Readers of my “Then & Now” series may have noticed how the Petalumans associated with the various buildings featured in these blogs have been highlighted as well. From its beginning, our favorite river town owes its historic growth and development, as well as its uniqueness, to citizens from all walks of life.

 As of March 2014, I will be starting my eighth year of serving the community as a volunteer blogger for the Argus-Courier Petaluma360 online site. Although the names of many of the Petalumans mentioned in these blogs may be familiar to long time residents; there are hundreds of recent arrivals who may not be knowledgeable about their contributions to our community. The Hoppy Hopkins Memorial Research Library of our local Historical Museum has  shelves filled with books and files that contain newspaper articles, photographs, and personal stories about these outstanding and prominent Petalumans of the past.

I hope to initiate a new series titled, “The Petalumans of Yesteryear.” These blogs will not be long enough to tell all there is to know about these individuals; but hopefully, long enough to perk your interest in learning more about them by visiting the research section of the Petaluma Historical Museum & Library. It is truly a community “treasure chest” of memorable information. Stay tuned.