Remember when: Clemente’s being turned into 10 apartments

77 YEARS AGO (From the Index-Tribune of Dec. 27, 1940)|

77 YEARS AGO

(From the Index-Tribune of Dec. 27, 1940)

The famous brick hotel at Fetters Springs, known as Paul’s Castle and one time called Celementi’s after its original owner and later Robin Hood Inn, is being converted into 10 apartments. Paul Zielke, the owner who now operates the Golf Clubhouse, believes that small modern apartments will help solve the housing problem in Sonoma Valley. ... As the result of another conference held last week between local chamber of commerce officials and Greyhound Lines’ executives in San Francisco and San Rafael, the cooperation of Sonoma Valley residents is urged to enable the bus company to determine how much patronage may be expected in the event a direct Vallejo-Sonoma Valley bus service is established. ... Sonoma city council at its special meeting Monday night considered buying Sonoma an up-to-date police car completely equipped with two-way radio and a hook-up with the county broadcasting patrol. Police Chief Reis and also night watchman, Tex Randolph, whose appointment at $90 per month was confirmed, would use the car in their work of protecting the community and could aid in the capture of any crooks reported at large or wanted by the sheriff. ... The city hall with its big Santa Claus in the tower, “Star of Bethlehem” and Christmas trees outlined in lights was beautiful and reflected the artistic skill of City Gardner Braun. With the big Christmas tree at the head of Broadway, Sonoma officially welcomed everyone this year.

75 YEARS AGO

(From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 2, 1942)

Sonoma needs more airline observers to aid and relive the patriotic volunteers who night after night have protected Sonoma by scanning the sky from the observation post on the top of the Sebastiani Apartments. It is highly valuable to have observers throughout the area and they are on the job 24 hours a day. ... Thieves cut their way through a rear door into the big Sprouse-Reitz store on Napa Street Sunday night and robbed the place. Working in the heart of the business district during a pouring rain, the burglary was accomplished by sawing through a panel of the door. About $50 in cash was taken. ... Donations of books, candy, cigarettes, games, cards and similar article are needed to make the days of men in the service of Uncle Sam happier and brighter so the San Francisco League for service men is asking Sonoma Valley to cooperate.

... Mr. and Mrs. Al Burkdoll and Mr. Burkdoll’s brother from Napa, drove to Visalia where they spent Christmas with their mother. ... The army this week requested the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce to prepare a comprehensive survey listing all available accommodations for the quartering of soldiers throughout the Valley, in the event troops are billeted in this area. Army officers stated that from 500 to 5,000 soldiers may be temporarily quartered here.

74 YEARS AGO

(From the Index-Tribune of Jan. 1, 1943)

Governor-elect Earl Warren recently named a woman to a high position in his forthcoming administration, selecting Mrs. Dora Shaw Heffner of Los Angeles to be state director of institutions. Mrs. Heffner takes over the $6,000 a year position now held by Dr. F. O. Butler, medical superintendent of the Sonoma State Home, who has been serving as acting director since the resignation of Dr. Arron H. Rosanoff. ... The fire siren startled Sonoma early Tuesday morning and Fire Chief Bartoli rushed to the fire engine house in the city hall only to find that the municipal building was on fire. An overheated flue and soot which had collected had started a conflagration in the attic and smoke was pouring from the bell tower. ... The Sonoma Mission Creamery, manufacturer of butter, cheese and ice cream, has completed the improvement of its Sonoma plant, the cheese department in particular.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.