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Katherine J. Rinehart — Historian

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Down the Rabbit Hole with Katherine


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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!

Weathered corrugated metal warehouse with faded painted lettering spelling the word Foundry

Ghost Sign Spotlight: The Stayner Foundry at 521 First Street

October 27, 2026 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

With Halloween approaching, I’m joining my fellow sign enthusiasts to spotlight one of Petaluma’s lesser-known …

Ghost Sign Spotlight: The Stayner Foundry at 521 First StreetRead More

South side of the neon chick sign showing a lit-up chick and the words Baby Chicks The Hatchery. Photo taken June 14, 2026, at 620 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma by Jim Johnson

We Did It!

June 23, 2026 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

Mission accomplished! Petaluma's beloved 91-year-old iconic neon chick sign is glowing brightly once more.On …

We Did It!Read More

Butter & Egg Days 2026 Kicks Off with Good Egg Ceremony

April 14, 2026 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

I was delighted to attend the April 11th Butter & Egg Days opening ceremony at the Petaluma Historical …

Butter & Egg Days 2026 Kicks Off with Good Egg CeremonyRead More

brick building with hand painted coca cola ad

Preserving Petaluma’s Vintage Signs

September 18, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

As NBC Bay Area's Joe Rosato, Jr. perfectly observed in his August 20 television broadcast, "Petaluma wears …

Preserving Petaluma’s Vintage SignsRead More

From Chicken in the Bowl to Boutique Hotel

July 22, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

As a sign enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover a photograph of the iconic Chicken in the Bowl sign in the …

From Chicken in the Bowl to Boutique HotelRead More

The Quick Clean Sign: A Small Loss in Petaluma’s Commercial History

July 11, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

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

June 26, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

On June 28th at 10:30 a.m, I’ll return to the Sonoma County Library as a speaker for the first time since …

Returning to Share Petaluma’s River LegacyRead More

Drees Florist Sign – A Lost 1940s Gem

June 4, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

I was delighted by the enthusiastic turnout for my presentation on the history of signs at the Petaluma Arts …

Drees Florist Sign – A Lost 1940s GemRead More

Demolition is Not Historic Preservation

May 21, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

In a striking display of contradiction, the Petaluma City Council recently proclaimed May as National Historic …

Demolition is Not Historic PreservationRead More

Elm Court Sign: A Hidden Treasure on Petaluma Boulevard North

May 2, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

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

April 23, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

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

March 30, 2025 //  by Katherine J. Rinehart

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

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