We had an amazing turn out for this morning’s talk at the Petaluma Regional Library on the history and architecture of Petaluma’s D Street. Petaluma History Room librarian, Connie Williams, counted 126 people! I came away energized by the enthusiasm and questions of the audience.
When I shared that the Morris-Seidell house at 909 D Street was designed by Santa Rosa architect, C.A. “Cal” Caulkins in 1941, some thought Caulkins had designed the Rosenberg building in Santa Rosa (now home to Barnes & Noble). That was cause for further investigation.
Actually, Hertzka & Knowles were the architects according to an October 26, 1937, Press Democrat article. After reading Santa Rosa history blogger, Jeff Elliott’s August 6, 2018, post “Today You Saw Cal Caulkins” I learned that Caulkins was involved in the design of the Rosenberg Building, but it’s not clear to what degree.
To learn more about Caulkins, I recommend reading Gaye LeBaron’s March 23, 2019, Press Democrat article Recalling Contentious History as Santa Rosa, County Explore Sharing Quarters.
Also, at the Sonoma County History and Genealogy Library, we have a copy of Santa Rosa Architect Clarence Adelbert Caulkins, Jr., a document prepared by architectural historian, Diana J. Painter, that is well worth taking a look at.
By the way, Hertzka & Knowles designed Petaluma’s former Carithers Department Store located at 109 Kentucky Street in 1941.
Thank you for the info, and your ongoing research!