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SONOMA LEAGUE FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 291 FIRST STREET EAST | SONOMA, CA 95476 | 707-938-0169 WWW.SONOMALEAGUE.ORG
ANNUAL AWARDS MEETINGWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH AT 6:00 PMOPEN AT 5:30 PMVINTAGE HOUSE, STONE HALL264 FIRST ST. EAST, SONOMA
See page 3
NOVEMBER 2013
Our mission is to identify, preserve, and promote the historic architectural character, culture and image of the City of Sonoma and surroundings.
NEWSLETTER
Story on Page 4“Drawing Sonoma” Ink drawings by Barbara White Perry
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Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting and Awards on November 20th at the Vintage House. Barbara White Perry has again planned an interesting and impressive Awards Program. Be sure to come and bring
your friends. Congratulations to League member Maria Biasetto! Each year the Sonoma Valley Fund asks non-profits in our community to nominate an individual for it’s “Star Awards”. This is someone who has made a significant contributon. This year I am happy to announce that the League Board unanimously nominated Maria Biasetto for the Star Award. The Awards presentation this year was held at Sonoma Valley Hospital and it is always an inspiring occasion. I was honored to present the award to Maria. Again, congratulations! Recently I attended the City of Sonoma’s Facilities Committee meeting. The City has accepted the Request for Proposal from Hoover & Benchmark Construction for the renovation of the cottage behind the Maysonnave House known as the Maysonnave Cottage or “Willy’s
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara WimmerPresident(707) [email protected]
Robert DemlerVice President(707) [email protected]
Carrie FoggRecording Secretary(707) [email protected]
Treasurer - Open
Bettie Crossfield Allen(707) [email protected]
Prema BehanMembership Chair(415) [email protected]
Yvonne BowersHistoric Survey Chair(707) [email protected]
Sheila Cole(707) [email protected]
Kellie A. Cox Publicity Chair(206) [email protected]
Bob GarantCivic Activities Chair(707) [email protected]
Peter G. Meyerhof Library Resources Chair(707) [email protected]
Anne SilvermanProperties Chair(707) [email protected]
House”. They have assured the committee that they will follow historic guidelines for the renovation if approved by the City. Plans are underway to convert the Maysonnave “Carriage House” into our new storage, study and research center. Our preservation committee is arduously working to organize, classify and digitize. Any member who wishes to help is most welcome. Please contact Bob Garant or Peter Meyerhof. We will also be implementing a continuing lecture series. As we get close to the end of another year, we have many plans for 2014. I invite all members to join us at any of our Board meetings. They are held the third Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm at the Maysonnave House. Should you have an issue or subject you want to raise, please contact me prior to the meeting. We welcome your ideas and comments. You do not need to be a Board member to volunteer or participate in special events. Best Wishes and Happy Holidays.
Barbara Wimmer, President
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35th ANNUAL PRESERVATION
AWARDS
November 20, 2013
5:30 Welcome, Appetizers and Wine
6:15 Business Announcements
6:30 Preservation Awards
The evening concludes with desserts and wine.
PLEASE JOIN US!
The Award Committee
Amy Alper-Jane BridgesRon Chapman- ‘Zanne Clark-Chip Allen
Barbara White Perry
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! The League Mission is to “identify, preserve and promote the historic architectural character, cultural and visual resources of the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley through recognition, advocacy and education.” I encourage you to renew your membership early as the importance and urgency of this work only increases over time. You will find a convenient 2014 Member Form enclosed in this newsletter. Renewals are due Jan. 1, 2014. Thank you!
Prema Behan, Member Chair
AUGUST QUARTERLY MEETING
Robert Demler and Barbara Wimmer(Picture courtesy of Lynne Joiner)
On a lovely summer evening, members and guests enjoyed sumptuous snacks and delicious Buena Vista wines in the courtyard of the meticulously restored winery. We learned the history of the winery, its current operations and were guided on a tour of the barrel rooms. Then we partied in the “oh so elegant” Bubble Lounge! What a treat! Sensuous “deco” was the theme with soft white lounges and chairs and a sparkly floor while a white grand player-piano provided music. Lovely wall sconces provided soft lighting. Ahhh!
Anne Silverman, Properties Chair
From the Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, composed of Board members Bettie Allen and Peter Meyerhof, and Vice President Robert Demler, as ex officio, presented nominations to the League Board at the October Meeting for its approval. Nominations are for a three year term beginning in December 2013. The nominees will be presented to the general membership for approval at the League’s Annual Meeting in November. Please join us to cast your vote!
Robert Demler, Chair
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How many times have you traveled south on Arnold Drive, looked to the east, and wondered about this house. The curious house sits between Cornerstone Gardens and the Sonoma Valley Airport. It is a barn, a ranch style house, and has a second floor perched almost precariously on top. Do you know anything about this house and its history?” I wrote this paragraph for the August 2007 Newsletter. Two years later Ernestine Evans sent me a report on research she had done on this house. The building that you see today was originally built as a cow barn. It consists of two buildings joined together by a water tower built over the existing well with a bedroom over it. The barn was built with no foundation, but placed on redwood posts that are slowly sinking into the ground. Inside a trough runs through the entire length of the building. There are feeding troughs where the kitchen is located. The property was also a pig farm. The swill that fed the pigs came from Mare Island, and in the swill were pieces of cutlery that can still be found when the earth is dug up. After the pig farm went out of existence the building was rented out, but conditions were very primitive. A pond at the back of the property and now covered over by a building, was intended to be a site to raise muskrats. During a small renovation, newspapers plastered to the walls were dated in the 1940s. It is thought that the complex was built at about that time.
Barbara White Perry
“The Mystery House on Arnold Drive” is part of “Drawing Sonoma” - a collection of ink and vine-charcoal drawings of historic si tes by Barbara White Perry.
23770 ARNOLD DRIVE, SONOMA
“THURSDAY HISTORY NIGHT”
This group meets on the first Thursday of each month to survey the League’s collection of documents. They are organizing, cataloging, and storing the League’s collection of documents, maps, and photographs so that these items will be more readily available during the Thursday History Nights and to the general membership. Preliminary plans to convert the Maysonnave Carriage House to an archives and research center have been formulated. League Volunteer Jason Bell has been a source of valuable support in this effort. A highlight of the September “Thursday History Night” was the attendance of local historian and Sonoma County map expert Michael Burton who shared his research on historic land titles in Sonoma. He subsequently donated some copies of his maps and other documents to the League. The next “Thursday History Night” meeting is scheduled for 6 pm on November 7th, and as always, all are invited.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION
As part of the Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Park celebration of the holidays, the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation will once again open the doors of the Gen-
eral Joseph Hooker House and the Maysonnave House (along with the Toscano Hotel and Kitchen) on Saturday, December 14th from 5:00 to 8:30 pm for holiday cheer and refreshments. If you’d like to provide baked goods or vounteer at the event, please contact:
Ginny Richardson [email protected] or
Anne Silverman [email protected]
ON THE COVER
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Certified Local Government Ordinance Adopted!
At the regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on Monday, October 21, 2013, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the necessary City ordinance for implementing Certified Local Government status for Sonoma. The Certified Local Government Program is a preservation partnership between local, state and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the grass roots level. The National Park Service and the State Office of Historic Preservation jointly administer the program. CLGs are active partners in the Federal Historic Preservation Program and the opportunities it provides.
During the public comment period, League President Barbara Wimmer and League Member Pat Pulvirenti each thanked the Council members for their support for this action, which began about fifteen years ago under the direction of then City Manager, Pam Gibson, who is a current member of the League.
Also attending the City Council Meeting were League members and past League Presidents, Loyce Haran and Johanna Patri. As League President, Loyce, along with Patricia Cullinan and Pat Pulvirenti, devoted many hours to meetings with City Officials encouraging the adoption of the Certified Local Government status for Sonoma.
Also, League Vice President Robert Demler proposed that the Council approve a name change for the “Design Review Commission” to that of the “Design Review and Historic Preservation Committee” to emphasize the expanded ‘historical’ focus of that commission. The suggestion was discussed and then unanimously approved by the Council.
Robert Demler
Castaneda Adobe Restoration Project
The restoration project by new owners, Three Sticks Winery, at 143 West Spain Street, also known as the Castaneda Adobe, is a precious project that has drawn attention and interest from the community. The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation holds an easement on this property. In an ongoing effort to include League members in the process of preservation and enhancement, we want to share some of the steps taken. The entire property was meticulously photo documented and recorded, including the gardens, by a team of historical architects and photographers before any disturbance was initiated and will be documented upon completion. This will be put together with historical photos and descriptions to create a full contextual and visual description of the property and its evolution. George McKale, archaelogist and City of Sonoma Historian, has participated fully in each movement of dirt at the property in the hopes that a cache of artifacts is found in the ground. So far we’re still hoping… The historic plants were expertly removed and are at “Plant Camp” being nursed at Nyberg’s nursery in town, where they will remain until all construction is complete and the ground is ready for their return. Finally, plans are underway to execute a thorough and incredibly sophisticated earthquake retrofit of the historic adobe to ensure that the building lives on in perpetuity. Those plans are under review by the city and will begin over the winter. To the untrained eye it may appear that work on the property has barely begun but the ability to slowly and thoroughly attend to each demand of historic preservation is essential in an adobe treasure like this one. Three Sticks Winery remains committed and excited about doing it right and look forward to sharing the property with the League in July of next year.
Prema Behan
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!ZOE ORTH - MICHAEL WOODSSANDRA COCKRELL FOLLMER
SHEILA MCCUNE - GINA CUCLIS
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OUR NEWEST STAR
MARIA BIASETTO On Sunday October 6th the Sonoma Valley Fund’s annual celebration took place in the lovely courtyard of Sonoma Valley Hospital. Our own
Maria Biasetto was named the Sonoma League For Historic Preservation’s “Star” for 2013. Maria moved to Sonoma in 1985 when she purchased a beautiful house in George Ranch. She became a member of the League in 1992 after encourgement by Nancy Boerum and Jan MacNaughton and is now a life member. Maria served many years as the Corresponding Secretary for the League. It kept her very busy and allowed her to express her literary talent. In that role, her letters of appreciation and recognition brought pleasure to many people. Several have been framed by the recipients. Maria also served as the Vice President of Sister Cities International and is still a life member. Both organizations have kept her active and inspired for the past several years as has her Real Estate Investment business. Today she continues to live in her beautiful secluded country estate overlooking the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Mountain. She has a large
natural preserve that includes deer, peacocks, turkeys, Canada geese, ducks of all sizes and descriptions (including muskovey ducks) and a resident swan. There are blue herons, egrets, river otters, ravens, crows and probably a number of skunks, raccoons, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, and other creatures that either fly in or jump fences. The two resident felines are “Mozart” and “Sardine”. I suspect one or more mountain lions have also passed through as well as bobcats. She has made it a nature preserve and no hunting or fishing is allowed. The League for Historic Preservation has been part of her life for the past twenty-plus years. She feels it has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been a part of the life of Sonoma and feels her striving has helped her to reach the top of the mountain. She continues to support the League and feels the mission of the League is an essential part of our architectural heritage. We have enjoyed her member retrospectives in the League Newsletter and hope to see more in the future. Maria loves and writes poetry; she loves anything which is beautiful, and this is reflected in her peaceful home and surroundings. We salute you Maria. You truly are a “Star”.
Bettie Allen(Pictures courtesy of Carrie Fogg)
Heritage Center Library Update
We have identified a large number of items in the League’s archives that need archival protection and have begun to move forward with this work. A large historical map of El Verano is being carefully restored. The photograph collection is being more carefully indexed and protective sleeves are being provided. This is tedious work but vitally necessary. Once again it is Jason Bell who deserves enormous credit for taking on the largest part of this important job.
Peter Meyerhof, Library Chair
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GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER HOUSE NEWS
(Picture courtesy of Yvonne Bowers)
“Hooker’s Civil War”, the current exhibit at the Joseph Hooker House, opened in September. In creating the exhibit, docent Patrick Hurley (pictured above) assembled a group of maps showing in color the army formations of major battles of the Civil War in which General Hooker played a part. These mostly show battles of the Eastern Theatre of the war in which General Hooker played a significant role leading up to and after Gettysburg. Although he was relieved of duty just prior to Gettysburg, Hooker, with the Army of the Potomac, continued to follow Lee along Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Despite the fact that General Hooker made a significant contribution to Northern battles throughout the conflict, his personality and relationships with other officers forced him to sideline at the end of the war. The maps Patrick Hurley presents, along with informative comments and views expressed by General Hooker’s admirers and detractors, offer a unique opportunity to see how the battle lines were drawn for some major conflicts of that war. It is an appropriate time to learn more as the country recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Copies of Walter H. Hebert’s biography “Fighting Joe Hooker” are again for sale for $25. This book is considered the definitive biography of Joseph Hooker and is now out of print. The exhibit will close temporarily on Monday, October 28th and will reopen on
Recent Oil Paintings and Ink Drawings
By Barbara White Perry
November 1st - December 23rdThe General Joseph Hooker House Gallery
414 First Street East, Sonoma
Open Saturday-Sunday-Monday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
10% of all painting and ink drawing print sales will be donated to SLHP.
100% of note card proceeds will be donated to SLHP.
“SUNSET ON OLD WINERY ROAD”
Saturday, December 28th. Five people responded to Carol Page’s story in the Press Democrat and the Sonoma Index-Tribune about our need for new docents. All five have been trained and three have started work. So far this year 3,189 people have visited the museum, donated $299.40, and bought $130.75 in merchandise.
Virginia Richardson
MEETING CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014
Board of Directors Meeting Maysonnave Wednesday, November 13th at 5:00 pmAnnual Meeting & Awards Vintage House Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 pmBoard of Directors Meeting Maysonnave Wednesday, December 18th at 5:00 pmBoard of Directors Meeting Maysonnave Wednesday, January 15th at 5:00 pm
THE HERITAGE CENTER AT MAYSONNAVE HOUSE291 First Street East, Sonoma, CA. 95476
(707) 938-0169Open Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER HOUSEEl Paseo de Sonoma, 414 First Street East,
Sonoma, CA. 95476Open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
P.O. BOX 766SONOMA, CA. 95476(707) 938-0169www.sonomaleague.org
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Newsletter Committee
Yvonne Bowers, EditorBarbara White Perry, Cover Art and Story
Pat PulvirentiGinny RichardsonLen Richardson