Mike Read/Pages From The Past
100 Years Ago
November 1923
– Motorists who pay the new State gasoline tax of 2 cents a gallon are entitled to deduction of the amount from their income tax. To take advantage of this privilege, Collector of Internal Revenue J.P. McLachlin says the motorist must keep an accurate record of his gasoline purchases through the year, so he may make a proper statement on his income tax return in March.
– Boy Scout Executive Visits Novato – On Tuesday of last week Mr. Raymond Worsely, Marin County Boy Scout Executive, met a number of representative men of Novato at the Community House. The question of boys’ organization was discussed from various angles. It was agreed that such an organization must have vigilant supervision and must be managed with thoughtfulness and precision by those in immediate charge. On motion it was agreed to promote the organization of a Boy Scout Troop for Novato, and the following committee of five was appointed as the local council: J.J. Merryman, F. Gnoss, Mr. Walters, A.J. Cain, and R.L. Kokjer. Mr. Cain was elected to serve as scoutmaster and F.E. Wood as assistant scoutmaster. These gentlemen will proceed as soon as convenient to organize the troop. Any boys wishing to join, who are between the ages of 12 and 16, should report to Mr. Cain or Mr. Wood.
75 Years Ago
November 1948
– The people of this great nation have spoken — they have returned Harry S. Truman to the White House for his first four-year term. Contrary to public polls and contrary to a great deal of pre-election thought, the people in a large enough number have been satisfied with the administration of our government and have said so. In typical American style it is the duty of every American, regardless of political affiliations or beliefs, to “bury the hatchet” and support the President of these United States with enthusiasm as he plans with Congress for the destiny of, we who live here and others abroad. Mr. Dewey, the defeated candidate, was the first to congratulate Mr. Truman and urge that the people support him in his undertakings. This country was founded in a spirit of cooperation and unison, and now more than any other time in history the people must band together to step forward in the greatest nation in the world. — Jack Sparrow
50 Years Ago
November 1973
David’s Barber Services at 1405 Grant Avenue has reopened. The shop was closed for two months for repair of damage, done by a fire. The shop is owned by David Dinsmore, who has worked as a barber In Novato since 1947. Still employed in the shop is Lamar Hale. Another stylist is to be added shortly, according to Dinsmore. He and Hale tended some of their customers at other barber shops in Novato during the time their shop was closed.
– The county board of supervisors agreed last week to accept a $1 option agreement to purchase Deer Island and surrounding flood plain areas. This represents a total of 370 acres. In agreeing to sell the land to the county, the DeBorba family made a $10,000 gift reduction in the price of Deer Island. Deer Island is a 125-acre parcel priced at $312,500, minus the reduction. The DeBorbas agreed to donate a portion of the Deer Island purchase on the assurance that a county agency would construct and maintain park facilities on this parcel. The lease stipulates that Deer Island shall be renamed “DeBorba Park.” Total purchase price for the entire 370 acres, not including the gifts, is $608,750.
25 Years Ago
November 1998
– CSW/Stuber Stroeh has been named Small Business of the Year for 1999 by the Novato Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its dedication to community service and for its outstanding business practices. With close to 50 employees, the company is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, planning, land surveying and landscape architecture. Set up as a partnership in 1990 when CSW and Stuber-Stroeh merged, the company’s president is Al Cornwell, and its vice president is Dietrich Stroeh.
– Mary Eugenia Silva Hagedohm, a member of a pioneer Novato family, died Oct. 31, 1998, in Petaluma. Mrs. Hagedohm was the daughter of the late Frank and Rosa (Pacheco) Silva of Novato. Her father purchased Manuel Dutra’s general store and saloon on Grant Avenue and operated both establishments. In 1913, he constructed the building for the new Novato Bank. She was a parishioner at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Novato and a member of the U.P.P.E.C. Council No. 31 of San Rafael and the Novato and Petaluma Holy Ghost societies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred R. Hagedohm, by her sister, Rose C. Rocha, and by her brother, Manuel E. “Babe” Silva.
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