By Mike Read
Novato Historical Society
100 Years Ago
September 1920
— Misses Margaret and Lulu Sutton have gone to Humboldt County with their brother, for a two weeks’ vacation. Miss Sutton, who is a teacher in the Novato schools, will resume her duties in October.
— A.Respini and N.P. Rasmussen purchased the two Ayrshire bulls from the Trumbull herd at Novato at bargain prices. These bulls could have sold for more money if they had been fixed up and shown in better shape, also there was no productions records, and while no doubt they were high class animals, buyers are demanding production records.
75 Years Ago
September 1945
— Last Friday evening Mrs. W. I H. Busher and daughter, Miss Bernice Busher were honored at a surprise party at their recently purchased home on Sherman Avenue. Each knew there was to be a party that evening, but both thought it was for the other. A large group of friends got together and brought refreshments for the buffet table and presented both mother and daughter with a lovely gift; the one as a housewarming gift, the other as a shower gift.
— Mr. and Mrs. Henry Braun have purchased the Railroad Avenue property of Mrs. Jennie Fields. The holdings consist of a home and four lots.
— The old Sweetser mansion located on the Redwood Highway 101; west of Novato, which was erected by the late John Sweetser, a pioneer of Marin County many years ago, has been sold by Mrs. Henry Pini, to Mrs. Clara Meyer and George Schilling, who will convert the 14 room house into apartments. There are 43 acres in the tract surrounding the home which in early days was the scene of many brilliant social functions. Sweetser was the father of Mrs. J.B. Burdell of Petaluma and the late Fred Sweetser, Marin County Supervisor. The Pinis purchased the place many years ago.
50 Years Ago
September 1970
— Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at Keaton’s Chapel of Marin for Mrs. Anna D. McDonald, 85, who had lived in Novato since 1914. She died Saturday morning at London House Convalescent Hospital, where she had been for the past year. Her home was at 380 School Lane on property she and her husband, the late Ernest McDonald, bought 56 years ago. A native of San Francisco, she was a survivor of the 1906 earthquake. She was a charter member of the Novato Presbyterian Church and belonged for many years to the Black Point Women’s Club.
— Planned residential rezoning of 25 acres previously zoned planned commercial for a once contemplated Crossroads Shopping Center has opened the way for an estimated $18 million project combining apartments and neighborhood stores on the northwest corner of Redwood Highway and South Novato Boulevard. The planning commission approved the rezoning of the site and got the word from attorney Albert Bianchi that his client, McKeon Construction Co., headquartered in Sacramento, wants to take a big step into Novato. McKeon has built more than 40 residential projects.
25 Years Ago
September 1995
The second annual Spirit of Marin awards will be presented in recognition of outstanding businesses and business leaders in Marin Country, Friday, Sept 15. Working in collection with the 11 Marin County Chambers of Commerce, the awards give an extra honor to each Chamber’s Business of the Year or Businessperson of the Year. Sponsored by Bank of Marin, the awards luncheon will be held at the Magnolia Terrace of the San Rafael Elks Lodge, 1312 Mission Ave. Comedian Michael Pritchard will emcee the event. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Group tables for 10 are also available. For more information, call Barbara Jones at 485-2272. Novato’s award will go to Nohemi E. Beissmann, owner of Rodex of California in Novato.
— The Novato United Methodist Church will celebrate its 40th Anniversary this Sunday, Sept 24. Former pastors and charter members have received invitations to join the congregation at the special 10:30 am. service and the catered luncheon that will follow. The first Methodist service was held in Novato in July of 19SS in a private home. It was attended by 25 people. That same year, the Redwood Empire Methodist Mission purchased 3.8 acres at the present church site at 1473 South Novato Blvd. By September, the newly formed congregation was worshiping under the trees. Their “church” was a plywood platform, collapsible altar and borrowed pews. But the choir had robes and a portable organ, so they did just fine. Construction on the new sanctuary began on Sept. 25, 1956. Five months later, worship services were held inside. The new building was consecrated on Feb. 23, 1957. Subsequent years saw the addition of a parsonage, a social hall and landscaping.
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