While doing research for an article on the Petaluma Mutual Relief building I learned that the structure was designed by San Francisco architect John M. Curtis. In the article I share that Curtis, while working in partnership with A.A. Bennett, prepared plans for the Sonoma County Courthouse. Curtis & Bennett were hired in 1883 and the structure was completed in 1885 – the same year as the Mutual Relief building. Although I finished the article and posted it to my blog, my research into John M. Curtis continues.
On July 20th I was able to look at the original building specifications and other primary documents associated with the courthouse that is part of the Sonoma County Archives collection.
The following are a few photos of what I discovered. I found the collection using the Sonoma County Library online catalog. More and more of the library’s archival collections are being processed and although digitization of records such as these isn’t likely to be a priority, improved access is. Zayda Delgado, Supervising Librarian at the Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library recently shared that the library has adopted a new archives management software, ArchivesSpace which will be used to create and update existing finding aids that will enhance accessibility to the library’s specials collections – those housed on and off-site.
Interested in knowing more about other treasures that exist within the Sonoma County Archives Collection? Then you’ll want to drop by the Finley Community Center in Santa Rosa on August 6, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM for Sonoma County Finding History Day. The Sonoma County Library, Sonoma County Historical Records Commission, Advocates for the Sonoma County Archives and over 25 other historical and cultural organizations will have information tables set up. For details go to Sonoma County Finding History
The Architect and Architecture of a Petaluma Iron Front