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Remember When Week of January 13

87 YEARS AGO

From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 10, 1925)

When is a Gravenstein apple ripe? This question which was up for determination prior to the framing of a new state standardization act became a very important one for Sonoma Valley Gravenstein growers whose crops ripen three weeks earlier than in other sections. The Gravenstein growers of Sebastopol and Watsonville are agreeable to a packing date and time of shipment which would hold back the early apples for which Sonoma and Napa valleys are now famous. … The Mercantile Trust Company, whose total assets are $162,000,000, increased its assets within the past three months $10,000,000. This is a growth to be proud of and will be of interest to the Sonoma Valley patrons of the big financial concern, whose branch here is headed by F. M. Burris. … The Sonoma city trustees met Wednesday, the first session of the new year being a quiet one devoted to routine matters. … Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Hayward of Mill Valley have come here to take charge of the Deiner bulb farm formerly the R. E. Murphy place. The Haywards have already moved into the bungalow and are getting settled. … Mrs. Helayne Johnannsen of Napa Road was tendered a delightful birthday party, arranged for her 80^th birthday by members of Valley of the Moon Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. Twenty-one friends and relatives participated in the coffee party which was a feature of the afternoon.

 

84 YEARS AGO

From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 14, 1928)

It pays to be a nice traffic cop, as J. Bacigalupi, of San Francisco, the Emporium-Flood Building crossing’s guard, will attest. Bacigalupi began life in Sonoma Valley, having been a pupil at Flowery school when a boy. He learned one thing not in books – it pays to smile. On the job as traffic policeman of San Francisco he has won thousands of friends. Tuesday evening a city paper gave him a big write-up. … Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ritz, newlyweds, have rented the W. E. Rogers place at Buena Vista and will reside here. Mrs. Rogers has gone to Los Angeles where her husband is now employed. … Eunice L. Peterson, the first woman to ever occupy the master’s chair of Sonoma Valley Grange, was installed with other new officers on Monday night by State Grange Master George R. Harrison, assisted by Mrs. Harrison. A large number of Grangers and their friends attended the exercises, which were followed by a social and banquet. … The imposing old adobe landmark on the west side of the Plaza, once owned by Salvador Vallejo, brother of Gen. M. G. Vallejo, has been sold by Miss E. Aguillion to the Herman Sons Sonoma lodges, according to papers filed this week at the county seat. The history of the building comprising the home and wine cellars of the late C. Aguillion for many years, is exceedingly interesting. The thick adobe walls, with iron-barred windows, were built by the Indians for Salvador Vallejo. … Sonoma Valley formally made a bid for the big annual conference of Parent-Teacher organizations, to be held this spring, the invitation being presented by Mrs. C. C. Bean at the Fourteen District convention here on Thursday. The desire to have this important event and to entertain the 300 or more delegates was voiced in a very courteous and hospitable manner by Mrs. Bean, who outlined a proposed program which would include a banquet at the new Boyes Springs Hotel, pilgrimage to historic places, receptions, teas and other attractive entertainment.

 

82 YEARS AGO

From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 10, 1930)

One hundred and thirty persons will compose the personnel of the excursion of the California Press association to Mexico City, the roster of reservations just completed by Friend W. Richardson shows. The party, taxing the capacity of the heaviest train that can be taken over the coast route through Mexico will leave San Francisco Thursday, Jan. 9 at 8:20 p.m. After leaving Los Angeles at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 the excursion is schedule to arrive in the Mexican capital at 4 p.m. Jan. 17, after spending a day at Guadalahara. … Mrs. Tony Cereghino, daughters, Margaret and Frances, and Mrs. Newton Dal Poggetto motored to Napa Tuesday night and witnessed the photo play, Rio Rita at the Hippodrome theatre. … Paul Sauve, special agent for the Standard Oil company here for the past four years, has been transferred to Pittsburg, taking his departure Wednesday for the scene of his new duties. Suave will be missed in Sonoma, where, besides looking well to the interests of his company, he took a leading part in civic affairs. … Mt. Pisgah vineyard, otherwise known as the Goldstein ranch, four miles north of Sonoma, ahs been rented to J. Signorelli, a prominent vineyardist of North El Verano. After 50 years ownership, during which time the property has been managed by one superintendent after another, those who hold title to the property evidently have found that the ranch will be more profitable and less care if rented to someone else. … A recent news story, the origin of which we cannot locate at this time, stated that the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company would abandon its non-agency station at Boyes Springs, in Sonoma Valley. The story was published and now comes the railroad company in a news release and informs the press that the story was without foundation.

 

77 YEARS AGO

From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 11, 1935)

Mrs. Pauline Hays, custodian of the Sonoma Mission has rendered her report of visitors to the historic landmark during 1934. A total of 22,604 persons crossed the threshold. … That everyone who is financially able to take advantage of the provision of the National Housing Act in modernizing their homes and business buildings should do so, is the belief of the committee members in charge of the campaign here. The principal reason for this stand on the part of the committee personnel is that the work can be done cheaper now than when times gets better. … R. R. and J. T. Emparan are taking renewal of auto licenses for 1935. … Tomorrow night at the attractive new clubhouse in Fetters Springs, there will be an opening card party reception and housewarming to commemorate the rebuilding of the club’s home following the disastrous fire of last year. … Oscar Kirkham, associate regional executive of the Boy Scouts of America will speak at the annual meeting of the Scout Council of Petaluma area on Jan. 28. This meeting at Petaluma High school auditorium will attract many Sonoma Valley scouts. … The Herman Sisters lodge of Sonoma celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the organization with a big party and banquet at Herman Sons hall last Saturday night. It was a gala celebration with more than 200 present. The brother lodges were well represented and many of the Herminia sisters from nearby cities came over to congratulate the members here on their birthday.