incorporation of a society in the spirit of the
above, on October 1, 1868, under the name of the Sonoma and Marin Mutual
Beneficial Association, and it has steadily increased in numbers and influence
until it is known throughout the land, and it has the satisfaction of knowing
that it has relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over two hundred and
sixty thousand dollars. This it has done with an expense so slight to each
member that it was not heeded. The association stands as guardian, ever ready to
respond in like manner to the future call of its members, which now number
nearly two thousand. The assets of the Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial
Association were on the 1st of October, 1878, fifty-eight thousand, five hundred
and fifty-one dollars and forty-six cents. The dividends paid up to that time
amounted to twenty-eight thousand, six hundred and ninety-one dollars and
ninety-seven cents, and the benefits paid, to two hundred and ninety-four
thousand eight hundred and seventy-one dollars. This is a remarkably good
showing, and reveals the fact that the affairs of the company have been most
excellently managed, and the interests of the members most carefully guarded.
The Directors of the association are H. T. Fairbanks, Dr. J. S. Shepherd, Wm. H.
Dalton, Conrad Poehlman, L. G. Nay, N. M. Hedges, C. P. Hatch, J. A. Wiswell,
Dr. J. H. Crane, William Zartman, Daniel Brown, C. Blackburn. The office of this
company is located in the building, and any information regarding the
Association may be obtained by addressing the Secretary, M. H. Falkner, Petaluma.

   Library Association.—The public library in Petaluma, containing about two
thousand well-selected volumes, was organized under the auspices of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Petaluma, in January, 1867, the first
officers being: T. F. Baylis, President; L. Ellsworth, Vice President; Dr. J. H.
Crane, Secretary; William Zartman, Treasurer. In October, 1878, the institution
was turned over to the city and organized as a public library. The rooms of the
association are well managed and furnished, and are conveniently situated on
Main street, near the corner of English street. The present officers are: Lee
Ellsworth, President; M. E. C. Munday, Vice-President; John P. Rodgers,
Secretary; Mrs. Lackie, Librarian.

   Petaluma Temperance Reform Club.—On Wednesday evening, February 19, 1879,
Doctor D. Banks McKenzie of Boston, Massachusetts, addressed the citizens of
Petaluma and vicinity on the subject of temperance. At the close of his address
the audience extended him an invitation to remain a week, at least, and speak
every evening in the theater. Dr. McKenzie having accept-ted, the "meetings were
so held; total abstinence pledges were prepared, and there were received during
the week over four hundred signatures of men, besides about three hundred ladies
and children. Many of the ladies had already become members of the Woman's
Temperance Union.

   During the meetings the interest strongly and steadily increased, while at
those held later the audiences filled the theater to its utmost capacity, even
to standing room.

   A collection was taken up on each evening, and after paying expenses of the
meetings, a balance of twenty-three dollars and seventy cents remaining was
donated to the Home for the Care of Inebriates at Needham, Massachusetts, of
which the doctor is superintendent. On the evening of February 26th, a special
collection was made for the Home, realizing the sum of ninety-one dollars and
thirty cents, making a total for that purpose of one hundred and fifteen
dollars, which sum was placed at Doctor McKenzie's disposal for the purpose named.

   On Tuesday evening, February 25th, a Temperance Reform Club was formed with
one hundred and sixty-three men enrolled; on the following day the membership
was increased to two hundred and two, and on March 1st the Club numbered two
hundred and thirty. The meeting of the 25th February being opened with prayer by
the Rev. R. F. Allen, the following officers were named and elected to serve for
the first quarter, viz.: President, Frank W. Shattuck; First Vice-President,
James Davidson; Second, Aleck Conley; Third, E. G. Hopkins; Fourth, Andrew
Spotswood, Fifth, Charles Humphries; Treasurer, John S. Van Doren; Secretary, O.
T. Baldwin; Assistant Secretary, Charles E. Singley; Financial Secretary, L. D.
Gale; Marshal, William M. Brown. After the foregoing officers had been chosen,
there followed remarks from Dr. D. Banks McKenzie, Rev. G. B. Allen and others,
while the executive committee consisting of the officers of the club were
instructed to consider the feasibility and propriety of a torch-light procession
on the evening of the 27th, in lieu of which a ratification meeting was held. On
February 26th, the subjoined committees were appointed, viz.: Committee of
Vigilance, Messrs. William M. Brown, Chairman, Albert Averil, Frank Adel, J. J.
Barnes, George W. Brush, John Lawlor, James Edwards, Walter Frost, Orris Elmore,
G. P. Hall, John Norsworthy. Hall Committee, Messrs. George P. McNear, J. L.
Winans, W. D. McLaren; Mesdames John S. Van Doren, A. P. Whitney, G. R. Codding.
Finance Committee, Messrs. L. D. Gale, B. Haskell, J. W. Harris, Samuel Martin.
Committee on Entertainment, A. J. Show, Scott Bowles, C. O. Perkins, P. H.
Lawlor, C. S. Farquar; Mesdames John A. McNear, H. P. Brainard; Misses A. R.
Congdon, A. Has-brouck, Clara Wright. Visiting Committee, A. F. Killam, Thomas
R. Jacobs, John Johnson; Mesdames Miller, Lackie and A. A. Peary.

   At the ratification held on the 27th of the same month, addresses were
delivered by W. B. Haskell, E. G. Hopkins, John Ross, H. M. Webber, R. H.
Duncan, E. S. Lippitt, and the Rev. W. S. Scott, who opened the meeting with
prayer, while before separating Mr. Haskell, on behalf of the members, presented
Doctor McKenzie with a valuable and elegant California saddle of Petaluma
manufacture, which was received by him with feeling and timely remarks.

   In connection with the institution are a well stocked reading-room and a Free
Labor Bureau, while social conforts are to be had with extreme facility at
reasonable rates.  Lectures are frequently given in connection therewith, while
addresses bearing on the vice of intemperance and other topics are of frequent
occurrence.

   The present officers are: President, Frank W. Shattuck; Vice-Presidents, B.
Haskell, John Ross, R. H. Duncan, P. Lawlor, John J. Barnes; Treasurer John S.
Van Doren; Secretary, O. T. Baldwin; Financial Secretary, L. D. Gale; Assistant
Secretary, E. R. Healey; Marshal, W. M. Brown. The regular meetings of the club
are held every Saturday evening, while the regular business meetings are held on
each Wednesday.

   Washington Hall Association.—This company was incorporated February 22, 1870,
the first officers being: Lee Ellsworth, President; Phillip Cowen, Secretary; C.
P. Hatch, Treasurer. It consists of a theatre, stage, side and end galleries,
auditorium and basement of the following dimensions: Stage, twenty-four feet;
two dressing rooms under the stage, and one on each side of the first entrance,
fourteen by twenty feet; the whole is lighted by one hundred and forty burners,
the gas being generated by a pneumatic gas machine. The building, which was
opened on September 7, 1879, includes an auditorium fifty-six by sixty-six feet
while its entire dimensions are sixty by one hundred feet, erected at a cost of
twenty-five thousand dollars. The present officers are L. Ellsworth, President;
L. Bauer, Secretary, and C. P. Hatch, Treasurer.

   Cypress Hill Cemetery.—To the northward of the city of Petaluma, on an
eminence commanding a beautiful prospect of the fertile valleys and bold
mountains, is situated this handsome cemetery. Just outside the limits of the
busy mart of trade, just beyond the sounds of its hum and whirr, almost beside
the workers of to-day in the city of the living, lie the workers of yesterday,
gone forever to rest in the quiet, sacred, silent city. How beautiful the site
which has been chosen for this silent city! If man must die, if "of dust thou
art and to dust thou shalt return" is the fiat of the Almighty, how pleasant it
is to know that our ashes will pass to the mother earth in such a lovely spot as
this! This cemetery is the result of the private enterprise of one of Petaluma's
most prominent citizens, John A. McNear. Previous to 1866, there had not been
any very suitable place for a cemetery provided for by the citizens of Petaluma,
but in that year Mr. McNear put into execution a project for providing for that
pressing necessity. Accordingly the present site of Cypress Hill was chosen and
burial lots laid out. Thousands of trees were planted and miles of road made,
and other work done of great expense, to make it as attractive and well adapted
as possible for a cemetery. It was not long before the enterprise began to be
appreciated, and soon family lots were taken and handsome walls placed around
them, and other improvements made. Finally elegant marble and granite shafts
began to rear their heads in honor of the departed dead. One visiting it to-day
finds a stately avenue leading up to it, begirt with evergreen trees. Passing
through the gate he finds the lots arranged in regular order, with avenues
passing through them. Tributes to the dearly loved dead are reared on every
side, extending from the costly monument to the modest headstone.

Beneath them all are on a level, no matter what their earthly station. Prominent
among the most beautiful of the monuments, stands the one erected sacred to the
memory of the wife and children of Mr. McNear. It stands on the very apex of the
knoll, and is surrounded by a beautiful lot of goodly proportions. But nobler
far than shaft of marble or granite, and far more enduring is the monument Mr.
McNear has erected for himself in thus preparing at his own expense such a
fitting and beautiful resting place for the beloved dead of Petaluma.

   The Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Society.—The first organization of
the society was made under the name of the Sonoma Agricultural and Mechanics'
Society, on April 12, 1859. Pursuant to a call made by publication a large
number of subscribers to the Sonoma County Fair met at the Masonic Hall,
Healdsburg, on Thursday evening, March 24, 1859, to devise the necessary ways
and means of carrying out the enterprise. A temporary organization being deemed
advisable, Hon. W. P. Ewing was called to the chair, and stated the object of
the meeting. James B. Boggs appointed Secretary. A committee of two from each
township was was [sic] appointed to solicit further subscriptions. A committee
of five was appointed to report permanent organization and rules and
regulations, to report at a future meeting. Meeting then adjourned to April 12,
1859, at which time the society was duly organized, with the following officers:
President, Washington P. Ewing, and nine Vice-Presidents; Secretary, J. B.
Boggs; Corresponding Secretary, G. W. Granniss; Treasurer, Lindsay Carson; and a
Board of nine Directors, consisting of Col. A. Haruszthy, Major J. Singley, C.
J. Robinson, Josiah Morin, G. P. Brumfield, J. N. Bailhache, Julio Carillo, J.
W. Wilbur, and D. D. Phillips. The first fair was held at Healdsburg. At the
election of officers for the next year, J. Q. Shirly was elected President, and
I. G. Wickersham, Secretary. At a meeting of the society held March 3, 1860, on
motion of Mr. Weston, a committee of five was appointed to confer with
agricultural societies of the counties of Marin, Mendocino, Napa and Solano, and
in case no society exist in those counties, then with some of the prominent
agriculturists and stock-raisers therein, upon the subject of establishing a
District Agricultural Society, to be known as the Sonoma and Napa District
Society. H. L. Weston, I. G. Wickersham, Joseph O'Farrell, J. S. Robberson and
Rod Matheson were appointed said committee. The second fair was held at
Petaluma, on the grounds of Uriah Edwards, and for it premium lists were
prepared under the direction of Mr. Wickersham. Col. Haraszthy made the opening
address. Petaluma Band gave the music for the occasion, at the price of four
hundred dollars. The records of the society for that year are very full and
complete, made by the Secretary, S. D. Towns, who had been elected to fill the
place of Mr. Boggs. E. Latapie was the Marshal of the week. The bar was let for
thirty-five dollars. Among the other exhibitions of the week was a trial of fire
engines. The premiums consisted of cash and silver plate. Races were held one
day at the old race track.

   At the election held at the close of the fair, Dr. John Hendley was elected
President; Wingfield Wright, Vice-President; W. H. Crowell, Secretary, and J. H.
Holmes, Treasurer, and it was resolved to hold the next fair at Santa Rosa.
Thereafter the fair was held at different points, until 1867, when the society
was reorganized, with J. R. Rose, President, and Phillip Cowen, Secretary. That
year the north portion of the present grounds were purchased from Gates, and the
pavilion was erected, and a large part of the cattle stalls and horse stalls
constructed, and the society, under its present management, held its first fair;
J. P. Clark was Marshal; N. C. Stafford, superintendent of the pavilion, and M.
Doyle, superintendent of the stock grounds. To make the purchase of permanent
grounds about two hundred and fifty life memberships were sold at the price of
twenty-five dollars per share, with privilege of free admission to all
subsequent fairs and right to exhibit. The old race track, about two miles from
the city, was still used for all races. The second annual election of the
present society was held on the second Saturday of May, 1868. The counties of
Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino and Lake constituted the district at this time. J. R.
Rose was re-elected President; Andrew Mills, Vice-President, and Phil. Cowen,
Secretary, with nine Directors. The fair for 1868 was held at the new grounds,
September 21st to 25th, inclusive. George Pearce made the opening address, and
E. S. Lippitt the annual address. J. P. Clark acted as Marshal, and F. W. Lougee
and M. Doyle as superintendents of pavilion and stock grounds. This year, for
the first time, the society conferred diplomas for meritorious exhibits. The
society showed by its exhibition this year a steady growth. The interest was
greater than ever, the exhibits larger and more creditable.

   At the annual election, in May, 1869, J. R. Rose was unanimously elected
President; A. Mills, Vice-President; P. Conin, Secretary; I. G. Wickersham,
Treasurer; with the same number of Directors. The fair this year was held
September 27th to October 1st. N. L. Allen acted as Marshal, D. W. C. Putnam was
Superintendent of Pavilion, and------Rochford, superintendent of stock grounds.
The fair was very creditable, and the society felt the need of more room. A
committee was appointed to secure more ample grounds for the Fair and race-track.

   On the 8th of January, 1870, they reported that they could bay the Liberty
race ground, on the Bloomfield road, at six thousand dollars; land of Mr. Long
for eighty-five dollars per acre, and at Gill's place for forty dollars per acre.

   On the 15th of January, I. G. Wickersham presented a petition to send to the
Legislature to solicit State aid, and a meeting of life members was called to
meet April 2, 1870, to select new grounds for the fair. The result of the action
of the meeting was to buy grounds adjacent to the old fair grounds, and upon
them construct a half-mile race track, grand stand, and other conveniences for a
permanent fair ground.

   The new board of officers were elected in December, 1870, and consisted of E.
Denman, President; Lee Ellsworth and H. Mecham, Vice-Presidents; J. Grover,
Secretary; and Wm. Hill, Treasurer.

   Society during this year duly incorporated, and J. R. Rose, to whom the
several parcels of land of the fair ground had been deeded, as trustee for the
society, deeded them to the society. A committee, of E. Denman and G. Tempel,
was also appointed to make arrangements to pay the large indebtedness of the
society.

   The Fair for 1871 was held September 25th to 30th, and was well attended. The
third stage of the society's existence had now commenced. The receipts were
largely in excess of former years, amounting to three thousand three hundred and
seventy dollars.

   The annual meeting for 1871 was adjourned until January 6, 1872, when an
election of officers was had, with the following result: President, Lee
Ellsworth; E. Denman and J. R. Rose, Vice-Presidents; Frank Lougee, Treasurer;
and J. Grover, Secretary.

   The great expense of the new purchase and grand stand, and construction of
race track, had been met by the generous action of the public-spirited citizens
of the city of Petaluma and county, who assumed the liabilities by their joint
note, amounting to about twelve thousand dollars. About forty signed the note.
This amount was afterward paid by them, as the note became due, except five
thousand dollars, which was paid by the city of Petaluma. The payment of this
debt by these men relieved the society from a great burden.

   The Society's fair for 1872 was held September 9th to 14th, inclusive. B.
Haskel was superintendent of pavilion. The receipts of the Society this year
were larger than any preceding year, amounting to five thousand eight hundred
and forty-one dollars, besides the sum of two thousand dollars appropriated by
the State.

   At the annual election held December 7, 1872, the retiring President, L.
Ellsworth, made a report to the society of their progress, from its
reorganization in 1867 to date, by which it appeared that the total receipts of
the society had amounted to twenty-nine thousand six hundred and thirty-three
dollars, and that the society had expended, for grounds, pavilion, grand stand
and premiums, the sum of forty thousand seven hundred and fifty-one dollars,
leaving an indebtedness of eleven thousand one hundred and eighteen dollars,
secured as heretofore stated.

   The following officers were elected for ensuing year : President, E. Denman;
Vice-Presidents, L. Ellsworth, Wm. Zartman; Secretary, E. S. Lippitt; Treasurer,
Robert Seavey.

   The fair for 1873, was held October 6th to 11th, inclusive, Capt. Watson
acting as Marshal. Rev. G. B. Taylor delivered the annual address. The receipts
for the year were six thousand two hundred dollars, besides two thousand dollars
received from the State, most of which was expended in enlarging the
accommodations for stock and enlargement of the grand stand. The annual meeting
for 1873 was held on December 7th, and the following officers were elected to
serve for the ensuing year: President, J. R. Rose; Vice-Presidents, Lee
Ellsworth and H. Mecham; Secretary, E. S. Lippitt; Treasurer, A. J. Pierce;
Directors, A. Morse and Robert Seavey.

   The fair for the year 1874 was held September 14th to 19th, inclusive. D. W.
C. Putnam was elected superintendent of pavilion, and Judge Shafter delivered
the annual address. The fair was largely attended!

   At the annual meeting in 1874 the following officers were elected to serve
for the ensuing year: President, J. R. Rose; Vice-Presidents, H. Mecham, G. D.
Green; Secretary, E. S. Lippitt; Treasurer, A. Morse; Directors, P. J. Shafter
and Robert Crane. The district was enlarged now by taking in Napa and Solano
counties, and exhibitors restricted to the district.

   At the fair held in 1875 Prof. Fitzgerald, State Superintendent of Public
Schools, delivered the annual address. This year the pavilion was enlarged by
the addition of agricultural and horticultural halls. The receipts amounted to
five thousand six hundred and fourteen dollars.

   At the annual election in 1875, the following officers were elected for the
ensuing year: President, L. Ellsworth; Vice-Presidents, A. P. Whitney and P. J.
Shafter; Secretary, E. S. Lippitt; Treasurer, A. Morse; Directors, Robert Crane
and H. Mecham. Mr. Ellsworth having resigned, H. Mecham was afterward elected by
the Board of Directors to fill his place.

   The Fair for 1876 was held from October 9th to 14th, and was in extent and
quality greatly in excess of any heretofore held. The display of stock was the
finest exhibited at any of the fairs of the State, and the departments of
agriculture and horticulture were greatly in advance of former fairs. Major
Armstrong acted as Marshal. Judge Shafter delivered the annual address.

   At the annual meeting held December 2, 1876, the following officers were
elected: President, H. Mecham; Vice-Presidents, A. P. Whitney, P. J. Shafter;
Secretary, E. S. Lippitt; Treasurer, A. Morse; Directors, G. D. Green, Robert
Crane. By action of the society the District was enlarged to take in the
counties west of the Sacramento and north of the bay, including Humboldt and
Yolo. The fair for 1877 was held September 24-29. M. D. Boruck delivered the
annual address, James Armstrong acting as Marshal. The receipts were the largest
ever had by the Society, amounting to seven thousand five hundred and
seventy-seven dollars. The Pavilion was enlarged by extending the west wing
forty feet. A large number of stalls for horses and stock were built and the
whole grounds thoroughly overhauled and repaired, which not only absorbed the
large receipts but entailed a debt of one thousand three hundred and eighty-five
dollars. At the annual election this year, 1877, the old Board of officers were
re-elected and the time of fair fixed for September 21st to 28th inclusive.
During this year the grounds had been greatly adorned by the planting of trees.
An art gallery was built twenty-five feet wide by eighty feet long and other
permanent improvements of the grounds and buildings.

   The fair held in 1878 was the largest and most interesting of the whole
series. The receipts amounted to seven thousand six hundred and sixty-five
dollars. The expenditures, eight thousand four hundred and thirty-six dollars.
Leaving a small debt subsisting against the society.

   The Legislature at the session of 1877-8 enacted a new law in regard to
agricultural societies making the President and two Directors to be chosen each
year and the Treasurer and Secretary to be other than members of the Board. At
the last election held December, 1878, the following Board of Directors was
elected: President, A P. Whitney; E. Denman and R. Crane, Directors for one
year; J. McM. Shafter and H. Mecham, for two years; A. Morse and R. Seavey, for
three years. F. W. Lougee was by the Board elected Treasurer and W. E. Cox
Secretary.

   During the last year the same enterprising spirit has been exhibited by the
Board—new gates to the Park have been built and a new ticket office and
Treasurer's office. The grand stand was enlarged one half its former dimensions.
New trees planted and new stalls erected. The last fair was equal to any that
preceded it. J. P. Clark was Marshal of the week. D. W. C. Putnam,
Superintendent of the Pavilion. E. S. Lippitt delivered the annual address. It
will thus be seen that the old friends of the Society are still its earnest
supporters.

   One of the most attractive features of the fair for the last three years has
been the award of premiums offered by Judge J. McM. Shafter to young ladies for
best bread, cakes, salads, baked beans and soups. These prizes of beautiful
silver ware and the finest Sevres ware, amounting to several hundreds of
dollars, have called forth a lively competition and in connection with the
annual address to the young ladies by the honored giver has proved one of the
pleasantest and most attractive features of the annual fair. His generosity does
not diminish; "may his shadow never be less."

   We have thus given the history of the society down to the present time. The
successful reorganization of the Society was largely due to the untiring efforts
of its first president, J. R. Rose, Esq. The gross receipts for the last twelve
years has been about ninety thousand dollars, of which sum about forty thousand
dollars has been expended in premiums. The balance has been expended in purchase
of grounds, erection of buildings and the current expenses of annual fairs. The
Society has been the means of creating a greater interest in farming and farm
products and has made the District unsurpassed by any in the State in the number
and quality of its thoroughbred cattle and horses. Under its present management,
the Society now free from debt enters upon a continued and wider sphere of
usefulness. The election of the following officers December 6, 1879: A. P.
Whitney, President; Robert Crane and E. Denman, Directors, argues well for its
increasing usefulness and success.

Petaluma Fire Department.—The first fire company in Petaluma was organized
Wednesday, June 10, 1857, with the following officers: President, H. L. Weston;
Secretary, E. B. Cooper; Treasurer, William Hill; Foreman, William Van Houten;
First Assistant, M. Woods; Trustees: W. L. Anderson, George Andrews, M. Weil.
The engine and hose-cart was purchased of Knickerbocker Company, No. Five, of
San Francisco, and was quite a feature in the Fourth of July procession,
twenty-two years ago. It is a Smith machine, and at present is housed in the
house of Company No. One. Following is a list of the forty-five charter members:
H. L. Weston, M. Woods, J. B. Southard, V. D. Lambert, Frank Bray, George Mower,
C. I. Robinson, H. D. Ley, J. Warshawski, John F. Murphy, M. Weil, M. Lehman,
John S. Van Doren, W. .W. Churchill, S. Wiley, Edmund Buckley, William Van
Houten, E. B. Cooper, James H. Knowles, Charles Fann. George W. Andrews, J. R.
Robinson, T. F. Baylis, William L. Anderson, J. S. Fields, J. Letson, J.
Greaver, Thomas Williams, F. A. Parker, George Ross, J. S. Eagan, C. A.
Hunnewell, J. W. Hemenway, J. H. Siddons, D. W. Kelly, William Zartman, John
Stedman, C. G. Ives, James Samuels, William M. Lyon, William Hill, Israel Cook,
George Pearce, J. D. Cross, John Delehanty, Lee Ellsworth, George Stanley, James
Daly, Daniel Brown, M. McCarty, J. P. Hutchinson, S. C. Haydon, Robert P. Gill,
George Walker, W. W. Main, B. F. Cornell, J. W. Harris, J. K. Brown, J. Palmer,
S. Fieldheim, E. Swift, P. E. Weeks, Charles P. Lovegrove, James M. Merrill,
Charles Plummer, James Van Doren, F. W. Lougee, Charles E. Powers, Edmund
Collins, Alexander Vander Noot, Robert F. Brooks, E. B. Thompson, William P.
Tiernay, E. R. Pliley, M. J. Caveno, C. E. Colburn, John O. Malley, Charles
Hopkins, Thomas Roach, William Thomas, C. H. Steel, J. B. Hinkle, George H.
Hackett, Henry Holmes, J. E. Lockwood, S. S. Kingery, S. H. Smith, Almon
Johnson, Peter McKenna, S. P. Derby, Owen Nelis, Thomas M. Crowley, William
Jennings, Edward Edwards, M. Donahue, A. Morris, Theodore F. Rohte, E. Rowlson,
John U. Newton, J. C. Peavy, George A. Hart, Richard Lambert, Jess Jackson,
George Campbell, Jacob Rosenthal, John E. Gwinn, Lee Boreland, William H. Van
Doren, James P. Hume, O. Randolph, Philip Cowen, A. Bond, D. W. Sroufe, John C.
Scott, Robert Brooks, E. P. Butler, H. Pimm, G. R. Codding, A. B. Derby, Thomas
Edwards, B. Newman, Samuel Cassiday, Frederick Frasier, J. Price, Jr., H.
Jacobson, N. O. Mitchell, John Sroufe, W. H. Douglass, Charles H. Bailey, S. C.
Smith, P. Harrison, John Tustin, R. C. Pearson, William M. Brown, B. P. Brower,
William  Davis, James Tann, John L. Waters, James B. Bailey, J. W. Stewart,
Thomas Clark. The company at present has a membership of about sixty active
members and the following officers: President, G. W. Zartman; Foreman, H. Pimm;
First Assistant, F. O. Jordan; Second Assistant, J. E. Johnson; Secretary, F. C.
Jordan; Treasurer, J. E. Johnson.

   First National Gold Bank of Petaluma (successors to I. G. Wickersham &
Co.)—The first bank in Sonoma county was established by I. G. Wickersham on the
first day of February, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, under the name of I. G.
Wickersham & Co., who, in 1868, erected the first bank-building in the county.

   The first cashier was Eli Sprague, who held the position until April 1, 1866,
and was succeeded by H. H. Atwater, who was cashier until the bank was
reorganized under the National Bank Act.

   On the twenty-third day of September, eighteen hundred and seventy-four, the
First National Gold Bank of Potaluma was organized with a paid-up capital of two
hundred thousand dollars gold, with authority to increase the same to five
hundred thousand, and on January 1, 1875, commenced business as a National Bank,
succeeding I. G. Wickersham & Co.

   At the first annual meeting of the stockholders, in January, 1875, I. G.
Wickersham, H. H. Atwater, Jesse C. Wickersham, Daniel Brown, Henry Steitz,
James H. Knowles, and John E. Gwinn were elected directors.

   For the year 1876 the directors were I. G. Wickersham, H. H. Atwater, Jesse
C. Wickersham, Henry Steitz, James H. Knowles, L. G. Nay, and L. Ellsworth.

   For the years 1877 and 1878 the directors were I. G. Wickersham, H. H.
Atwater, Jesse C. Wickersham, Daniel Brown, Henry Steitz, L. G. Nay, J. H. Knowles.

   The present directors (December 1, 1879), are I. G. Wickersham, H. H.
Atwater, Jesse C. Wickersham, J. H. Knowles, L. G. Nay, L. Ellsworth, and
Charles D. Allen.

   The present officers are I. G. Wickersham, President, and H. H. Atwater,
cashier, who have held their positions since the organization of the bank.

   The present stock-holders, thirty-five in number, are Martin Armstrong,
Charles D. Allen, H. H. Atwater, H. P. Brainard, Daniel Brown, Sylvester Brooks,
Julia E. Brooks, L. Ellsworth, J. E. Gwinn, Gwinn & Brainard, P. B. Hewlett, C.
P. Hatch, J. W. Harris, C. J. Hutch ins, Richard Hutchinson, T. J. Haskins, Fred
Hewlett, James H. Knowles, John Krow, J. D. Lodge, E. H. Long, Anton Meyer, H.
Mathies, L. G. Nay, W. H. Pepper, J. S. Shepherd, Joseph G. Smith, Mary. E.
Sullivan, Mrs. L. J. Walker, Darius Woodworth, Jesse C. Wickersham, I. G.
Wickersham, Mrs. L. C. Wickersham, Mrs. C. H. Weston, and L. C. Woodworth.

   The Bank of Sonoma County.—This institution was incorporated under the
General Incorporation Laws of the State of California on May 10, 1866, with a
capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, in one thousand shares of one
hundred dollars each, its incorporators being: J. A. McNear & Bro., William
Hill, W. Dutton, E. Denman, J. R. Rose, Andrew Mills, G. W. Case, A. B. Case, H.
Mecham, C. Railsbuck, G. R. Codding, Henry Hall, W. S. M. Wright, Robert Bailey,
W. R. Roberts, W. P. Hinshaw, G.Woodward, representing fifty shares each, and T.
Bernhard, E. Newburgh, S. dishinc Hoag, James E. Fowler, John Sroufe, Almira
Sweetland, twenty-five shares each.

   On April 14, 1866, a Board of Directors was elected for three months composed
of Wm. Hill, J. A. McNear, E. Denman, Warren Dutton, and Andrew-Mills, Mr. Hill
being elected President. F. W. Lougee was chosen Secretary, and E. Sprague,
Cashier. Two committees were also appointed; the first, composed of Messrs. J.
A. McNear, William Hill, and F. W. Lougee, to draft by-laws and rules of order;
and Messrs. McNear and Warren Dutton, to procure a safe. The committee intrusted
with the last-mentioned duty lost no time, and quickly procured a Lillie Bank
Safe of the largest style manufactured; with that the Bank of Sonoma commenced
business on May 10,18G6, in a small office, partitioned off in the building on
the south-east corner of Main and Washington streets, their first act being a
call of twenty-five per cent of their subscribed capital. Their correspondents
were the Bank of California in San Francisco, and Lees and Walker in New York.

   The second assessment of twenty-five per cent on the subscribed capital was
made on May 19th, payable on July 15, 1866. The first annual meeting of the
stockholders was held on August 7th of the same year, and the original
Directors, Messrs. Hill, McNear, Mills, Dutton and Denman, re-elected for the
ensuing year, the same President and Cashier being again appointed. The third
call, of ten per cent, was levied on September 11th, and payable on November 1,
1866. On April 22d the first dividend of ten per cent on the capital stock was
declared, payable on the 1st of June, while the fourth assessment of ten per
cent was levied, payable on the same date. On June 3,1867, the fifth and final
assessment of thirty per cent was ordered, payable on September 1st of that year.

   The second regular annual meeting of stockholders was convened on August 6,
1867, and William Hill, W. Dutton, E. Denman, Andrew Mills, and J. Bernhard
elected Directors, the President and Cashier being continued in their offices.
At this meeting the subject of increasing the capital stock to two hundred
thousand dollars was considered, and a committee appointed to purchase a lot on
which to erect a bank building. This culminated, on November 9, 1867, in the
acquiring from McCune Brothers, for the sum of nine thousand dollars, of the
edifice then occupied by G. F. Allen and P. Cowen, on the south side of Main
street, a few doors south of Washington, to which building the offices were
moved about January, 1868, the bank occupying the room used by P. Cowen, G. F.
Allen remaining as a tenant in the north room.

   Owing to the severe and continued illness of the cashier, E. Sprague, he
tendered his resignation in March, 18G8; in the following April, J. S. Van Doren
was elected Cashier. On the 28th of the same month he became assistant in the
bank, and, on June 1st, assumed the duties of that office. Mr. Sprague lingered
until the following September, when, at the age of —— years, he was relieved
from his sufferings by death, and was the first to be laid in the Cypress Hill
Cemetery. He was an able, efficient and faithful officer, while to his ability
as an organizer and financier, is in a great measure to be attributed the great
success which the corporation has since attained.

   The third annual meeting of the stockholders was held August 4, 1868, when
new by-laws were adopted, and W. Hill, A. Mills, W. Dutton, Henry Hall and E.
Newburgh appointed Directors.

   The fourth annual meeting of the stockholders met August 3, 1869, and the
Board as above re-elected. On December 16th a vacancy in the Board occurred,
consequent on the retirement of Andrew Mills; E. Denman was elected for the
unexpired term.

   The fifth annual meeting of the stockholders was had August 2, 1870, when W.
Hill, E. Denman, W. Dutton, Henry Hall and E. Newburgh were elected Directors
for the year.

   The sixth annual meeting was held August 3, 1871, at which the same Board of
Directors was elected.

   On March 16, 1872, a disastrous fire laid low the lot on the northwest corner
of Main and Washington streets; on April 23i, however, the Directors contracted
with McNear & Bro. for that lot, measuring eighteen feet on Main and fifty-three
on Washington streets, whereon to erect their present magnificent building,
paying therefor the property at that time occupied by the bank, and ten thousand
dollars in cash. The edifice, with its perfect vault and specie safe, was
completed and business commenced therein November 7, 1872.

   The seventh annual meeting was held August 6, 1872, when the following
Directors were elected: William Hill, E. Denman, W. Dutton, E. Newburgh and W.
S. M. Wright.

   The eighth annual meeting of stockholders was convened August 5, 1873, and
the former Board of Directors re-elected.

   The ninth annual meeting assembled August 4, 1874. William Hill, E. Denman,
W. Dutton, W. S. M. Wright and G. W. McNear being elected Directors.

   At the tenth annual meeting of stockholders, held August 3, 1875, the same
Board were re-elected, save in the substitution of E. Newburgh for W. S. M.
Wright. At this meeting: E. Denman was elected Vice President by the Board,
which office he has since continuously held.

   The eleventh regular annual meeting was had August 3, 1876, when the
following were elected the Board of Directors: W. Hill, W. Dutton, E. Denman, E.
Newburgh, James E. Fowler. At this meeting Mr. Hill was granted two months'
leave of absence from his presidential duties, during which time he visited the
Centennial Exhibition and the New England States.

   In January, 1877, a Yale Time Lock was attached to the vault door of thg
bank. On February 1st of the same year, in pursuance of the certificate of the
Secretary of State, authorizing the increase of the capital stock, and amended
by-laws, the bank thereupon increased the capital stock from one hundred
thousand dollars to three hundred thousand dollars, by capitalizing its already
accrued surplus of two hundred thousand dollars. In March following, F. E.
McNear was elected Assistant Cashier, since which time his connection with the
bank has continued. On May 1st, the paying of dividends was resumed, dividend
Number Eight, the first under the new capital stock of one per cent, per month,
being then made, and dividends continued quarterly.

   The twelfth regular annual meeting of the stockholders was convened on August
7, 1877, and the former Board of Directors re-elected.

   The thirteenth annual meeting was held August 6, 1878, and the same
Directorate continued.

   The fourteenth regular annual meeting of the stockholders was held August 6,
1879, and no change made in the Directory or officers.

   Since the organization of the Bank of Sonoma county it has paid one hundred
and twenty-six thousand and sixty-two dollars and twenty-five cents in
dividends, besides capitalizing two hundred thousand dollars of its surplus, and
is now paying ten per cent, per annum quarterly on its capital.

   Its present officers are: William Hill, President; E. Denman, Vice-President;
J. S. Van Doren, Cashier; F. E. McNear, Assistant Cashier. The Directors are:
William Hill and W. Dutton, representing three hundred and thirty shares each;
E. Denman, E. Newburgh and James E. Fowler, with three hundred, one hundred, and
eighty-four shares respectively.

   Petaluma Savings Bank.—This institution was incorporated by H. T. Fairbanks,
J. M. Bowles, A. P. Whitney, B. F. Tuttle, A. P. Overton, Doctor Crane, F. J.
Maynard, William Zartman, and L. F. Carpenter, on August 30, 1870. The first
President being J. M. Bowles, who filled the office until January, 1871; he was
then succeeded by H. T. Fairbanks, who now holds the position. The first Cashier
was O. V. Walker, who remained with the tank until 1874. W. B. Haskell next
followed, and in January, 1878, D. B. Fairbanks was chosen to fill the
appointment. The present Board consists of H. T. Fairbanks, President; J. M.
Bowles, Vice-President; D. B. Fairbanks, Cashier. The paid up capital is one
hundred thousand dollars, -with a surplus fund of twenty-five thousand dollars.
   They transact a general banking business. Correspondents are:
Anglo-Californian Bank of San Francisco, and J. and W. Seligman of New York.

   NEWSPAPERS.—The Petaluma Weekly Argus is a representative journal of Sonoma
county, having not only a good, home circulation, but a liberal patronage in
surrounding counties. As it is the outgrowth of a combination of journals, its
history very fitly illustrates the mutations and changes attending journalism on
this coast. In chronological order the Sonoma County Journal is entitled to
precedence, its publication commencing on the 18th of August, 1855, with Thomas
L. Thompson as editor and proprietor. It was strictly neutral in politics, and
soon won for itself high standing as a news and family journal. In 1856 Mr.
Thompson sold the journal establishment to H. L. Weston, who continued its
publication as an independent journal, enlarging it from time to time as the
growth of the population of the county seemed to require. It held Petaluma as
its exclusive field until the Fall of 1859, when the Petaluma Argus, under the
proprietorship of J. J. Penny-packer, as a Republican journal, made its
appearance, to share the field with the Journal. The latter, under the continued
and exclusive proprietorship of Mr. Weston, pursued the even tenor of its way
without change or variableness until February of 1864. During these years the
Argus passed through many changes. Pennypacker having become involved, the Argus
material was sold under execution in May of i860. Mr. Samuel Cassiday getting
possession of the material, in June following started the Petaluma Republican,
six issues of which appeared, when Pennypacker recovered back the material, and
on the 25th of August of the same year resuscitated the Petaluma Argus. In.
December of the same year, Pennypacker sold the Argus to A. Drouillard, who on
the 4th of January, 1861, formed a partnership with J. H. McNabb. Drouillard &
McNabb continued the publication of the Argus until July, when Drouillard
retired from the paper, and Samuel Cassiday beacme Mr. McNabb's partner in the
proprietorship and editorial management of that journal. From this time until
February of 1864, the Argus and Journal divided a field between them which it
required but little practical business sagacity to see was not more than equal
to the support of one good paper. As a consequence, at that time the two
journals were united under the name of the Petaluma Journal and Argus, Mr.
Weston retiring from the management, but retaining a third interest in the
paper. From this time until June of 1866, McNabb & Cassiday published the
Journal and Argus, when the former retired, and Cassiday remained as sole editor
and publisher until February of 1869, when he sold the establishment to H. L.
Weston. For a year Mr. Weston remained sole proprietor and publisher, when in
February of 1870, he took in as partner J. E. Guild, who filled the office of
business manager. This partnership was terminated in May of 1871, by Mr. Guild
selling out to James H. McNabb and N. W. Scudder, who became equal partners with
Weston in the Journal and Argus establishment. Under the firm name of Weston,
Scudder & Co., the paper for a brief period was under the management of these
three gentlemen, when Mr. McNabb receiving the appointment of Deputy Collector
of the Port of San Francisco, retired from the management, leaving Weston and
Scudder sole publishers and editors of the Journal and Argus. During 1872-3,
Messrs. Weston & Scudder published a daily paper in connection with their
weekly. At the commencement of their new volume of date February 7, 1873, the
name Journal was discontinued from the title of the paper, and from thence
forward its title has been The Petaluma Weekly Argus. Under the proprietorship
of Weston & Scudder the Argus was enlarged to its present size, and its office
furnished with all the appointments of a first class country journal. In April
of 1879, Mr. Scudder sold his interest in the Argus and retired, giving place to
Samuel Cassiday, who, after a rest of ten years resumed his connection with that
journal. At the present time, Messrs. Weston & Cassiday are sole proprietors in
the publication and editorial management of the Argus; Mr. McNabb owning a third
interest in the material of the establishment. As this paper, and very properly
too, dates its existence from the first issue of the Sonoma County Journal, its
files are already the repository of nearly a quarter of a century of the history
of Sonoma county.

   The Petaluma Weekly Courier, was started by Wm. F. Shattuck, the present
proprietor, October 5, 1876. From a small patent outside sheet it has grown to
be a pretentious eight-column paper, and is now an established institution,
being considered one of the reliable Democratic journals of the State. The first
year of its existence the Courier was edited by Professor E. S. Lippitt, a
gentleman well known throughout the coast. His vigorous, well-written editorials
brought the paper into notice, and gave it considerable influence. Mr. Lippitt
was succeeded by F. W. Shattuck, in the editorial management, a prominent
attorney of Sonoma county. By an independent style altogether original, Mr.
Shattuck worked the paper up to a position which it fills to the satisfaction of
all, and numerous quotations from it in the old established journals of the
coast testify to the reliable tone of the Courier. At this date the paper wields
a powerful influence for good throughout its section, and is rapidly gaining
ground in the surrounding counties.

   WATER COMPANIES—The first water introduced into the city of Petahima in
pipes, for public purposes, is said to have been effected by Dr. J. Walker, who,
in turn, disposed of his interest in the undertaking in the year 1860; for, on
July 16th of that year, we find in the records of the Board of Trustees that the
privilege was granted to John Cavanagh, George L. Bradley, and John Robbins, to
convey fresh water from their springs, in pipes, along the several streets in
the city, and to supply the same to such citizens as may desire to purchase it.
This body was known as the Petaluma Mountain Water Company. They subsequently
sold out to Smith D. Towne and James Armstrong, and on March 9, 1868, received
from the municipality the exclusive right to introduce water into the city, the
same to continue in force for twenty-five years. On the 2d of April, Towne and
Armstrong, being associated with the Hon. B. B. Munday, organized the Petaluma
Water Company; on the 16th it was incorporated, but, on June 22d, the ordinance
granting the privivilege [sic] was repealed, and, after lengthened and
insurmountable difficulty, sold out to the

   Sonoma County Water Company.—This association was incorporated on December
18, 1871, by M. J. Miller, C. Temple, and F. E. McNear. The company owns the
right to the waters of the Adobe and Copeland, as also certain claims on that of
the Lynch creeks, which each take their rise in the Sonoma range of hills, and
flow through Vallejo township. At the time of writing the water in use in the
city is drawn principally from the first named stream, at a point distant from
Petaluma of about five miles; it is in contemplation to bring the liquid from
Copeiand creek, at about eight miles distant. The water now in use is conveyed
from the Adobe creek, through seven-inch wrought iron mains, and delivered into
a reservoir of the capacity of five hundred thousand gallons, which is situated
on the eminence west of Cypress Hill Cemetery, and thence distributed to
customers, from an elevation of one hundred and seventy-five feet above the
town, the length of the mains used being, in all, in the vicinity of eight
miles. Within the corporate limits there are thirteen hydrants, the property of
the city, while the company, in mains, both large and small, own about twenty
miles of pipes. The average daily consumption is near two hundred and
twenty-five thousand gallons, distributed among about five hundred and fifty
consumers, who put the water to household, irrigation, and other uses, while
from the same source are supplied the locomotives, steamers and other craft
which visit the city. The fluid is of excellent quality, and the price charged
is one-half that in San Francisco, for domestic purposes; for irrigation it is
done for one-eighth of that demanded in that city. The company is now composed
as follows: President, Francis Smith; Vice-President, William Hill; Secretary
and Superintendent, F. W. Lougee, with the following gentlemen comprising the
Board of Directors: Francis Smith and William Hill, of Petaluma, and C. Adolphe
Low, of San Francisco. Water rights, construction account, and legal expenses
have swelled the cost of the works to about one hundred and fifteen thousand
dollars, and but one dividend, of one thousand dollars, has been paid, the
collections made for water, etc., being used on the construction account. This
undertaking has been of great benefit to property-holders in Petaluma, on
account of the facility which exists for the extinguishing of fires, it being
calculated that, in this regard alone, no less sum than one hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars has been saved to them. The rates of insurance have
been materially decreased since the establishment of the hydrants, all tending
to the benefit of the property-holder.

   McNear & Bro.'s Warehouse.—The fire-brick warehouse situated in East Petaluma
was erected by John A. and George W. McNear in the Fall of 1864. It is one
hundred and fifty feet square, with walls twenty-five feet high. The walls are
made of brick, and the floor of cement and asphaltum, and the roof asphaltum,
hence it is absolutely fire-proof, and to add still more to its safety from
fire, it is almost entirely surrounded by the Petaluma creek. It has a capacity
for ten thousand tons of grain. The shipping facilities from this house are as
excellent as any in the State. Schooners can take the grain from the door of the
warehouse and deliver it direct on board of the ships bound for the great grain
marts of the world. The railroad track passes into the building and by its
doors. Grain from all parts of the valley above is delivered so that it can be
readily transferred to the out-going schooners or stored in the warehouse. At
the time of its erection it was the largest fire-proof warehouse in the State of
California. The amount of business done here in a year is simply enormous. Fully
as much produce is shipped over the wharf as is stored. It is at present managed
by John A. McNear, he having dissolved business with G. W. McNear, August 1,
1874. When it is considered that twenty thousand tons of produce passes over the
wharf of this warehouse alone yearly an approximate idea of the vast resources
of the rich valley; of Sonoma may be obtained.

   McNear & Bro.'s Mill.—The mill business, at present conducted by George P.
McNear, was put in operation by M. R. Evans in 1862. He continued to run it till
1866, when it passed into the hands of Leonard & Erhardt; who conducted it till
1868. It then came into possession of J. R. Rose, who continued in charge of it
till 1870. M. J. Miller then took charge of it, and conducted it till 1876. The
business had NOT proved to be a very good investment previous to its coming into
the hands of Mr. Miller. He gave it a thorough overhauling, and, in fact, almost
rebuilt it, adding many improvements to it, some of the most important of which
were his own design. The present manager took charge it in 1876, and has
conducted it successfully ever since. It has two run of burs in it. The other
machinery is very complete in all its arrangements. This machinery is driven by
a thirty-five-horse power engine. Its capacity is fifty barrels a day of
twenty-four hours. It has been run continuously every day and often during the
night, also for the past three years, and it is a remarkable fact, that it has
not been obliged to cease running for a full day for repairs during that time.
It is well protected from fire, having six hydrant connections and a tank on the
roof. The local trade consumes all the flour produced at this mill, and the
quality of it is pronounced to be very superior by all who use it. The business
is now in competent hands, and is proving a first-class financial venture.

   California Mills.—These mills are situated on Main street, Petaluma, and run
back to Water street, having a frontage on the former of thirty-eight and a-half
feet and running back to the latter one hundred and twenty-five feet, the
proprietors being J. M. Bowles & Sons. The mill proper is constructed of brick
and is forty by sixty feet in dimensions and is supplied with three run of
stone, five reels, and one middlings purifier. The machinery is driven by a
plain stationary engine, manufactured at the California Machine Shop, by Berts
and Company of San Francisco, and comprises all the most modern improvements,
having a capacity of turning out one hundred barrels of flour in the twenty-four
hours and a capacity for ground and chopped feed of fifty tons in the same time.
The premises are divided into a receiving-room for grain, flour-room,
store-room, besides others for machinery and storage. It has also a well
constructed wharf possessing all the necessary facilities for shipping, while it
has been in working order for the last twelve months only.

   Centennial Planing Mills.—Sloper & Fuller, proprietors. These mills are
situated at the foot of Main and D streets and occupy an area of forty by sixty
feet. The building is two stories in height, and constructed of wood. The
machinery is run by one fifteen horse-power engine, manufactured bv Wood & Main
of Utica, New York, while the work turned out for the most part consists of all
kinds of mouldings and house-finishing articles, as well as those used in
connection with dairy, mining, water, and fruit growing interests. The business
was established in 1876 by the present proprietors, the capital invested being
two thousand five hundred dollars.

   Petaluma Planing Mills.—L. G. Nay & Company, proprietors. These mills were
established in the year 1868 by Charles Ormsby, who retained possession of them
until 1871 when they passed into the hands of the present owners. The works are
situated in East Petaluma, within easy distance of the creek and railroad, and
consist of the main mill, forty feet square; engine house, twelve by thirty-six
feet; bench room, twelve by eighteen feet; store house, forty by sixty feet; the
machinery being driven by a twenty horsepower engine. The mill possesses all the
appliances necessary for the performing of general work and the manufacture of
doors, sashes, blinds, mouldings, etc., in short, all finishing work required
for house-building. The timber used is obtained from the redwoods and San
Francisco, which is distributed in the surrounding country in the forms
mentioned above, as well as in the shape of fruit boxes of which there are a
large number made on the establishment.

   CARRIAGE AND WAGON FACTORIES.—William Zartman & Co.—William Zartman was the
first to establish a carriage and wagon factory in the city of Petaluma, in the
year 1852, on the site of the store next to the American Hotel, on Main street,
having in partnership with him in the business John Fritsch and James F. Reed.
From that position the business was removed to the ground on which the Methodist
Church now stands, where they continued until i860, when the firm was dissolved,
and Mr. Zartman, in the following year, established himself in his present
premises, situated on the corner of Howard street and Western avenue, which
occupy two hundred and forty feet on the last and two hundred and twenty feet on
the first mentioned thoroughfares, the whole being divided into blacksmith's,
wood, and paint shops, carriage repository,, and drying-room. All kinds of wagon
and blacksmith's work is made in the establishment, as many as one hundred
vehicles beinor manufactured in one year, at a general yield of some twenty
thousand dollars, which are shipped to all parts of the State and Oregon. The
shops are replete with all the modern improvements, and give occupation to a
dozen men. The elegant and commodious residence of Mr. Zartman adjoins the
premises, on the corner of Liberty street and Western avenue, standing in the
center of a well-kept lot measuring one hundred by one hundred and twenty feet.

   Hopes & Cameron.—The wagon manufacturing works of this firm are situated on
the corner of Washington and Keller streets. The business was originally
organized in the year 1865 by Fritsch, Stafford & Hopes, which they continued
until 1873, when the partnership consisted of Green, Spotswood & Jay; in 1875 it
changed to Spotswood & Hopes, and in 1876, the firm became Hopes & Cameron, its
present name. The building, which is two stories high, occupies an area of forty
by forty feet; on the first floor is the manufacturing department, the second
being confined to paint and varnishing works. All kinds of wagons and general
vehicles are built upon the premises, which are sold in all parts of the State
and county, while there is continuous employment found in the shops for four
men. The average amount of business done is in the vicinity of eight thousand
dollars per annum.

   D. W. C. Putnam & Co.—The carriage manufactory of this firm is situated on
the corner of Western avenue and Keller street, and was established in 1874 by
D. W. C. Putnam, who carried on the business alone until July 8, 1876, when he
was joined by Byron Clark, who is still a member of the firm. They have invested
in the business five thousand dollars, make annually from twenty to thirty
vehicles, which they find a ready sale for in this State and Nevada, and give
employment to six men on an average.

   B. Harters Carriage Manufactory.—This establishment was organized by the
present proprietor in August, 1874, and is situated on the corner of English
street and Western avenue. He employs three men on his premises, and
manufactures principally agricultural   implements, and all manner of vehicles,
for which he finds a ready sale through this and the adjoining counties. He
employs three men regularly, and does a business of about three thousand dollars
annually.

   Gwin & Brainard's Saddle Manufactory.—This enterprise was established in
1867. These gentlemen had formerly been engaged in this business, but in the
above year entered into partnership and commenced under the above firm. They
manufacture all kinds of saddlery and harness, which they ship to all parts of
California, as well as to Nevada, Idaho, Utah) Wyoming and Nebraska, while some
of their goods have found a ready sale in South America. The yearly average of
work performed by them is, three hundred saddles and two hundred sets of
harness, at an approximate value of from twenty to thirty thousand dollars per
annum. Employ six hands at the business.

   Petaluma Stair-Building and Wood-Turning Manufactory.—This industry was
established in April, 1879, by David Howell, who continued it until the
following August, when he admitted Rodney Burns into partnership, who are now
engaged in carrying on the trade with considerable success.

   Barnes' Excelsior Bleaching Soap Manufactory.—To A. J. Kane belongs the honor
of first manufacturing soap in Petaluma, which enterprise he commenced in the
Fall of 1874. After passing through several different hands the business was
purchased in 1877 by A. N. Barney who is now carrying on the undertaking with
much success, finding a ready sale for his goods throughout the State, his
average transactions in the year amounting to about four thousand dollars.

   Petaluma Steam Marble Works.—This is a branch of industry which was
established on January 28, 1878, by John Jacobi and O. C. Thompson. In the month
of November of that year the interest of the latter gentleman was purchased by
his partner, since when the business has been carried on by Jacobi. The sawing,
rubbing and polishing of the marble is all effected by steam power, which is
furnished by an engine of eight horse-power, manufactured by O. P. Ingram & Bro.
of San Francisco, the boiler being by Hall & Kelschaw of that city. Mr. Jacobi
does a thriving business of about one thousand six hundred dollars per month; he
gives employment in his works to sixteen.men; while he has several traveling
agents employed who find a ready and increasing sale for his goods in Sonoma,
Marin, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and other counties of the State. These
marble works are situated on the upper end of Main street, and are well worthy a
visit.

   Petaluma Tannery.—This branch of industry was established in the city as far
back as eighteen years ago. In the year 1861, Messrs. Bailey and Morbee
conceived the idea of starting a tannery; this they did, and found some
encouragement in their prospects; they continued the business until the year
1865, when they sold out to Mr. Prescott, who continued the undertaking till
1874, when it was purchased by Jacob Wick, the present proprietor, who had been
from June 1867 up to that year, conducting a like establishment in the lower end
of town. The premises are situated on B between Seventh and Eighth streets, and
cover an area of two acres. The size of the tannery proper is thirty-two by
eighty feet; the currying room is twenty-four by sixty feet, while the building
is two stories high, on the upper floor being situated the currying room and
beam house. Adjoining the tannery is the engine house of one hundred by
thirty-two feet, which contains an engine of sixteen horse-power, employed in
rolling and bark-grinding. The vat-room is thirty-two by eighty feet, containing
forty-seven vats; situated above them is the drying room, while there are two
bark sheds of twenty-two by sixty, and twenty-two by one hundred and twenty feet
respectively. The hides brought into this establishment are principally used in
the manufacture of sole leather, while the annual consumption of bark is about
three hundred cords. Employment is found for four men.

   Petaluma Foundry.—This foundry is the only one in the city of Petaluma, and
was established in 1859 by Charles Cobb, Joseph Whiteman and C. P Hatch. It is
situated on Keller, between Washington and English streets, and occupies an area
of twenty-five by sixty-five feet, a portion used as the machine shop being
twenty-five feet square. The engine and store room is eighteen by thirty-five
feet, the former having one Haskin engine of five horse-power, which drives the
machinery. The goods manufactured are principally agricultural implements, and
Butt's patent fruit-dryer and canner. The business done annually amounts to
between three and four thousand dollars.

   Petaluma Brewery.—This brewery was started in the year 1855, by Christ-lich &
Erbe, and was the first establishment of the kind in Sonoma county. After some
years they were succeeded by Baltz & Schierhold. In 1873, George Roberson, the
present proprietor, purchased and has since managed its concerns. They
manufacture about twelve hundred barrels of beer in the year, for which they
find a ready sale throughout Sonoma, besides transporting it to the adjacent
counties. The premises are situated on Main street, and are surrounded by
pleasant gardens and shady arbors, making it a pleasant resort for those who
affect the refreshing beverage of jolly Gambrinus.

   J. Cavanagh's Lumber Yard.—Mr. Cavanagh's lumber yard was established in the
year 1867, and he has since pursued this industry with such success that his
yearly business is in the vicinity of one million feet of lumber, besides
shingles, pickets, posts, laths, and such like. Redwood, of which he has always
a considerable stock on hand, is entirely the outturn of of Sonoma county, as
indeed is nearly all the wood in his possession, save white pine, which he
imports from Puget Sound, by way of San Francisco. In former days the
first-mentioned class of timber had to be " hauled " by oxen hither; since the
railroad has passed through the district, transportation has been much
facilitated, and the twenty-five miles which formerly took as many days to
traverse, is now covered in but a very few hours. The district supplied is
within a circle of about sixteen miles, while beyond that line the residents are
in the midst of the timber-growing country and help themselves.

   HOTELS.—Washington Hotel.—This excellent house is situated on Washington,
between Main and Kentucky streets, where it has a prominent position being in
close proximity to all the banks, the post office, express agency and leading
newspapers. The building is fifty by one hundred feet in area, the first floor
consisting of bar, office, dining-room, kitchen and the necessary store-rooms,
while on the second floor there are thirty first class bed-rooms, all well and
confortably [sic] furnished. The price of board is two dollars per day.

   Cosmopolitan Hotel.—H. Matthews, proprietor. This hotel was built by George
Purdy in January, 1866, and completed on the 10th of the following November. It
is situated at the foot of Main street on Lots twenty-eight and twenty-nine, it
covering an area of sixty-six feet front by eighty feet depth. It is three
stories in height, the first floor consisting of parlor, sitting and
dining-rooms, besides two others occupied by the family of the proprietor, as
well as the kitchen, laundry and a large and commodious bar. The two upper
stories are divided into forty-six bed-rooms of considerable size and confort,
[sic] all being well furnished. The building was run as a hotel until 1870 by
Purdy, after which it fell into the hands of different persons until 1874 when
it was purchased by the present proprietor. Board, five to six dollars per week.

   Union Hotel.—This pleasant house of entertainment is situated on Main street,
Petaluma, and is a building of two stories in height, the first floor . being
divided into a bar, office, reading and dining-room, with kitchen and two bed
chambers, the upper floor being apportioned into a sitting and sleeping rooms,
of which there are nineteen in all, well proportioned and ventilated. As a
portion of the hotel, the building known as the Centennial Block has been rented
by the proprietors, which affords an increased accommodation of fifteen pleasant
rooms of good size and newly furnished, making them a pleasant residence for
families and those who should wish to be rid of the noise of a bar-room. The
houses are well lit with gas and fitted with all modern improvements. Price of
board, five to six dollars per week. Proprietors, Gercken and Pfau.

   Revere House.—This hotel was built by H. Stockdale in the year 1865, and is
situated on the corner of Oak and Main streets. The structure, which is hard
finished throughout, with a well constructed basement of brick, is three stories
high and sixty-five by sixty feet in dimensions. On the first floor are the bar,
office, billiard and commodious dining rooms, with kitchen and lavatory, while
the upper story contains the parlor, sitting and forty bed rooms, all of good
size and well ventilated. .This building was originally rented by A. Rickar, now
of Salinas, Monterey county, but at the end of one year Stockdale took the
management into his own hands and continued it until January, 1879, when he
handed it over to N. King, the present lessee. Board, five to six dollars per
week. In connection with the hotel is a well supplied livery stable managed by
V. R. Fuller, a building originaly built by H. Stockdale.

   City Hotel.—The original building was thirty-five by fifty feet, and was
constructed in Valparaiso, Chili, South America, in the year 1849, and from
thence transported to Vallejo, Solano county, during the session of the
Legislature in that city in 1852, being there erected by Colonel Veeder, where
it would appear to have received the name of the Virginia Hotel. In 1853, when
the glories of Vallejo had departed with the Legislature, the gallant Colonel,
in search of pastures new, removed his house to Petaluma, and erecting on the
corner of the lot, named it the City Hotel. Veeder afterwards sold the property
to P. B. Hewlett, who opened it as a lodging-house and hotel, managing it as
such until the year 1862, when it became the property of Doctor William R.
Wells, who, in February, 1875, sold the old building to Kelly Tighe, of the
Brooklyn Hotel, who has attached it to that house. In 1867, Dr. Wells built an
addition of sixty feet on the southwest portion of the structure, while in 1875,
when the original building was disposed of, he erected the new part, which gives
it now a facade of imposing appearunce, one hundred and thirty-five feet on
English street, with a depth of twenty-eight feet. The house is three stories
high, while there is an L twenty-five by thirty-seven feet, which is used as a
dining-room, contiguous to which is a kitchen, thirty by twenty feet. The entire
cost of the building, including street improvements, is thirty-five thousand
dollars. The interior economy of the establishment has seen many changes; its
present care, however, is in the hands of A. B. Reed, a pattern host.

   TWO ROCK.—This place, which is eight miles from Petaluma, takes its name from
two peculiar rocks, that were called by the Californians, Dos Predios, which
stood on a point where the Blucher and Balsa de Tomales Ranchos cornered. They
were, besides, a landmark on the northwestern boundary of the Laguna de San
Antonio or Bojorques rancho. Between these two rocks passed the old Mexican
trail from San Rafael to Bodega and Ross, which were referred to far and near by
persons when speaking of that section. The first to settle in the neighborhood
of Two Rock were Samuel Tustin, J. R. Lewis, Charles Purvine, S. M. Martin,
James and E. Denman. The postoffice, which was established July 17, 1857, with
Clark A. Hough as Postmaster, is situated at the junction of the Bloomneld and
Tomales roads, nearly a mile and a-half from the two rocks which gives it its
name. The farm on which the postoffice is located was first settled by John
Schwobeda, who sold it to Charles Weigand, the present proprietor and postmaster.

   There is at the cross-roads a Grange Hall, a Presbyterian church and a
blacksmith shop.

   Two Rock Presbyterian Church.—This church was organized May 17, 1860, with
seventeen charter members, Rev. Thomas Fraser being pastor, and Stephen Fowler,
David Morton, Robert Andrews, regularly ordained elders; the trustees at the
time being Robert Andrews, Alexander McKay David Morrow, Samuel Schuller, Hugh
Gaston and George W. Case. The size of the building is thirty-six by forty-six
feet, and was erected in 1862. There is a present membership of forty-two, Mr.
and Mrs. Andrews being the only remaining charter members. When first organized,
the congregation met for service in Keyem and Iowa school-houses.

   STONY POINT.—This hamlet is sometimes known by the name of Washoe, so called
after the hotel of that name, Stony Point proper being a short distance
therefrom. A postoffice was formerly established on the road from Macedonia
church to Bloomneld, while the Stony Point House was situated on the farm of P.
N. Woodworth, who settled there in 1851. The hotel has, of late, been
discontinued, its business, as well as that of the postoffice, having been
transferred to the Washoe House, which is still called by the first, name. At
the Washoe House, which is on one of the roads leading from Petaluma to
Bloomneld, as it is also on the west road leading to Santa Rosa, is a hotel,
which was built in the year 1859 by Robert Ayres, who kept it for five years,
when it was purchased by Isaac Baker, who conducted its fortunes for twelve
months, and disposed of it to Ayers, who ran it for a like period, and parted
with it to Mr. Misner, who, after three years. sold it to Alfred Rickett, when,
after four years, it was purchased, on April 12, 1878, by S. F. Lewis, its
present proprietor. This was the first and only hostelry ever built in the
place. There is also located here a store, carriage manufactory, and the
postoffice conducted by Halley & Magoon, and a butcher's shop owned by A.
Hasbrouck. A daily stage connecting with Petaluma and Valley Ford passes through
the village.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY
—OF-
SONOMA COUNTY,
-INCLUDING ITS—
Geology, Topooraphy, Mountains, Valleys and Streams;
—TOGETHER WITH—
A Full and Particular Record of the Spanish Grants; Its Early History and
Settlement, Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources; the Names of Original
Spanish and American Pioneers; a full Political History, Comprising the Tabular
Statements of Elections and Office-holders since the Formation of the County;
Separate Histories of each Township, Showing the Advancement of Grape and Grain
 Growing Interests, and Pisciculture;
ALSO, INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE; THE RAISING OF THE BEAR FLAG; AND BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS AND REPRESENTATIVE MEN;
—AND OF ITS—
Cities, Towns, Churches, Schools, Secret Societies, Etc., Etc.
ILLUSTRATED.

SAN FRANCISCO:
ALLEY, BOWEN & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1880.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by ALLEY, BOWEN & Co.,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

PACIFIC PRESS,
Oakland, Cal. Printers., Stereotypers and Binders.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/sonoma/history/1880/historyo/petaluma398nms.txt

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