'Delightful quench for a thirsty throat'

June 28, 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

About now is the time farmers are seen removing from warehouses in this city wagon loads of potatoes with sprouts from six inches to a foot in length, bristling through gunny sacks that cost 15 cents each. (June 24, 1881)

The old Union Hotel, at the corner of Main Street and Western Avenue, has been trundled away and the adjoining buildings are being prepared to follow in its wake. The ground will soon be ready to commence excavating for the foundation of the Masonic Building. (June 24, 1881)

There is to be a grand temperance excursion to Guerneville on the Fourth of July. Several coach cars will go from Petaluma for special rates, the round trip being $1.50. (June 24, 1881)

100 years ago

A delightful quench for a thirsty throat can be had at Towne's drug store. Ladies like the cozy corner and the five-cent ice cream soda. (June 22, 1906)

Deadly serpent bites are as common in India as are stomach and kidney troubles with us. For the latter however there is a sure remedy: Electric Bitters, the great restorative medicine. Electric Bitters cure chills and fever, malaria, biliousness, lame back, kidney troubles and bladder disorders. Price 50¢. (June 22, 1906)

Cheer up boys, there are plenty of fireworks for the Fourth for you at Towne's. If Petaluma is not hospitable enough, be patriotic anyway. Go to the sea shore, or to a picnic, or to the country where you may shoot fireworks to your heart's content. (June 22, 1906)

Mr. Andrew Carnegie, the "Laird of Skibo," who presented the handsome library building to Santa Rosa which was damaged on April 18, will pay for the rebuilding of same. (June 29, 1906)

75 years ago

Petaluma has capitulated to the stalwart Druids and the fair Druidesses and never have visitors been more desired or more welcome; and the large number of ladies and gentlemen from various parts of California are urged to make themselves at home. The city's latch strings are out, the keys of the city will be placed in the hands of the guests aand they can own the town and welcome. The session of the Grand Grove is of outstanding interest because native Petaluman and Attorney Ralph Starke of San Francisco will be elevated to the exalted office of Grand Arch Druid, this being the first time in the history of California Druidism such an incident has occurred. It will go down in the history of the Grand Grove. The Grand Chapter will be in session here, so the week is to be devoted to the Druids who must come first with our people, in whatever they need; whatever will add to their pleasure and comfort. The red fezzes are everywhere in evidence and the city is gaily decorated. Splendid plans have been made for their comfort and entertainment. Hotel Petaluma is the liveliest place in the city, next to the convention halls of the several branches of the order. M.H. Fredericks, the wearer of a white fez, is chairman of the general committee and the ex-councilman is everywhere and is the busiest man in town. The grand officers and delegates represent 25,000 Druids in California and the impressions they receive will be taken back to that number, so it behooves Petaluma to do its best and make the stay of the welcome guests pleasant. Tonight's parade will be a splendid feature of the Grand Grove and the public is invited to turn out to welcome and cheer the visitors. (June 15, 1931)

50 years ago

Construction is expected to begin on Kenilworth Junior High School in 10 days to two weeks. Finish date: 365 days from the start, barring strikes. The bid price is $1,236,000, less an alternate deduction of $26,000 for exercise rooms which the board decided to delete from the plans. (June 28, 1956)

25 years ago

The computer age pulled the plug on one of the last remaining anachronisms in southern Sonoma County yesterday. Ma Bell's local extension, affectionately known as the Petaluma Phone Company, is no longer. Friday was the final operating day for the Liberty Street branch. Its function has been moved to a computerized Santa Rosa center. For years there had been rumors of the big switch from traditional cord boards to computers. Still, for some of the 42 operators, reality came too soon. "A year ago, when the rumors got thicker, some of the regulators stopped by the Catholic church on the way home. They prayed that the inevitable transformation would never happen," recalls manager Deana Heath. While nine veteran operators will take advantage of their retirement plan, others like Evelyn Bonetti, who called the Petaluma branch home for 39 years, will transfer north and begin rigorous computer training. Many younger operators will also brave the computer world and stay with Pacific Telephone. And women can now get many of the jobs in the phone company that men formerly performed, said operator Jean Lee. Beginning today, Petaluma residents will be able to direct-dial calls which used to require operator assistance. Callers will only be required to preface the phone number with a "0." Shortly before midnight, veteran night-side operator Betty Muzzell took her last call. For 28 years, her pleasant voice and gregarious manner greeted callers. Law enforcement officers in a rush often skipped the number and just said, "Betty, get me É " Last night, Betty and the phone company closed up forever. (June 27, 1981)