Historian Vol 33 No. 2

April-June 2009 The Novato Historian Volume 33, Number 2 Hamilton Museum Making Headway By John Trumbull

The Guild is happy to report that and ahead of schedule. This is due in volunteer project superintendent, and the renovation project at the large part to the constant attention and the flexibility and cooperation of our Hamilton Museum is under budget resourcefulness of Ray Dwelly, our official contractor, Bob Lowry. The Bob and Ray team can be found per- sonally working on site almost any day of the week. Guild volunteers that have consis- tently donated about three work days per week are Roland Fuette, Bob Manzoni, Tom Keena and Dan Johnstone. Others, such as John Trumbull and Diane Campbell, have contributed also, but not quite as reg- ularly. As a result of these efforts the following has been achieved: The office is prime coat painted and the drop ceiling installed; it is opera- tional. The same is true of both bath- rooms. The reception area walls are Ray Dwelly, museum project superintendent, at work in his temporary office, still under renovation, in the Hamilton Museum. prime coat painted. The library has had the sheet rock installed, awaits finish “mudding” before its first coat Old Timers’ Day Celebration of paint. The large display area (the equipment bay) is partially sheet- The Novato Historical Guild will will receive their lunch free of charge. rocked, but needs considerably more host the annual Old Timers’ Day Other attendees will be asked for a attention before the electrical lines meeting on Saturday, June 6, at noon $5.00 contribution. After lunch, the are installed and the ceiling is ready at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1959 graduates will be introduced to for painting. Finally the small equip- 1560 Hill Road. This meeting will share their school and Novato memo- ment bay on the west side of the celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the ries. building hasn’t had any signifi- 1959 8th grade graduating class from Many present and former Novato cant attention as of yet. If work pro- the Novato School District. See Bette residents enjoy the opportunity to gresses at the current pace, the fire- Benaski Holloway’s story about the visit with old friends at Old Timers’ house should be ready to host the 1959 class on page N-9. Day. Guild members, guests and September general meeting. (I per- The June 6 meeting will start at prospective members are invited to sonally have waited more than 10 noon with a light lunch. Graduates attend. years to make that prediction!!) N-2 The Novato Historian April-June 2009

The Novato Historian Published March, June, September, and President’s Corner December by the Novato Historical Guild, a California 501(c)3 non-profit corporation by Ron Vela formed November 18, 1976. Contents © President, Novato Historical Guild 2009 Novato Historical Guild, Inc. Guild Mission Statement The Hamilton museum is coming Our Mission is to collect, preserve, and It is said that time flies by when make reasonably available to the public, you’re having fun. The first quarter along nicely. Ray Dwelly has done a exhibits and information related to the his- of this year has flown by so we must remarkable job in putting together a torical and social development of the bunch of hard working volunteers. Novato valley, Hamilton Field, and the be having a great time. We have had adjacent North Marin area. a very active first Quarter. We have Twenty two volunteers have logged Novato Historical Guild 2009 Officers had to deal with a City budget crisis hours to the project. So far as of this President Ron Vela that caused us to almost lose the writing they have put in a cumulative Vice President Mike Read museum curator. Samatha has done a 1,105 hours into the project. Sixty- Secretary Kathryn Hansen Treasurer Charlotte Urban fantastic job and we had to find a way five percent of those hours have been Board of Directors to hold on to her. The board stepped done by three individuals: Ray Dick Altman Stephen Schwindt up to the challenge and offered to pay Dwelly, Roland Fuette, and Robert Cindy Motsinger Pat Johnstone for half of her salary for the next fis- Lowry. Another twenty percent came Edna Manzoni Roland Fuette Mike Silva Diana Goebel cal year starting in July. The City has from another six individuals. Ray Dwelly Bill McDill agreed and voted to fund her position According to Ray they are about forty John Trumbull at least for the next year. percent complete. Ray’s hopes are Honorary Historian Eleonora Lafranchi If you missed the March General that they will host the September Committee Chairs meeting you missed a very interest- General Meeting at the Hamilton Cemetery Joe Giari ing and passionate speaker. Vernell museum. Thanks guys for all your Finance Mike Read Fund Raising Mike Read Crittendon Jr. spent twenty nine years sweat equity. Gift Store Pat Johnstone as a correctional officer at San Pat Johnstone has done an out- Grants Edna Manzoni Quentin State Prison. He has written standing job at the museum gift store. Hamilton Museum Ray Dwelly Hospitality Diana Goebel a book on the subject and has been She reports that Arcadia Publishing Edna Manzoni speaking to groups about his experi- has sold 1466 copies of the Hamilton Mailing Bill Almeida ences. He had many interesting sto- book that we published last fall. We Membership Edna Manzoni Nominating Mike Silva ries to tell. are now in the middle of preparing Oral History Jim McNern our next book Novato, Then and Now. Publicity Bill McDill The team is working feverously on Public Outreach Roland Fuette John Trumbull School Tours Janice Bazurto getting all the old photographs com- Anne Lehan Returns to Board piled, captions written and the “Now” Cindy Motsinger photographs taken to meet the pub- Sunshine Anna Morrison Newsletter Editorial Board lishers deadline of May 19. The team Bill Almeida Jim McNern consists of our fearless leader Pat Johnstone Tonie Brown Samatha Kimpel, myself, Edna Mike Read Manzoni, Janice Bazurto, Yvette Typography, Composition, Layout Mike Clancy Jackson, Sheryl Jones, Michael Read, City of Novato Staff William Wright, Susan and John Community Services Division Manager Trumbull, Jim McNern, Anne Lehan, Kathy Graves Kathryn Hansen, Cynthia Motsinger, Museum Curator Samantha Kimpel Iva Young, Diana Goebel and Original articles and photographs related to Stephen Schwindt. Novato history are welcomed! Please don’t miss the next Gen - Deadline for Sept. issue is Aug. 1. eral Meeting on Saturday, June 6, Address Changes The Guild is pleased to announce that John The Novato Historian is mailed by bulk Trumbull is returning to the Board of 2009. The theme is Novato’s 1959 mail and will not be forwarded by the Postal Directors. John has been active with the 8th Grade Reunion and Old Timers’ Service. Please notify us promptly of your Hamilton Museum project recently and is Day. If you attended last year, address change, at Novato Historical Guild, a past president and newsletter editor of you know how much fun it was. 75 Rowland Way, Suite 200, Novato, CA the Guild. In his spare time John likes to 94945. build and fly radio controlled antique model Lots of stories told and memories airplanes. remembered. April-June 2009 The Novato Historian N-3

Novato—50 Years Ago (April, May and June 1959) by Bill Almeida and Tonie Brown

“Novato 50 Years Ago” is a collec- the highest bidder over the minimum had burned down in November 1958. tion of items culled by Bill Almeida price of $32,000. • Joan Marzell, local high school from the April, May and June issues • Novato High star athletes, Jack senior, was designated as a recipient of the Novato Advance newspapers in Sparrow and George Gnoss, flew to of the Archbishop Mitty Youth Award the collection of the Novato History Eugene, Oregon on April 24, return- for 1959. “Her constant and excellent Museum and microfilm at the Novato ing to Novato on April 26. They are work with the Our Lady of Loretto Library. Tonie Brown retypes the arti- considering Oregon State as well as C.Y.O. unit for the past four years has cles for the newsletter. We hope you other colleges. They reported a “ter- marked her as an outstanding teen- enjoy reading the names and happen- rific” time in Oregon. ager,” a spokesman said. ings of 1959. • Kenton Stuve, 30, of 1931 • Mrs. Fanny Baccaglio, 81, died • John Novak is seeking approval Novato Boulevard, was killed in the June 12 at San Rafael General of plans to build a 21 lot subdivision on early morning hours of May 1 when Hospital. Mrs. Baccaglio had been a five acres off Center Road between his MGA convertible sports car resident of Novato since 1900 when Hill Road and Center Road. Villa flipped over pinning him underneath. she came here from Italy as the bride Maria is the name of the subdivision. Stuve was a group supervisor at of James Baccaglio. She made her • Funeral services were held Marin County Juvenile Hall. Two co- home with her son, Egidio (Jid), at March 31 for one of Novato’s best workers were passengers and suffered 1522 South Novato Boulevard. loved personalities, Miss Lulu Sutton. injuries but were later released from • Eighty-three Novato High School Miss Sutton died March 28 in Marin Marin General Hospital. seniors made history on June 18 as General Hospital. She had been • Riley Wingate was installed as the school’s first graduating class. stricken with a heart attack in president of the Black Point Judith Koehler was chosen valedicto- February and suffered a recurrence Improvement Club in May. He rian of the class and Janet Thomas two days before her passing. She was succeeded himself as president, was salutatorian. a teacher and a principal for 40 years Stan Weiss, Virginia Franklin and • ”Overproduction and subdivi- prior to her retirement in 1958. Under Edna Rockstroh were also installed as sions” were driving the poultryman construction is a new school on officers. from business in Novato. That was Center Road to be known as the Lu • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Manzoni the consensus of opinion in town. Sutton School became parents of a girl on April 11. “The day of the chicken rancher with • Gerald Hoytt, builder of Marin- The baby was born at Marin General 4,000 to 5,000 birds is at an end” said wood and owner of the Patterson Hospital. north Marin supervisor William Ranch near downtown Novato, Hamilton’s proudest piece of Gnoss, owner of a ranch at 623 Olive • Avenue. Will Lieb, who owned a announced he was going ahead with property, a quarter of a million dollar flock of 1,500 birds at the east end of the supermarket portion of his shop- Spanish-style Base Chapel, was offi- Hill Road, said he planned to stay in ping center and would break ground cially dedicated May 20. Major business and was working for himself “within the next 30 days.” The 20,000 General Terence P. Finnegan, Chief of and making out. Another poultryman, square foot-plus supermarket will be Air Force Chaplains from Franklin Gustafson of Indian Valley, the first stage of construction. Note: Washington, D.C., was here to help remembered when there were at least shopping center at 7th Street and dedicate the new chapel. 250,000 chickens in Novato. Now he Grant Avenue. • Mrs. Florence Adams, for 16 estimates about 25,000 to 30,000. The fabulous “hyperbolic para- years the sole teacher in the one-room • Miss Ann Fredrickson became the boloid” house designed by Sam • Burdell School, announced her inten- bride of Robert Bruner on June 27 at the Harkleroad of Novato on the hilltop tion to resign from her post at the San Francisco Theological Seminary in south of Alice Street, has been com- conclusion of the school year in San Anselmo. The Reverend Howard pleted and is open for limited inspec- June. She was teaching her dozen Swartz of the Novato Presbyterian tion. The first house of its kind to be students in a classroom of Our Church conducted the service. Mrs. built on the west coast has attracted Lady of Loretto Parochial School hordes of visitors. It will be sold to because the Burdell School Continued on page N-6 N-4 The Novato Historian April-June 2009 Historical Guild Board Highlights by Pat Johnstone February 2009 approximately 800 images that were Pat Johstone suggested that the City Budget Update – Guest speak- attached to artifact records, and the Guild have a booth at the Farmer’s er, Kathy Kormos, handed out “City Novato, Then and Now book was Market. The purpose would be to Partners Outreach” documents. The approved by Arcadia Publishing. solicit new members, sell the Novato purpose of Outreach is to solicit help Hamilton Museum – Ray Dwelly Township and Hamilton Field books and ideas from the community and to reported that plans were submitted to and inform the public about the share Department Budget information. the City and a building permit was progress of the Hamilton Museum. The museum is subsidized by approx- issued. Volunteers can now get to Pat will contact the Farmer’s Market imately $72,848 per year. A proposed work on the inside. for more information. reduction of $7,300 is for fiscal year Membership – Edna Manzoni It was suggested that we could sell 09/10. The Guild needs to make up the reported that we have 384 members brick “pavers” with donor names on shortfall through increased income or as of February 10, 2009. them for the front of the Hamilton decreased expenses. Museum. Ron Vela and Charlotte March 2009 Curator’s Report – Samantha Kim- Urban will research the cost and Ron pel reported the following: a Vol- City Budget Update – Guest speak- will work on a presentation package. unteer Recognition event is scheduled er, Kathy Kormos, informed the Curator’s Report – There is no for March 3 at Margaret Todd Senior board that the curator’s job would be report yet on the cost of preserving Center, Jim McCabe completed eliminated on July 1, 2009. damaged documents in the Time New Business – An Exhibition Capsule. The Presbyterian Church Committee for the Hamilton Museum and the museum will each receive a was formed. Samantha Kimpel will copy of or the original document. MEMORIAL draft a “Policy for Exhibits” for the 901 Sherman Ave Project – Mike PLAQUE museum. Read reported that the project should be finished in August, ahead of ADDITIOnS schedule. You may honor a friend or loved In Memoriam Hamilton Museum – Ray Dwelly one by having his or her name reported that telecommunication lines engraved on an individual brass need to be installed. Water leaks have plate on the Memorial Plaque in The Guild mourns the loss of been detected. Kathy Graves to con- the History Museum. Please call the following members: tact City Maintenance. the Museum at 897-4320. All con- Shirley Paladini Work completed: Office framed, tributions are tax deductible. Reno Pronzini sheet rocked, and wired, and broken MEMORIAL GIFTS Mary “Babe” Pronzini windows replaced. You may make a gift of appreciat- Margaret Stroeh The reception area has studs up on ed securities (stocks, bonds, two walls and part of the electrical is mutual funds) to the Novato installed. There were 301 volunteer Historical Guild. Your gift is not The Guild hours recorded for February. Total only tax-deductible, but if you Extends Sympathy to spent to date is $4,560.50. have held the shares for more City employees left the meeting than one year, your tax deduction The Family of Shirley and the board discussed ways to save will equal the full value of the Paladini the curator’s position. A motion was securities on the date of the gift. Sandra Tomrose and Jon made and approved to offer to fund By donating appreciated stock Pronzini on the death of their half of the curator’s salary for the investments, you will: parents, Reno and “Babe” next fiscal year. The funds would be • avoid capital gains taxes, Pronzini donated to the City of Novato as a • receive a sizeable charitable Dietrich Stroeh on the death restricted gift at $3,000 per month for deduction, and of his wife, Margaret 12 months. Also Ron Vela and John • support the Guild in “preserving Gail and Jeffrey Pace on the Trumbull agreed to represent the Guild at the next City Hall Council Novato’s history.” death of her father, Lyle Plaques cost $250 per person meeting on March 10 to emphasize named. Croisant Continued on Page N-6 April-June 2009 The Novato Historian N-5

Novato From the Staff Desk by Samantha Kimpel Memories Museum Curator By Jim McNern Then and Now

As mentioned by NHG president and compare the changes through Ron Vela, a volunteer author team has time. been working hard over the past few Although it is not possible to dis- months to research, assemble, and play every “Then and Now” that we write our next Arcadia title: Novato, identify in next year’s exhibit, I Then and Now. Nearly 80 historic would love to put together binders of images will be paired with photo- your own “Then and Now” stories for graphs of what exists on those sites our Museum visitors and students to now. peruse. In addition, every story or Throughout 2010, we will be photograph that we collect will great- exploring the concept of “Then and ly enhance the Museum archives. Bob Manzoni Now” in relation to this book (to be So whether your Novato ties extend 150 years or fifteen years, or if Bob Manzoni was born in released in late fall 2009), as well as via an exhibit at the museum, and as you have a particular “Then and Petaluma in the old Petaluma Now” illustration of life in Novato in General Hospital on 6th Street. He we celebrate Novato’s 50th Birthday. Arcadia Publishing states that mind (at work, at play, at home, at was a member of the 1947 graduating school or church, etc.), please have “comparing our present to our past is class from Novato Grammar School. fun brainstorming ideas of what you how we understand our history.” Bob has lived in Novato his entire life. could contribute! I’ll be announcing He and his wife, Edna, live in the Knowing what exists on sites now the deadlines and some for formatting home they built on Indian Valley really brings historic photographs to your contributions this fall. life in an exciting way. We would Road. Bob shares his Novato memo- Welcome New Volunteers ries in this June edition of the Novato love to continue our efforts to collect I am pleased to welcome five more Historian. Bob remembers: stories and photographs that show a timeline of Novato people and places, • Living with his parents, Frank Continued on Page N-8 and Frances (Lopus) Manzoni, first on the Sartori Ranch in Black Point, golden gloves boxer and great athlete. wearing them to school on where his dad did the farming; then Babe worked on the Hare ranch on Halloween. into a rental house on Vallejo Street Skaggs Island. • Making and exchanging valen- on the Salmina property, and then • His aunt, Lena Jordan Blaski, tines with our friends. finally to the house at 1101 1st Street worked as a cook on the “C” ranch. • Singing Christmas carols and where he grew up. (The total price of • Attending Novato Grammar performing on the stage in the school the lot and house was $3,800.00 and School and having Miss Baccaglio, auditorium. the new home was built by Phillips Mrs. Busher, Mrs. Steele, and Miss • Miss Sutton always wore a long Construction from Petaluma.) Sutton as his teachers. dresss, and was a very good marble • His older sister, Jacqueline, died • His classmates and friends: Billy player. If you had to see Miss Sutton at 18 months and his brother, Ron, Mello, Larry Wright, Charlie because of some problem, you had to was born when Bob was 10 years old. Lautrup, Virginia Orr, Kay Murray, walk past the open door of her class- Ron now lives in San Diego. Rosemary Lausman, George Wilson, room and wait in the office until class • His grandfather, Henry Richard Caudill, Ken Knutson and was over. This was usually more Manzoni, who emigrated from Paul Scheller. painful than any punishment she Switzerland, had a big two story • His neighbors: Danny Wise on gave. house on Grant Avenue and 5th 1st Street; Art and Louie Hughes on • Being a member of the Cub Street. He had a vineyard in the yard, Olive Avenue; Bill and Ed Almeida Scouts and Boy Scouts. and would crush the grapes each fall on 2nd Street; Bill Nye on 3rd Street; • Playing “Indian Ball” on 1st to make wine and grappa. and Bobby Mattos on Sweetser Street with Danny Wise. • His uncle, Babe Manzoni, was a • Dressing up in costumes and Continued on Page N-7 N-6 The Novato Historian April-June 2009 50 Years Ago Board Continued from page N-3 Highlights Swartz was soloist for the event. served on the commission from 1953 Continued from Page N-4 • The celebration of the Pini to 1958. The election brought out Building’s 13th anniversary was real- only 299 voters, a handful of some Samantha Kimpel’s importance to the ly the celebration of the history of 5,000 or so registered voters in the museum and the museum’s impor- Grant Avenue business district west Novato fire district. tance to the City. of Highway 101. It was Pini • Coach Bill Wood of Novato April 2009 Hardware that pioneered the move- High’s phenom football team is one New Business – Anna Young (one ment west. After the old Pini store of the half-dozen Novato High teach- of the original board members) has burned in 1945 a big enough lot could ers who have submitted their resigna- resigned; John Trumbull was nomi- not be found on east Grant Avenue so tions for next year. It has been a pop- nated to fill the vacant position. The the Pini partners purchased the corner ular rumor that this would be Wood’s motion was passed unanimously. of First and Grant Avenue from Clara The Guild will have a booth at the Myers. final year at Novato High, in spite of his having “tenure,” or permanent Olompali Heritage Day on May 17. Novato Rotarians celebrated the • status. The 4th of July Parade theme this club’s 5th anniversary with a dinner- year is “Novato Going Green.” The The local post office compiled a dance April 25 at the Green Mill, • board will discuss how to decorate “routine list” of projected residences north of Petaluma. Clark Palmer was the truck next month. chairman of the event, assisted by and apartments to be constructed in Curator’s Report – The museum is past presidents Charles Johnson, the Novato area from February 1959 getting six reconditioned computers Harley McAskill, and James Cuzner. to June 30, 1960, a 17- month period. and flat screen monitors from the City Tickets were $9.95 per couple which The list included 1,497 dwelling of Novato. included everything but drinks. units. At 3.5 persons per residential The Novato, Then and Now book is Louis Saffores regained his seat unit, it would mean that over 5,000 • in progress. The cover has been cho- on the Novato Fire Commission in more people will be here before sum- sen by the publisher and will be sent the April 2 election. He previously mer of 1960. to the Guild soon. Continued on Page N-8 IDESI Hall—1988 Some Notes On Historical Landmark Day IDESI Hall Irmandade do Espirito Santo, Independente (IDESI) or Brother- hood of the Divine Holy Ghost was founded June 14. 1906 by a group of thirty immigrants, mostly from the Azores. Their first meetings were held at Scott Hall. The Hall at 901 Sweetser Ave was built in 1908 by the IDESI members. They added a dance building in 1937. A new bar and adjacent snack bar were built in 1988. A large and modern kitchen with seven gas burners was constructed in 1993. All are still in use and host cele- IDESI HALL – HISTORICAL LANDMARK BUILT ON JUNE 14, 1906 BY MEMBERS brations and fundraisers throughout OF THE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY FOUNDED BY THE PORTUGUESE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE DIVINE HOLY GHOST. the year, including two crab feeds, a DEDICATED APRIL 23, 1988 IN HONOR OF ALL PAST AND PRESENT OFFICERS, November crafts fair, a steak-and- MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS OF THE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY BY THE NOVATO salmon dinner and car show. HISTORICAL GUILD AND THE GRAND PARLOR, NATIVE SONS OF THE GOLDEN WEST, ROBERT R. SOUZA, GRAND PRESIDENT. Proceeds from these fund-raisers go to local and global charities. April-June 2009 The Novato Historian N-7 Novato Memories Continued from Page N-5 • Graduating from Novato Barber, who was related to his Co., which was a general store selling Grammar School in June of 1947 in mother. everything from clothing to gro- the Community House with the class • Buying new shoes at Zunino’s ceries. He bought his b.b.’s from seated on the stage. Bob Mayo was Shoe Store, and taking old ones there Carlisle’s Hardware Store. class valedictorian. to be repaired. • The family bought gas from the • Traveling to San Rafael High • Buying clothes from Joe Richfield station on Grant and 101, School each day on one of the two Foisey’s Mens’ Department in Pini’s from Charlie Peterson’s garage on buses that transported kids from Store and from Fragosa’s Dry Goods the 101, and at the Crossroads on 101 Novato. Store. and Atherton. • Playing football, baseball and • Meeting his future wife, Edna • When he was young, everything basketball at S.R.H.S. Angel, in his sophomore year of high the family needed was in the three Winning the championship for school and enjoying going to dances block area on Grant Avenue from • Railroad Avenue to what is now wrestling in his weight division dur- and movies. Redwood Boulevard. ing sophomore year, and being voted • His first car was a 1935 Chevy the “Outstanding Sophomore with suicide doors and bucket seats • You would meet everyone you Athlete.” that he bought from his aunt in 1949 knew on Grant Avenue. • Being named “Outstanding for $35.00. • The day he bought an 8” apricot Baseball Player” in his senior year. • Working for Holly Tiedeman on pie at Torassa’s Bakery for 35 cents, the hay baler and making 30 to 35 and a quart of orange soda for 5 cents • The Novato baseball fields and eating it all in one sitting. located around town. The one on 1st cents a ton when he was eleven or Street between Grant Avenue and twelve years old, and in high school • When the 1945 Pini fire hap- pened, everyone in town came to Vallejo was used in the 1930’s; there working for Tom Hale on his ranch watch from the school grounds was a big one on Orange Avenue, doing general farm work for $8.00 a across Grant Avenue. I remember Railroad and Olive Avenue with day and getting two meals. kids taking all the shoes out of home plate on Orange Avenue that Most Novato kids worked in the • Zunino’s Shoe Store and putting was used in the 1940’s. Then for a orchards picking fruit or delivering them across the street. The fire was newspapers to earn money. Many of year or two, we played on a field on fought with two fire trucks and many the girls had babysitting jobs. 2nd and Vallejo. And lastly, we volunteer firefighters. played on a field on the old Marion • His parents tried to “fatten him Every year as soon as school School property. • up” for football season by taking him was out for the summer, it seemed as • His grandfather, Henry, worked to the soda fountain in the Novato if every hill in Novato went up in on the Marin County roads crew and Drug Store where he consumed many flames. The hill between Atherton he cut the streets in Novato from 1st milkshakes. and Cherry Street was always a big to 7th with a blade pulled by a team of • The Portuguese parades were fire and it burned every year. horses. held in May and started at the • Bruno Schultz was the town • Getting haircuts from Pete the I.D.E.S.I. Hall and ended at Our Lady watchman. He delivered mail up and of Loretto Church. After Mass, every- down Grant Avenue and the kids one went back to the hall for a meal. loved to annoy him. The Western Weekend parades were • His grandfather had an “out- CONGRATULATIONS! always well attended. house” on his property on Grant and • Novato kids played lots of base- Avenue and 5th Street. He smoked in ball and roller skated on the side- the outhouse, because he wasn’t walks for fun. There were lots of allowed to smoke inside the house. Happy places to fish and hunt. If you wanted The house had a basement where he to go to the movies, you had to go to stored barrels of wine from grapes he grew on the property. He used to 50th Anniversary San Rafael of Petaluma. After 1947, shoot birds from the porch with a to you could go to the Novato Theater. double barreled shot gun. They were • His family bought groceries used for stew. He cooked some of his Ann and Buzz Bruner from Rayburns and meat from meals in the basement like many Simmons Meat Market. You could Italians did. buy almost anything from H. Pini and Continued on Page N-11 N-8 The Novato Historian April-June 2009 Board Highlights Welcome New Guild Members February 1, 2009 thru April 30, 2009 Continued from Page N-6 Managers of a program called Individual Memberships: Please support our “Way to Go!” have contacted the Ramona E. Chipman Guild business members: curator. This program will promote Robert Dries Acme Digital and Screen biking, walking, and public trans- Duane J. Graf, Sr. Graphics portation in Marin County. Project Roger Lane Bank of Marin managers are developing walking Anne Russell maps and they would like to sponsor Heirloom Storage (House of Family Memberships: Daniels, Inc.) some historic walking tours in Carol & Richard Aregger Novato this summer. Anyone interest- Marin Landscape Materials ed in leading a tour should contact Romona & Larry Curtis McIsaac Dairy Samantha Kimpel. Lois & Paul Gokel Novato Horsemen Mary & John Grillo Old Business – The City of Novato Now and Then Antiques accepted the Guild’s offer to pay Bette & Milton Holloway Grace & Mark Koch Pini Hardware $3,000 per month for the next 12 Suburban Alternatives Land Trust months towards Samantha Kimpel’s Pat & Mario Minolli salary. The agreement needs to be Carolyn & Jim Mulford The Wright Salon written and signed. Shirley & James Nye Zenith Instant Printing Museum Gift Shop – 260 Hamilton Peg & Lee Pogetto Field books have been sold so far at Maria & Edmundo Ramos the gift shop. We received our first royalty check from Arcadia If you have questions about membership, call Publishing in the amount of $751.90. Edna Manzoni, Membership Chairman, 415-892-9603. So far, our profit for the book is $2,187.52. A gift membership always meets the need for that person who has everything. Hamilton Field History Book Staff Desk This book was published in Continued from Page N-5 September of 2008 and so far 1,500 copies have been sold. You excellent additions to our Museum enjoyed researching John Atherton can still purchase this 128-page volunteer corps. and the history of his home. Ann Sheryl Jones is an American stud- recently began shadowing the 3rd ies major at UC-Berkeley, and she grade docents and will lead her own possesses “interest and experience tour soon! with documenting local histories Mary Wilkinson, wife of 3rd grade through writing, photography, and docent Bob Wilkinson, wrote that she other art forms.” “enjoys the history of Novato,” and is A history major at SFSU, Philip another of our newest 3rd grade tour Lehman-Brown is interested in docents. Mary is also interested in “learning about how a museum oper- working in the Museum archives. ates” and more about Novato history. Nancy Peters-Janover worked in Announcing the human resources management and Exhibits Com mittee for the US Air Force, and wrote that Beginning in June, a newly- softcover pictorial history book formed exhibits committee will meet. at the Novato History Museum she “volunteers now and understands the joy it brings.” Nancy is particu- If you have interest in working on for $21. Other local retailers that larly interested in docenting at the the content and installation of sell our book are: Randall Hamilton Museum. exhibits at the Hamilton Museum or Brothers Automotive, Zunino the Novato History Museum, please Shoe Repair, and Pini Hardware. As an employee of Atherton Wealth Management located in the call me at 415-897-4320 or email me Atherton house, Anne Russell has at [email protected]. April-June 2009 The Novato Historian N-9 Novato School District’s 1959 Graduating Class By Bette Benaski Holloway

Our familly was living in civilian School and we still keep in touch. My completed Olive School, which is still housing at Meadow Park on memories from this class are: learn- the only school on the east side of Hamilton Air Force Base in ing the alphabet (no TV, no Sesame Novato. Marilyn and I, our neighbors September 1950, so I started kinder- Street), graham crackers and milk at Sandy and Linda Thomas, Sharon and garten at the base. I only spent a brief snack time and naps which none of us Susie Dowdakin, Diane and Drake time in school there because in seemed to like. Yim felt really lucky; we were only a December 1950 we moved to Peach Mrs. Olson was my first grade minute from the gates to the school. Street in Novato. My sister, Marilyn, teacher, and she introduced us to the There were no bus rides for us until was 3 1/2 and Dad took the two of us magic of reading. This was also the we started seventh grade. shopping for a Christmas tree. There year we started our savings accounts The new school was wonderful. wasn’t much of a selection left; we at First National Bank; deposits of Lots of natural light in the class- ended up with a Charlie Brown one- pennies were more common than rooms, a multipurpose room/cafete- sided tree which we thought looked quarters. We continued to make these ria, wide corridors, lots of trees and gorgeous standing in the big picture weekly deposits until sixth grade. I grass and a huge playground. We window of our new home. remember the earthquake drills at played kickball, baseball, tetherball After Christmas vacation, I shyly Grant. Bells would sound and we and dodgeball. There was room for all and timidly started at Novato would march down the steps of the kinds of games and activities. In the Grammar School. The stairs seemed school, cross the street, and go sit in fall for Halloween we would all long, steep and intimidating after the the seats at the Novato Theater. It parade around the playground in our flat terrain and long barracks style seemed more fun than serious to first costumes (most of which were home- classroom at Hamilton. Mrs. Walters graders. made and sewn by our mothers). One was my teacher and she magically Our class started second grade at year I was a black cat and my long tail integrated me into the class. Some of Novato Grammar School, but early in was stepped on a lot as we made our my classmates from this kindergarten the school year we, and our teacher, way around the playground. For graduated with me from Novato High Mrs. Diefendorf, moved to the newly many of us the scariest part of the new school was our principal, Miss Lulu Sutton. She was a firm discipli- narian. During the summer months we used the school a lot; we played in Novato’s Treasures the playground and skated up and down the corridors and ate picnic IDESI Hall lunches in the apricot orchard beyond the school grounds. Between second and third grades Barbara Skinner, Sandy and Linda Thomas, and Marilyn and I started dance lessons at Wanda’s Dance Studio. Our costumes were made by our moms and our bi-annual recitals were held at Marion School which had a stage unlike Olive School. Dance class was fun and we met kids from all over town. Early in the summer my parents bought our first TV, black and white, of course, from Sue Binford’s dad, at Woody’s TV and Appliance. Marilyn and I were so excited. Our elation was Located at 901 Sweetser Avenue, the building on the left was built in 1908 for Portuguese dancing and banquets. The building on the right was short lived; the Republican and built in 1937 for American dancing. Both halls are still used often. Democratic conventions pre-empted everything we wanted to watch for a Continued on Page N-10 N-10 The Novato Historian April-June 2009 Class of 1959 Continued from Page N-9 couple of weeks which seemed like of activity for me: the Sonoma-Marin well as the fact that he was a male an eternity at our age. Fair, Sonoma County Fair, and 4-H teacher, something we would encounter at the secondary level. He In third, fourth, and fifth grades I camp. I made so many friends in this organization; some younger and was supportive, not nurturing. He was taught by three wonderful teach- taught me to love reading and we ers: Miss Dalessi, Miss Baird and many older: the Baccaglios, the Marzells, the McNerns, the learned about healthy competition Mrs. Steele. We were learning about through reading contests he initiated. geography, fractions, the California Azevedos, the Keenas, the Staffords, The class of 1959 spent seventh Missions and U.S. History. the Youngs, the Baldwins, the McIsaacs, the Ruzicks, the Parrs, the grade at Marion and eighth grade at Away from school, dancing les- Lears, the Silvas, and Norman Hill. Junior high was a big change sons were still taking up quite a bit of (Johnson) Manzer. I served on many from elementary school. Classes with time and Brownies was becoming committees and held numerous students from other Novato schools, a boring. Girl Scouts didn’t really offices in our club and remained an home room teacher, and moving from intrigue me, so my parents suggested active member of the Aggies until I class to class for different subjects. In I join a 4-H Club. I became a Novato started college. seventh grade I finally learned and Aggie and we held our monthly meet- In sixth grade, our class was taught stopped guessing about parts of ings at Hill School where our class by Mr. Slepnikoff, my first male speech. I must have diagrammed at would graduate from eighth grade. 4- teacher. He helped prepare us for jun- least a million sentences with Mr. H would open up many new avenues ior high through his teaching style, as Orth, my home room teacher. Now, I’m thankful to him for teaching me this necessary skill; but I wasn’t so Guild Volunteers at Work appreciative then. Anna Morrison, Marie Salmina at the General Meetings and she is When our class moved from and Ann Ramsay work every also a Wednesday Docent. Ann Marion to Hill School our principal Thursday at the museum from 10 Ramsay joined the Guild in 1993. was Robert A. Patterson. The a.m. to 4 p.m. They record and file She was on the Board of Directors Patterson family and the Benaski local obituary notices, news articles and currently helps with the guest family had known each other at about Novato events and people and book at the General Meetings. These Meadow Park and had remained new accessions. Anna Morrison has close. It was difficult for me to call ladies volunteered a total of 662 been a member of the Guild since him Mr. Patterson, when all my life 1983. She was on the Board of hours in 2008. It is dedicated volun- he had been Bob. I knew I would Directors and currently chairs the teers, like these ladies, who make it have lots of explaining to do should I Sunshine Committee. Marie Salmina possible to have a History Museum ever land in his office. It must have has been a member of the Guild since so that visitors may get a glimpse into been difficult for his son, Mike. I 1984. She helps with the guest book Novato’s past. never did ask him about this however. The class of 1959 grew up as Novato was growing, growing, growing. Novato wasn’t a city yet and our schools were gathering places for activities outside the classroom, like Little League, dance recitals and 4-H. We played on the schoolgrounds with little supervision or structure from our parents; but we all knew to be home by a certain time. I have lived in Sonoma for over thirty years now, and come to Novato often. Interestingly, the city is still small enough to run into someone you know each time you visit; so it’s still a special place for those of us Anna Morrison, Marie Salmina and Ann Ramsay at work in the museum. who can no longer call it home. April-June 2009 The Novato Historian N-11 Novato Memories Continued from Page N-7 • Getting milk from the Pinheiro town commercial buildings and pri- have been the traffic and congestion, dairy in gallon containers right out of vate residences. and you can walk the streets and the milk tank. • Old Novato families with the never see anyone you know. We’ve • The many chicken ranches all names: Gnoss, Leveroni, Lafranchi, gone from never locking your house over Novato. Almeida, Brazil, Valim, Pinheiro, and car to now needing an alarm sys- • Working for 28 years for Aaero Bormolini, Silva, Baccaglio, tem. The good changes are the Heating in Novato installing heating Weseman, Nye, Wise, and Marzell. improvement of the streets and mod- and air conditioning units in down- • The biggest changes in Novato ern fire fighting equipment. The Gift Shoppe The Museum Gift Shoppe has the perfect unique Novato gift!

Books & Pamphlets T-Shirts (M, L, & XL)...... $11.00 • Novato Township* the definitive history of Novato • Guild Historic Buildings (3 designs): by May Ungemach ...... $30.50 Postmaster’s House, City Hall/Church, Railroad Depot • Hamilton Field by Novato Historical Guild ...... $21.00 Miscellaneous • Hamilton Airfield History ...... $2.00 • Novato Historic Buildings Notecard Sets ...... $10.00 Videos & DVD’s • Guild Tote Bags ...... $5.00 • Hamilton Field History (VHS)...... $15.00 • Ceramic Thimble ...... $1.00 • Novato History (VHS) ...... $10.00 • Novato History Collector Cards. . . $3 per pack or 30¢ each • Novato History (DVD)...... $10.00 • Hamilton Field Historic Picture Reproductions. . . . . $10.00 (available only through the museum) • Mugs...... $5.00 Sweatshirts (S, M, L, & XL) ...... $20.00 • Laminated Place Mat (11 x 14) ...... $5.00 • Novato History Museum (blue or green) (available only at the museum) Ornaments Leather Goods • Novato History Museum ...... $7.00 • Coin Purse ...... $15.00 • Hamilton History Museum...... $10.00 • Business Card Holder...... $12.50 • Novato City Hall ...... $10.00 • Small Purse...... $23.00

We accept VISA or MASTERCARD * All proceeds from the sale of Novato Township go directly to the support of the History Museum. All prices include sales tax. To Order: Call the museum at 897-4320 or email [email protected] for shipping charges and information. Supporting and Life Members receive a 10% discount at the Gift Shoppe!

Membership Form Please mail checks to Novato Historical Guild, 75 Rowland Way, Suite 200, Novato, CA 94945. Yes, I want to join the Novato Historical Guild and help preserve Novato history! q new q renewal q Student (full time) membership $5 year Name ______q Individual membership $15 year q Family membership $25 year Address ______q Patron membership $100 year City ______q Supporting membership $200 year State ______ZIP______q Life membership, individual $350 q Life membership, joint $500 Phone ______q Benefactor $1,000 year Additional donations? ______q Business membership $50 year q Corporate membership $1,000 year Interested in volunteering? ______N-12 The Novato Historian April-June 2009

“Old Timers’ Day” and General Membership Meeting of the Novato Historical Guild Saturday, June 6, 2009 —noon Margaret Todd Senior Center 1560 Hill Road, Novato

The program will feature a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1959 Eighth Grade Graduating Class of Hill School

NOVATO HISTORY MUSEUM COME VISIT AND BRING A FRIEND! • 815 DeLong Avenue The Museum is open 3 days a week—Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday—Noon to 4 p.m. • 897-4320 Closed Major Holidays

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE NOVATO HISTORICAL GUILD PAID 75 Rowland Way, Suite 200 NOVATO, CA Novato, CA 94945 PERMIT NO. 138

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