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2 weeks ago | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
Department stores, barbershops and beauty salons, bars, banks, delicatessens, drug stores and restaurants were among the 125 businesses that occupied the storefronts of downtown Petaluma in the mid-1960s. With a population of 18,400, Petaluma had grown more than 50% over the previous decade and averaged an increase of two new families a day, all of them patronizing its two-dozen grocery stores and 40 gasoline stations.
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1 month ago | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
Similar to the age-old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, those who know Gary Grubb might ask him, “Which came first, your career in music or your career as a software developer?”The appropriate answer is that his career in high tech was sandwiched between an early and very successful life performing music onstage and a later comeback period.
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1 month ago | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
Petaluma’s Elim Lutheran Church, established in 1925, has been celebrating its storied 100-year history and observing its centennial since last September. The festivities will culminate with an eye toward the future and the dedication and placement of a fireproof time capsule, which will be opened in 2125. “In honor of our 100-year existence, we decided to create a new time capsule,” Church Historian Mary Wyrick said.
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1 month ago | 
pressdemocrat.com | Harlan Osborne
Petaluma’s Elim Lutheran Church, established in 1925, has been celebrating its storied 100-year history and observing its centennial since last September. The festivities will culminate with an eye toward the future and the dedication and placement of a fireproof time capsule, which will be opened in 2125. “In honor of our 100-year existence, we decided to create a new time capsule,” Church Historian Mary Wyrick said.
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2 months ago | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
For many shoppers, bargain hunting offers one of the most fulfilling pleasures – the art of searching for and purchasing goods from places that offer second-hand clothing, used or vintage merchandise and other household goods at reduced prices. It has an allure of its own. Fortunately, Petaluma is home to enough thrift shops and antique dealers to satisfy even the most dedicated treasure seekers.
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2 months ago | 
pressdemocrat.com | Harlan Osborne
Volunteers at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum have always been a mix of long-time residents and later arrivals interested in our storied history, and with a desire to contribute to our community. Many early volunteers have passed on, but the museum continues to thrive through the efforts of newer volunteers serving as desk docents, artistic advisors, exhibit helpers and more.
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2 months ago | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
Volunteers at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum have always been a mix of long-time residents and later arrivals interested in our storied history, and with a desire to contribute to our community. Many early volunteers have passed on, but the museum continues to thrive through the efforts of newer volunteers serving as desk docents, artistic advisors, exhibit helpers and more.
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Mar 26, 2025 | 
pressdemocrat.com | Harlan Osborne
Growing up in bucolic northern Napa County, Lee Pierce focused on the many challenges and opportunities available to him. A person with less motivation and lacking his fortitude to succeed might have found life difficult, but Pierce – a self-described determined achiever – knew there was something greater out there, so he coupled his charismatic personality together with his positive attitude to distinguish himself.
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Mar 26, 2025 | 
petaluma360.com | Harlan Osborne
Growing up in bucolic northern Napa County, Lee Pierce focused on the many challenges and opportunities available to him. A person with less motivation and lacking his fortitude to succeed might have found life difficult, but Pierce – a self-described determined achiever – knew there was something greater out there, so he coupled his charismatic personality together with his positive attitude to distinguish himself.
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Mar 14, 2025 | 
pressdemocrat.com | Harlan Osborne
Petaluma has always been a place of steady growth and change, adapting to modern improvements while simultaneously preserving our rich cultural heritage. Everywhere we look we’re reminded of our storied history and the pride it gives its residents, regardless of how long they’ve lived here. George Baur’s family came here more than 100 years ago. During his lifetime he’s seen countless changes. Many have been absorbed into the fabric of the city and gently faded into the past.
