by Katie Breece
Petaluma is a town with a rich and vibrant history that is not always obvious in the everyday life of its citizens. If one looks a little closer though, this history reveals itself through five diverse attractions that one would not expect.
One.-The Farmers’ Market: Petaluma was originally settled as a farm town and agriculture has played an important part in its history since it was chartered in 1858. Petaluma’s farming community is evident at the two farmers’ markets it hosts throughout the year. The first takes place in Walnut Park every Saturday between 2 and 5 p.m. May through October. The second is the Wednesday evening market, which is open from 4:30 to 8 p.m. June 10 through August 26.
Two.-The Mystic Theatre: McNear’s Mystic Theatre was originally built in 1911 as a performance hall for Vaudeville entertainment. In 1992 the building was remodeled to accommodate a larger audience. The theatre can now hold 550 attendees and with its history and great performances it is a must see for any Petaluma citizen.
Three.-Petaluma Historical Library and Museum: The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library. It now functions as a museum and research library with permanent exhibits on the history of Petaluma and a variety of temporary exhibits like the recent Schindler’s List exposition. The research library contains literature on the history, genealogy, and architecture of Petaluma. The museum contains valuable information that anyone who visits it will find captivating.
Four.-Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory: Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory provides stickers nationwide and its founder, Andrea Grossman, started the sticker phenomenon way back in 1979. Grossman’s signature, Stickers by the Yard, was originally created by accident when she received an order of heart stickers on a roll rather than flat paper. Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory is the only place in the world where one can tour a sticker factory, yet many Petalumans don’t even know that it is in their small town.
Five.-Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park: The Petaluma Adobe dates back to when California was a province in the Republic of Mexico. It was the largest privately owned Mexican estate north of the bay and it is furnished with authentic items and exhibits. The Petaluma Adobe shows an important part of California’s history and its relation to Petaluma’s history.