Do you like to hike, bike, or run? This corner location will make your feet happy.

HISTORY

Berkeley architect William Schrof designed this impressive iron-fronted building for the Petaluma Masons. It was dedicated on April 20, 1882. The L&M Drug Store, established by Dr. Arthur G. Lumsden and Leland H. Myers, moved into the first-floor corner space in May 1933. Myers, who was Mayor of Petaluma from 1950 to 1953, became the business's sole owner in 1934. He operated the store at this location for nearly 50 years.

This Brainerd Jones designed building is located next door to a Prince!

HISTORY

You are standing in front of Petaluma’s first steel-framed commercial building, constructed in 1910 for William H. Van Marter. Van Marter hired local architect Brainerd Jones to prepare plans for a second story to be added to an existing brick building that housed the Baldwin Restaurant and Bakery (established by Van Marter’s father-in-law Oliver Baldwin in the 1870s) to accommodate a rooming house. During construction, Van Marter decided to add a third story. The beautifully restored neon sign was the first created by Warren Barber of Barber Signs.

You’ll find this jewel next to a game store.

HISTORY

Brainerd Jones chose the Second Renaissance Revival style for the Schluckebier-Gwinn Building, which he designed in 1904. R.W. Moller and William C. Stradling, who constructed the building, had also worked on the Petaluma Carnegie Library, which exhibits similar brickwork. Henry Schluckebier was a successful hardware man and real estate investor, and J.H. Gwinn was a banker.

Still hanging after all these years, this sign can be found in a downtown alley near the parking garage.

HISTORY

Betsey and Bob McLaughlin established McLaughlin Jewelers on April 1, 1948 – five days after the couple married in Corvallis. They had purchased the business from Henry Jepsen. Betsey acted as assistant store manager until her death in 1988. Mr. McLaughlin was store Manager, active with the Petaluma Yacht Club, and served as commander of the Petaluma Sea Scouts for many years. He received the Good Egg Award in 1990. At the time of his death in 2000, McLaughlin Jewelers was still in business. People might remember J Solar Jewelry at this location in recent years.

Check out this corner store where you can kick back and get beautiful. Then…look up! This universal sign for medicine is a clue to the original

HISTORY

Originally the site of the Washington Stable and Livery, this two-story brick building was constructed by Samuel Rodd in 1899 for Angela Canepa. This architectural detail bears a striking resemblance to a pharmacist symbol which probably isn’t a coincidence. The Herold Drug Co. occupied this prime corner location from 1915-1964.

You’ll find two fountains at this location, but this is the only one you can drink from. Where are you?

HISTORY

This is the site of the American Hotel. The first American Hotel was built in 1852 by George Williams, father-in-law of John A. McNear. It burned down in 1868. The second American Hotel, although constructed of brick, was destroyed by fire in June 1873. The fourth and final American Hotel rose from the ashes and for many years was not only popular for overnight stays, but had a dance hall, restaurant and even a tiki bar during the late 1940s called The Tropics. There were also ground floor commercial storefronts. In 1966 the building was condemned by the City of Petaluma and demolished. The property sat vacant until 1987.

You can get creamy delicious desserts here, wonderful especially on a hot day. Look closely for this fine fellow.

HISTORY

This brick building, which most likely dates to the 1870s, has a cast iron façade that many equate with some of Petaluma's grander structures. Cast iron facades are a uniquely American invention, and most were created during the second half of the 19^th century. These facades were less expensive and easier to produce than stone and brick, as they were made in molds rather than carved by hand and then affixed to the face of buildings, creating an ornate appearance. Originally, cast iron fronts were thought to provide fire protection, but that proved untrue.

One of the earliest businesses to operate at this location was the Swiss Store, whose proprietor, Peter Bolla, sold groceries, liquor, cigars, shoes, boots, and clothing in 1876. 

This hidden wall from the past can be found right near the store where you can find Santa Claus!

HISTORY

This fieldstone wall is all that remains of the Rough & Ready Stone Stable built by S.G. McCollough in 1856. The stable served guests at the adjacent Union Hotel to the north, where the Masonic Hall sits today. In 1865, John Pfau, a German horse breeder, purchased the livery and, in 1876, constructed another building on the site that incorporated the existing stable. This new structure was named the Centennial Building.

Need a haircut? You’ll step right over this sign to enter. Discover the name of a former business that once occupied this storefront.

HISTORY

George G. Daunt, a jeweler, moved his business to this 1910 building, formerly occupied by the Swiss America Bank, in 1929. As early as 1895, Daunt was advertising himself as “optical specialist and jeweler.” His first store was on Main Street (known as Petaluma Blvd. North today). When Daunt retired in 1939, this space was taken over by the Petaluma News Agency which was managed by Mrs. Gladys Marion.

This doorbell resides at the newly opened optical store located within a former financial institution.

HISTORY

The firm of Hyman & Appleton, architects of San Francisco, designed this building in 1928. It is built of reinforced concrete and sits upon a massive foundation. The exterior is clad in “Grana-Tex,” terra cotta simulating granite. Detailing is classical and includes a formal entablature with crested cornice, triglyph frieze, and wide, plain architrave. Above is a roof flagpole flanked by eagles. The interior of this building is as grand as its exterior. Step on in and take a look.

Located next door to a business that will spice up your life.

HISTORY

Construction of this High Victorian Italianate building began in 1884 and was completed in 1886. As the photo indicates, it has a cast iron façade. It is unique in that it fills a trapezoidal lot with no two sides parallel and has two street frontages where you’ll find other foundry markers.

This scavenger hunt was created as one of many activities for Historic Preservation Month. For more information on the other activities, use this QR code or go to the Petaluma Historical Library and museum website.

Watch for more activities from the Petaluma History Room in the coming months – we have some fun things in the works!

If you have questions about Petaluma History, drop me a note and we will follow up: cwilliams@sonomalibrary.org