Architecture

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 …

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

Despite its weathered condition, the easily overlooked Elm Court sign at 4547 Petaluma Boulevard North is one …

Recently, the economic health of Petaluma's historic downtown has been the topic of many city council meetings …

January 17, 2025 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions, but if I were, moving photos from my phone to my computer might …

December 22, 2024 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

Below is a photograph from the Sonoma County Library showing Santa Claus in a horse-drawn sleigh heading north …

November 26, 2024 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

Fast-food restaurants Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and A&W have moved from the northwest corner of East …

September 8, 2024 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

I’ve long admired this sweet Spanish Revival bungalow and its beautiful garden at the corner of Prospect and …

The California Theatre opened in the dramatically remodeled Hill Opera House in January 1925. Along with the …

February 5, 2024 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

The former bank building at 20 Petaluma Boulevard South (shown below) is getting a lot of attention these …

December 4, 2023 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

Urban renewal programs of the mid-20th century changed the face of America’s downtowns as thousands of …

October 1, 2023 // by Katherine J. Rinehart

It seems only fitting that Paradise Found Records & Music, one of Petaluma's newest downtown businesses, …