Vote 'Bob' Peters -- he's clean cut

June 7, 2006

By KATIE WATTS
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

Yesteryears is an often amusing look back at local history, as viewed through the pages of the Argus-Courier.

125 years ago

A discovery of platinum is reported at Tomales. Platinum is the standard of the Russian coinage and is more valuable than gold. The deposit in Salmon Creek is said to be so great that it can be picked up by hand in many places. (June 3, 1881)

Previous to his departure for Australia, Mons. Mongreni de Lassomm, the celebrated French prestidigitateur will give a grand entertainment at Turner Hall on June 6. (June 3, 1881)

Now the time is fixed for the next District Fair, it is in place to remind inhabitants that with them it rests as to whether the Fair shall be a success or failure. One department, the one of most importance in our judgment, that of agriculture, that frequently presents but a meagre display. There is no reason why a larger space should not be filled with exhibits of farm produce. Let every farmer make it a point to place something on exhibition. If each contributes toward swelling the exhibit of agricultural products they will be astonished at the changed complexion of that corner of the pavilion. (June 3, 1881)

100 years ago

The new candy and ice cream parlors in the Continental Hotel have been opened by J.I. Wark and present a neat appearance. This store is the local agency for the popular ambrosia ice cream. (June 8, 1906)

Moving pictures and stereopticon views at Guild Hall Wednesday. Adjutant A. Simpson of the headquarters of the Salvation Army at San Francisco will give a lantern service representing scenes of the great fire at San Francisco. These views were taken before, during and after the fire. Also colored views representing scenes in the life of Christ, including two illustrated songs, "Hello Central" and "Ninety and Nine," together with views of the Army's work on the coast. The subjects of the moving pictures are "Orphanage Drill," "The Holy City," and "Christ Blessing Little Children." The beautifully colored views will be illustrated by powerful electric light. (June 9, 1906)

Why take a dozen things to cure that cough? Kennedy's Laxative Honey and Tar drives the cold out through your bowels. (June 9, 1906)

The library reopened Saturday afternoon in the new building and locals are delighted. There was a big rush for books and many returned books which have been out since before the earthquake. Librarian Miss Sara Cassiday had a very busy afternoon of it. The present hours are 2 to 4 p.m. but as soon as the furniture arrives and the new ceiling is in position, regular hours will be observed. (June 9, 1906)

75 years ago

"Bob" Peters, Clean Cut and Dependable, for Chief of Police. Petaluma is to be congratulated that when it lost "Mike" Flohr as Chief of Police, within the ranks of the local police force there was found a man in the person of Robt. E. Peters, who was well qualified to fill the position "Mike" vacated. The present City Council, which has made such a splendid record the last two years that the Mayor and retiring members are candidates to succeed themselves without any opposition, looked carefully over the field to select a Chief of Police and unanimously selected "Bob" Peters for the position, and his handling of the office since has justified the good opinion our efficient city administration had of him. "Bob" came here with his parents, attended the public schools and has married and brought up his family in this, his home. He was for years in the employ of G.P. McNear Company, where he was a faithful, dependable employee. "Bob" is in the prime of life, with a good physique and a clear mind, well versed in the duties of his position. The record of his service in private employ and for four years on the police force of Petaluma, the latter six months of which he served as Chief of the department, shows that "Bob" Peters is Clean Cut and Dependable and is worthy of the votes of the people of Petaluma to the office of Chief of Police. (June 8, 1931)

50 years ago

Sonoma County will have a 1 per cent sales tax and use tax in operation starting July 1. (May 31, 1956)

The Petaluma Veterans War Memorial Building issue -- the perennial hot potato of city-county politics -- has been tossed once more in the laps of the board of supervisors. The site of the old Washington Grammar School across from the new City Hall, and the northwest corner of Kenilworth Park are the most recent candidates for a location. (June 7, 1956)

25 years ago

The bullets that wounded the Pope last month also obliterated the audience he was to have with Petaluma artist Rosa Estebanez. Estabanez was in the Eternal City to have a bronze bas-relief formally accepted by the Christian Brothers religious order when the Pope was shot. However, her sculpture was unveiled in a small ceremony and it will hang near the entry hall of the brothers' home. Just getting the 110-pound piece to Rome was an adventure. At the airport, after being told the work could not be taken, she was allowed to put it in the cargo hold -- for an extra $240. When she arrived in Rome, Estabanez found the sculpture had not. The next day, she learned the work had come in on a later flight, but had to persuade five customs officials that allowing the sculpture to be brought into the country would not violate its prohibition on art importation. Despite the difficulty, Estabanez said, "I can't say enough how kind the people were. It was one of the nicest and warmest experiences of my life." (June 6, 1981)