Sonoma Valley Historical Society

Here at the Marcy House, we spend most of our time living in the past. Like everyone else though, we are soooo looking to the future, when 2020 and the days of Covid are long behind us! Here's hoping for a bright summer, when Sonoma kids can get out and play together again. And what could be better than a playdate with ponies?!?!? Pictured in this circa 1930 Sonoma summer photo are (L to R): Margaret Andrieux Meyers, Bette Garrison Garric, Charles Groskopf, Jess Thompson, Ma...xine States MacArthur, Rene Prestwood, and Mabelle Dodge Heald, All of the ponies belonged to Maxine, lucky girl! #sonomavalleyhistoricalsociety #ponies See more

Here is our beautiful mural, freshly painted in 1953!

It's National Cat Day today, and in honor of the Sonoma felines we've loved through the ages, here is a sweet scene from 1909. I think this is Mr. and Mrs. Koerner, proprietors of the Oak Grove Resort. Although I can't verify it just yet, it's still a great shot of a couple and their kitties!

We can't go to the movies right now, but when we can, there will be ads before the main feature--just not as cool as this one for the 1917 Overland by Willys, and the local Maffei Bros. This ad was shown at the Don Theater on East Napa Street, is reproduced from the original glass slide--one of many in our collection!

Today is National Chocolate Day, and in case you don't have time to whip out a batch of truffles, here are a couple photos to remember the day by. In 1930, August Clerici (pictured) had a candy store on E. Napa Street. Right next to him was Simmons Pharmacy, home of phenomenal chocolate sodas! Lloyd Simmons also had the agency for Atwater-Kent radios.

A lot of Sonoma residents worked at Mare Island. (This post is shared from California History-- a great site!)

For admirers of architecture and aficionados of Santa Rosa history, take a coffee break and enjoy this stroll down McDonald Avenue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8S0r2yAew&feature=youtu.be

Here's an easy one for "Where Is It Wednesday?" So if you guessed The Sonoma Hotel, you'd be correct, although in 1930 it was known as The Plaza Hotel. Good job everyone!!

Napa at Broadway, yesterday and today. Don't you love those cars ?!

"Where Is It Wednesday?" ! A tidier version of this building, pictured in 1929, still exists. Can you name the spot?

If you are interested in archival research, here is a presentation that includes Gordon H. Chang, our lecturer on October 10. Gordon and others speak about Archives, Libraries, and the Study of the West, in the era of COVID-19. The presentation is part of a series put on by Dartmouth College. https://dartmouth.zoom.us//qw4Gg2higUhhB-doPQSMidfaRyEZ_gy

We don't know the names of these lovelies posing in Boyes Hot Springs in 1919, but they certainly are racking up the style points--in fashion and cars!

Out for a drive, these Sonoma gents stopped for a photo op in their 1908 White Steam Car. Or maybe they just ran out of steam. Looking none too pleased at their parking spot in front of the Mission are Jack Gottenberg (driver), N. Newman, Roy Pauli, Charles Raeffner, and friends.

Today it seems well to think about beauty, art, music, and while we're at it, the importance of supporting our small businesses during this time of covid. We LOVE this happy photo of Mr. Music himself--Dan Ruggles--shown in his shop on 1st Street West, now the home of Sign of the Bear. Dan sold instruments, sheet music, records, and art supplies, and helped introduce folks of all ages to the world of music. His contributions to the community still impact us today. And, thanks to the Hinton Family for donating this delightful picture, so that we can share it with everyone today!

We need a little diversion; how about a round of "Where Is It? Wednesday". In 1930, this local hotspot was the place for kids to go for an ice cream, or a hang-out for those who needed something a little stronger! 90 years later, it's still a place to gather! Get your guessing game on, and I give the answer a bit later this afternoon! WE HAVE A WINNER! Nancy Peat guessed it! This is Louie Martin's Bar, corner of 8th and Napa Rd, now known as the Vineburg Deli ! Fantastic game everyone, because this one was really tough!!

Saving my favorite for last, this elegant offering by the late Anne Shepard, originally done for the 1969 festival and reprinted for 2018. We hope that you've enjoyed this series of posts, and hopefully our favorite festival will be back in 2021!

Another favorite ... these colors are GORGEOUS! I think this is another by Michelle Heran (someone please correct me if I have the wrong artist), for the 2008 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival.

Though we're missing all the fun and catching up with friends and neighbors on our Plaza, we can still go dancing into the weekend. We'll be celebrating our historic festival in a new and different way in our own back yard, and this 2015 poster by David Wills conveys the spirit perfectly! Scoll below for more images. Raising a glass to the harvest with you all ... Cheers!

Poster number 3 in our Vintage Festival Parade~of~Posters is this 1987 gem by artist Alan Fiske.

Here's a gorgeous poster from 2001, done by Michelle Heran. By the way, if you're wanting to purchase these posters, you can find any available at https://valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.com/shop/ .