As NBC Bay Area's Joe Rosato, Jr. perfectly observed in his August 20 television broadcast, "Petaluma wears …
Down the Rabbit Hole with Katherine – a blog that seeks to highlight the rich and diverse history that surrounds and delights me. This history may be unique to Petaluma, but not always. The posts are written for my own enjoyment. If others find them entertaining so much the better!
From Chicken in the Bowl to Boutique Hotel
As a sign enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover a photograph of the iconic Chicken in the Bowl sign in the …
The Quick Clean Sign: A Small Loss in Petaluma’s Commercial History
For years, I walked past the Quick Clean sign at 214 Western Avenue in Petaluma almost daily. Something about …
The Quick Clean Sign: A Small Loss in Petaluma’s Commercial HistoryRead More
Returning to Share Petaluma’s River Legacy
On June 28th at 10:30 a.m, I’ll return to the Sonoma County Library as a speaker for the first time since …
Drees Florist Sign – A Lost 1940s Gem
I was delighted by the enthusiastic turnout for my presentation on the history of signs at the Petaluma Arts …
Demolition is Not Historic Preservation
In a striking display of contradiction, the Petaluma City Council recently proclaimed May as National Historic …
Elm Court Sign: A Hidden Treasure on Petaluma Boulevard North
Despite its weathered condition, the easily overlooked Elm Court sign at 4547 Petaluma Boulevard North is one …
Elm Court Sign: A Hidden Treasure on Petaluma Boulevard NorthRead More
New Book About the Petaluma River and Tour Go Hand in Hand
As many of my subscribers may know, I recently contributed to The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief …
New Book About the Petaluma River and Tour Go Hand in HandRead More
Belle Fairbanks: A Life of Resilience and Reinvention
While conducting research for a client on a residential property once owned by members of Petaluma's Hill and …
Belle Fairbanks: A Life of Resilience and ReinventionRead More
Take Aways from the 2024 California Main Street Conference, Eureka
Recently, the economic health of Petaluma's historic downtown has been the topic of many city council meetings …
Take Aways from the 2024 California Main Street Conference, EurekaRead More
415 Walnut Street, Petaluma – A 1908 Cottage
I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions, but if I were, moving photos from my phone to my computer might …
Update to Then & Now – Kentucky Street, Petaluma, CA
Thanks to information shared by two faithful and eagle-eyed subscribers, John Sheehy and Bill Wolpert, I have …
Update to Then & Now – Kentucky Street, Petaluma, CARead More












