Mark Read/Pages From The Past
100 Years Ago
July 1923
– Kindness Appreciated – Although we gave no house warmer on the completion of our building, yet several good friends have called and, besides wishing us well, greased the shelves of our larder with substantial things, for which the orphan bachelor feels grateful and thankful. In the first-place contractor G. Trabucchi gave us a better building than the contract called for. During our moving and trying to keep the office business going, Rev. Charles Christensen appeared on the scene with a can of stain and exemplified the Christianity he preaches by staining the floors of our living quarters. He then walked away as if such deeds were a daily routine. Mr. Christensen is never too busy to help a neighbor, and the work, time and money he has given to the Community House entitles him to a place in the hearts of all people of Novato. We are now comfortably located in a growing town of warmhearted, whole-souled people, and by co-operation can do much to advance the interests and prosperity of the Valley of No Regrets.
– First Show – By a great rush of stage carpenters, electricians, and decorators it became possible to have the picture show Thursday night in the new Community Theatre. Little advertising had been done, the light fixtures were not all installed, and the extra chairs had not arrived, but about 250 people attended and were delighted. The new stage curtains, picture screen and machines in the booth are the best. The Novato Orchestra, consisting of Mrs. Gertrude Bojorques, Carl C. Campbell, Percy Smith, and Mr. Sullivan, was a great success.
75 Years Ago
July 1948
– Novato Community House Council met with President Cyril Flugger, it was announced that applications for a custodian for the building are still coming in. The job carries rent free quarters in the building.
– The Novato Merchants’ Association was organized at a meeting held in the Community House, attended by a representative group of local merchants. Kenneth Hill was elected president; Shirley Corfield, vice president; Baxter Hovis, secretary-treasurer; directors, Clifford Cook, Jack Sparrow, Charlie Smith, Harry Hale, Gordon Anderson, George Hatfield. The organization was formed to promote better business in Novato.
– George O’Brien, a biggey in the meat business, has become a partner in the Little Cliff House. Move was made because the landlord wanted more, and the boys exercised the option in their lease and bought the ground.
50 Years Ago
July 1973
– The city’s environmental quality committee last night voted to recommend that the city acquire the Scottsdale Pond and adjacent marshlands for an outdoor recreational and “classroom” area.
– Since the current unpleasantness at city hall of late it’s getting so people are afraid not to show up at city council meetings. Last week Attorney Dennis McQuaid, who’s representing Chief Allen Klemme in his civil suit against the police officers’ association (for defamation of his character) showed up, briefcase in hand at a council budget session. Mayor Ruegg informed him that the council was hearing only budget matters that evening. McQuaid explained that he “just wanted to be here to hold down the fort in case anything happened.” Assured that no one would be heard unless it was on the budget, McQuaid left. Tonight, more than one policeman indicated he’ll also show up at the council in case McQuaid has anything to say.
– Del Monte Highlands is being opened in Novato, according to an announcement by the builder, Kaufman & Broad. The 230-home community, which is being built on San Marin Drive was designed by the Marin based Coleman & Associates. The product they are introducing in Marin is their extraordinarily successful “duoettes.” These consist of individual two-, three- and four-bedroom homes joined together on one side. Each has its own side yard and full rear yard. They are available in one- and two-story models and are priced from $37,750 to $47,960.
– A major event took place this past weekend in Novato, done in an attractively new way — the official groundbreaking for Indian Valley Colleges. The natural setting in a laurel grove was cathedral; the camaraderie prime; and the picnic food tasteful. A congenial crowd gathered to witness the important but simple event. It was an appropriate way to launch a college that hopefully will be unique and in harmony with its environment.
– After 18 years on the job. Clarence D Cook has retired as owner of Cook’s Auto Repair and Radiator Service, 845 Vallejo Avenue. Cook. 50, reportedly plans to leave Novato, his home for 2 years, and eventually settled in Penngrove. Novatan Albert Perron is taking over ownership of the business.
25 Years Ago
July 1998
– John Marshall, from the Novato Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, congratulates Kim Petrini, president and CEO of Novato Community Bank, on the grand re-opening of the bank. Formerly New West Thrift and Loan, the bank at 1400 Grant Ave., officially became Novato Community Bank with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Chamber members, city officials and community leaders.
– Henry L. Bormolini, a Novato native and lifelong resident who as a contractor built many schools here, died of cancer at his home. He was 74. Mr. Bormolini attended the old Grant Avenue School and graduated from San Rafael High School in January 1942. As a general contractor in the 1950s, Mr. Bormolini built Marion, Olive and Hill Junior High School in Novato.
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