Mike Read/Pages From The Past
100 Years Ago
March 1923
– Novato’s New Garage Formally Opened – Saturday night will go down as a memorable one in the history of Novato, the occasion being the formal opening and dedication of the fine new garage erected by our enterprising and public-spirited citizen Louis J. Nave. The imposing structure graced the northeast corner of Grant Ave and the State Redwood highway, built of reinforced concrete with large plate glass windows facing both thoroughfares, and is not only a substantial and imposing structure but its architectural beauty makes it an appreciated ornament to Novato. The new Midway Garage will specialize in the Buick and Star automobiles.
– Fred Miller and Miss Ella Hallawell were married Sunday, March 11, in Berkeley. The groom was considered a confirmed bachelor, but he surprised his friends and did the wise thing, for it is not good for man to live alone. Mr. Miller has built a nice bungalow on Wilson Avenue, where it is hoped he and his bride will spend the remainder of their lives in happiness and prosperity.
75 Years Ago
March 1948
– Frank Esplnola has leased the French laundry from Homer Breshear. He has been a laundryman since 1911 in Petaluma, Sonoma, and San Francisco, coming to Novato with C. Alceteragaet when he opened the French laundry.
– A.W. Andersen, 70, widely known Petalumen and salesman with the Petaluma Milling company, was found dead in the restroom of a Sonoma service station, apparently the victim of a heart attack. He had recently been suffering from a severe cold. Andersen spent nine years In dairy ranching near Novato and later for the same number of years at Lakeville. He retired in 1927 and moved to Petaluma. Tiring of being idle he took a position with the Petaluma Milling company some time ago. He was the husband of Dorothea Andersen and the father of Mrs. Clarence Wagner of Petaluma, Gordon Andersen of Novato and Rolfe Andersen of San Mateo. Five grandchildren also survive.
50 Years Ago
March 1973
– Raymond Moffat Hill Sr., former Novato resident, died in a Santa Rosa hospital. He was 87. A native of Petaluma, he was a member of a pioneer Sonoma County family and had extensive ranching interests until his retirement. The Hill ranch in Novato was part of the Hill family holdings, as well as the Pini feed mill and the Golden Eagle Milling Co. in Petaluma. He lived in Novato from 1947 to 1955 and moved several years ago to Oakmont, north of Sonoma. During World War I he served with the U. S. Army air service. He is survived by a son Raymond Hill Jr., of Novato. He was also the father of the late Elizabeth Hill Vorhees. His six grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. They include Raymond Hill III, a Novato police officer, James and Stuart Hill and John, Peter and Jennifer Vorhees.
25 Years Ago
March 1998
– Plans for a Marin Airporter terminal to be built at Hamilton Field near the intersection of Nave Drive and North Hamilton Drive move on to the Novato Planning Commission. The plans are for a 1,680-foot terminal building, 153 long-term paid parking spaces and eight short-term parking spaces. The terminal building would provide space for ticket sales, a waiting room, restrooms, and employee facilities.
– Novato is now home to “Fresh Mex” thanks to the opening of the new Chevy’s Restaurant at the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center off Rowland Boulevard and to celebrate the opening of the new restaurant, a ribbon cutting, and grand opening will be held Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. The restaurant is located at the former Red Lobster location.
It’s nice to read about a small piece of history regarding Novato, as well as seeing the names that are on the streets such as “Hill” Rd.