How the city observed its 100th birthday in 1958

One hundred years of almost anything continuous is noteworthy, and the citizens of Petaluma, celebrating 100 years of being a city, thought theirs was a noteworthy even indeed.

In 1958 the City of Petaluma was 100 years old, being founded in 1858 in April when “An Act to Incorporate the Town of Petaluma” was approved by the state Legislature and the Board of Trustees of the city rented space in the upstairs of the post office for $20 a month for a meeting place.

The celebration began on April 12 when a reenactment of the first meeting of the trustees was held at the Petaluma High School auditorium with Vincent J. Schoenigh acting out the part of William Elder, the first town president.

Then in August, an eight-day celebration was held highlighting Petaluma history, its people, places, and events.

Starting on Saturday, Aug. 23, a dance was held at the Hermann Sons Hall and on Sunday a “box social” was held at Walnut Park with hundreds of persons dressed in authentic old dresses and costumes.

On Monday, official opening ceremonies were held and a picnic was conducted for pioneers and the city.

That night, at 8:15 p.m, the curtain went up on “Panorama”, a historical drama with more than 500 players depicting the highlights of Petaluma’s history.

The show had 12 episodes all depicting such things as the early settlers, church history, the Indians who preceded settlers here in the area, and the atomic age.

On Saturday a “grand finale” was held with a huge parade down Kentucky Street and at midnight, as was very fitting, “Taps” was played and the centennial ended for Petaluma.

The centennial was produced by the Petaluma Centennial Corporation, a group of local citizens dedicated to making Petaluma’s 100th celebration an event to remember for years.

Among others involved in the project were John Cavanagh Sr., who was president; Ed Fratini, vice president; Olive Simoni, treasurer; and Beatrice Stice, secretary.

Directors of the corporation who also were involved were Jacob D. Allen, Robert Brunner, Silvio Gambonini, Emily Kelsey, Letser Popp, Earle Bond, Rutherford Putnam, Raymond Hing, Robert Atkinson, Russell Bundesen, Zari Gottfried, Ed Robert, Duncan Olmsted, Hugh Price, Sam Smoot, William Soberanes and Stan Siedell.

Several hundred others also were involved in the planning, and ultimately the celebration of the city’s birthday.