Petaluma Argus-Courier from Petaluma, California • Page 17

ARGUS-COURIER, Petaluma CA, Friday, June 5, 1992 17 t.4AMi;iM;N;L;H'JLAIJ;l;;t All aboard for a river tour b8M 1 A Columnist-Peopleologist (Editor note: This is one of a series of columns by the late Ed Man-nion that the Argus-Courier is reprinting. The columns are being run to coincide with the Petaluma History Room Committee's fund-raising campaign to provide a home for Mannion's extensive collection of Petaluma history. This column originally appeared in the May 5. 1962 Argus-Courier.) Spectators watching arrival of all the pleasure cruisers at the foot of Western Avenue last Saturday were more interested in a small car on top of one of the boats than they will be in a historical account of Petaluma River. The name Bill Most people named Bill were originally named William and here's some examples: Buffalo Bill's real name was William Cody.

I'm not sure what the outlaw Billy the Kid's real first name was but I suspect it was William there is a Billy the Kid Fan Club. Many people named Bill end up with the nickname Willie. Jack Dempsey's (the great heavyweight boxing champion of the world) first name was William. Willie Hoppe, who reigned as the billiard champion of the world, held his title longer than anyone in sports. Hoppe was a champion for around 50 years.

Tricky Willie Sutton was an infamous bank robber. WilH Rill Hirkok was sunnosed to be the fastest draw with a Despite unfair competition from such a dream of plush living, a brief story of the stream was hoisted on board each northbound craft along with a dozen hard-boiled eggs and a message from the Chamber of Commerce. Here's the yarn, without quotation marks: Hi, folks. This is your "tour guide" talking. Your hosts for today thought you might like to read some background information about points of interest along the way.

Of course, only a few highlights can be mentioned; the water- Ed Mannion gun in the days when the west was wna. his reai name was James Butler Hickok. He was an American scout and U.S. mar-. sna operate from this well-known point that once included a railroad turntable, the Rudisill Hotel and a pit for bull and bear fighting.

Immediately upstream, on the left side below the railroad bridge, is a decapitated section of the river where the bones of the steamer Red jacket lie buried. This woodburning craft probably was the first boat of its size to come up so far. Opposite on the right can be seen a small indentation which is all that remains of the old river bed once reaching to the intersection of Casa Grande Road and Lakeville Highway. A short-lived community called New Town was started by promoters at this point in 1852. Both New Town and Donahue arc long gone, but their names will appear on some maps.

A boat harbor is in the works for the area below the railroad bridge. Approaching the Street Bridge you will pass the entrance to McNcar's Canal; still used by tug boats of the Ben. C. Gcrwick Co. On the east bank of the canal can be seen the hulk of the second steamer named Petaluma.

It burned at the nearby wharf in 1914. Six years later, the first of two rear-end paddlcrs called Gold was destroyed in the same way at the same spot STEAMBOAT BLEW UP DOWNTOWN On such a pleasant day as this maybe we shouldn't be talking about such events, but fires and explosions act as historical benchmarks which can highlight other facts. For instance, at the very spot where you will tie up today the steamer Gcorgina blew up in 1855. This is proof that such vessels did dock in downtown Petaluma, despite popular supposition that in early days they never ventured above the Haystack Landing. Speaking of the latter locality, the third rail line built in California was called the Petaluma and Haystack Railroad and had its depot just a block south of the city float at the corner of Second and Streets.

Explosion of the only locomotive at the intersection in 1866 was followed by conversion of the enterprise from steam to mule-power. There is so much more to tell. Petaluma River once ranked third in the amount of traffic carried along the state's waterways. Much of this cargo came on scow schooners. The fiat-bottomed, square-ended workhorses that usually were schooner-rigged and averaged about 60 feet in length didn't look graceful, but they were handled well by two of three men and could glide over shallow water with ease.

Steamboats, cargo sloops and scow schooners arc gone. Not so the commercial traffic. Although tugs and their barges may not appear so romantic, they add considerably to the economic well-being of the area. Pleasure cruises like the one you are on today are increasing. The entire city joins the Harbor Committee members of the Chamber of Commerce in hoping you will return again soon.

The local river has a past, a present and a future. On the way downstream, skippers might consider what it would be like taking a 448-ton, 172-foot vessel through the waterway. The late Jack Urton, pilot and then captain of the last steamer Petaluma, logged thousands of miles before making the final trip in 1950 which ended such operations on the West Coast. At times he had to depend entirely on chronometer compass and the second hand of his watch during thick fogs. Between here and Black Point were 80 course changes.

(The Petaluma History Room Committee is accepting donations to create a visible and accessible place at the Petaluma Library to enshrine Petaluma' heritage. The Ed Mannion collection will be housed there. Checks may be made payable to the Petaluma History Room Fund, care of the Argus-Courier, P.O.Box 1091, Petaluma 94953.) Petaluman Bill Hankins was a top official at San Quentin Prison. Kill rarreii, wnose iirst name was wiiuaui, was uuc ui Petaluma's all-time colorful mayors, and was known as a Dap-, per Dan. Billy Rucker was a rough and tough Petaluma prize fighter, and wnen last neara oi ne was living in aieamooai, ixev.

Billy Millerick was a well-known Petaluma race horse owner and trainer, yes, his real first name was William. Ulll I t-11 3 IVai 1UOI lJ II ww Petaluma pharmacists. Bill Fuller was one of Petaluma's all-time great baseball; players, and he was known as the Gloveman. Bill Howe, who alter leaving Petaluma went on to oecome a handler of horses in western movies, probably nicknamed more Petalumans than anyone else. t1 1 Dill i aiiidgiiiy wiiu i an tut; iiuiownuv wtu ah viuiuum, on to become a Wild West-type chief of police in Biggs, Calif.

Tk'll Iff 1 UnM AM1 VtA fTra Mf jjiii vauiiiciu wao a jrtuuuiiia waiuv uwun, m.j hv vw ranch of beef cattle on the Petaluma side of the Sonoma Moun-' tains. way curving toward Petaluma from San Pablo Bay is one of the most historic streams in California, and it would take a book to do it justice. Boating enthusiasts entering the gate at Black Point travel a path pioneered by Capt. Fernando Quiros in 1776. The Spanish captain, an officer from the ship San Carlos, thought the land to his left was an island and he could sail all the way to Bodega Bay.

Records show that Russian sailors from Fort Ross were also early visitors. They navigated the estuary, now officially called a river, to trade at the Old Adobe following 1834. Game hunters from San Francisco brought their whalcboats up to the head of local navigation at the mid-century mark, several of them knew a good thing when they saw it and stayed to become the city's founding fathers. While cruising along above the Highway 37 Bridge, notice the ranch home, marked "Story" on some charts on the right near the water's edge. For some obscure reason the building was called "Twin Houses" by steamboat men.

Its lights helped guide the way at night when tule fog wasn't too thick. How many of you have seen the monument to Indian Chief Francisco Solano standing in front of the public library at Fairfield? There has been a great deal of argument where the huge statue should be placed in Solano County to mark the chiefs actual burial spot. Well, the evidence is about 99 per cent certain that Solano (Sem yet-ho, the Mighty Arm) is buried on the knoll forming the backdrop at the entrance to San Antonio Creek. Maps call it either Mira Monte or Burdell Island. Rumrunners serving a clubhouse which once stood on top of the mound made many a trip to the spot during Prohibition.

GRAPE VINES COVERED LAKEVILLE HILLS Farther along, a modem home built within the shelter of three brick walls comes into view. The walls are remnants of a winery. Grape vines covered the eastern foothills when Senator James Fair (the silver king) owned the property. About a mile below Lakeville keep your eyes peeled for a rotted piling which marks the site of Donahue, named for the famous Peter Donahue. The steamboat and railroad terminus lasted from 1870 to 1884.

Then the San Francisco and North Pacific Railway loaded several of its buildings onto barges and hauled them to Tiburon. Hidden in the hills to the east is the historic locale of Lake Tolay now drained and used for farming purposes mentioned by Padre Jose Altimira in 1823 while exploring for a mission site. Lakeville got its name from the ancient body of inland river. The wide curve above Lakeville is commonly known as Cloudy Bend. May 25, 1883, the steam Pilot blew up here, killing nine passengers.

Although cuts from this area northward belie the tortuous course of the old stream as it meandered over the valley plain, navigational problems weren't too bad up to the Haystack Landing. Barges still Bill Eaton, who ran the White Dairy, was known as Petaluma's Mr. Milk. ,1 Willie Cluney came to Petaluma from the Hawaiian His real name was William. While in Petaluma, Cluney workedj an a fi11hrri anH p1fvator hnv at th( Hnfpl Pp.tallima.

Old-timers have told me that Petaluma once had a guy who''' was known as Billy the Bully. -t Billy Philips was a Petaluma motorcycle rider and he did' something that made localites shiver. He would take a glass the shelf and eat it. Bill Bonimi of Tomales, who owned the William Tell is often called Handsome wniiam. Bill DelMaestro, who operated a tugboat on the Petaluma PLEASE RETURN WITH CHECK PAYABLE TO: PETALUMA HISTORY ROOM FUND, co Argus-Courier P.O.

Box 1091, Petaluma, CA 94953 Donor name Address Amount enclosed Donations are Tax Deductible Kiver, was called captain umy. -Bill Kase was Petaluma's mighty horseshoer, and he compared to the legendary blacksmiths of long, long ago. Two Gun Bill Maurice was a cowboy who came to rrom eanaaa. rie was aiso Known ior nis iast oraw witn a six-. 1 1 1 1 1 A 11 A.1 1 C- 1 characters.

Bronco Billy Anderson, the first great cowboy western of the silent movies, made one of his motion pictures in- serving their country Petaluma and that was really film history. I've been called many nicknames, but the ones that stuck Billy the Kid and Wild Bill. About the name John I recently wrote an article about the name John, and I eluded Johnnie and Johnny. 1 I I mentioned many people with these names, but I received several calls saying I missed one of Petaluma's colorful citizens Lovable John Rossi. a i i i unni it HOTa manQ There have been a number of people who call themselves' Petaluma Pete.

Pete Ielmorini claims he's the original. Bob McCoy is a second generation Petaluma bar owner. Bob leading toward qualification in one of the Coast Guard's 26 occupational fields. Studies also include first aid, seamanship, Coast Guard history and regulations, close order drill and damage control. Larson is a 1991 graduate of Rancho Cotate High School.

Marine Cpl. Randall A. Backh-aus, son of Alvin Backhaus of Petaluma, was recently promoted to his present rank while serving with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. A 1986 graduate of San Marin High School, Novato, Bachaus joined the Marine Corps in May 1988. Marine Sgt.

Donald A. Barker, son of Frank J. and Betty A. Barker of Petaluma, recently re-enlisted for three years while serving at Mountain Warfare Training Center he studied Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Albaugh is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Albaugh of Rohnert Park. He is a 1990 graduate of Rancho Cotate High School. Coast Guard Fireman Apprentice Charles E.

Larson, son of retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer and Mrs. C.E. Larson Sr. of Rohnert Park, recently graduated from Coast Guard Recruit Training Center. During the training cycle at Coast Guard Recruit Training Center, Cape Bay, N.J., he was taught general military subjects designed to prepare him for further academic and on-the-job training at Bridgeport He joined the Marine Corps in April 1980.

Second Lt. Michael J. Rubi has graduated from the 58-day Ranger course at the Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training is conducted at Benning, the mountains of northern Georgia, the desert at Fort Bliss, Texas, and in the Florida swamps. Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing skills in the planning and conduct of ground, airmobile, airborne, and waterborne patrolling operations.

He is the son of Emilio and Margaret Rubi of Petaluma. His wife, Julie, is the daughter of Edward and Patricia Shiple of 10710 Shadow Lane, Fairfax Station, Va. Rubi is a 1977 graduate of Casa Grande High School and a 1991 graduate of the University of California, Davis. owns tne tsucKnorn wnicn was stanea nv ms miner, rvierv: McCoy. Merv was known as the Real McCoy.

Petaluman Elwyn Gilardi was building radios back in the, 1930s. Ed Clementino is the only Petaluman I know who's dined: with famed radio personality, Art Linkletter. Judge Harry Lowe, who heads the San Francisco Police, Commission, was a friend of the late Petaluma hay tycoon, Ken' Paris. Judge Lowe attended several of the parties Ken hosted in David A. Albaugh Airman 1st Class David A.

Albaugh Jr. has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. During the six weeks of training, Petaluma. -Bob Corripo, who ran a successful grocery store and butcher' shop in Petaluma, rode around our city on a pony named Slip? Along when he was a young boy. Bob is now retired and does-' education corner ins uunig in a wtu.

lit a a mai-uajiu i ciaiuuia iiiaiuiiaii. Charley Terzian, who sold shoes and booze now sells T- shim and other annarel. was known in his parlipr riavs as Phar- ley 1 una. Joe Lavato, a former Petaluman, who was a sparring partner-for Bobo Olson, the former middleweight boxing champion of' the world, now lives in Oregon. Presidio and Talamantes I've been going through my files and here's what I came.

across. The San Francisco Presidio, which will no longer be an," army base, has played a major role in the history of California. He was among 400 graduates to earn degrees during commencement ceremonies May 9 at St Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco. The college is an independent, co-educational liberal arts school which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and teaching credentials. Petaluman earns doctorate Christopher Hamilton Sutton of Petaluma received a doctorate degree in philosophy this month from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

Ceremonies took place May 9 and a total of 8,060 students received undergraduate and graduate degrees. Sonoma County School Trustees' Association. Nielsen was nominated by the staff at Liberty, which described her as "discreet and trustworthy as each of the eight administrators she has worked with knows well." Nielsen said she carries "the hope that I have touched the lives of Liberty students positively in some way which they can carry with them throughout life." School officials, volunteers and media representatives were honored by the association at a ceremony May 21 at the Flamingo Resort Hotel in Santa Rosa. Student from RP graduates Darrel Little of Rohnert Park recently earned a master's degree in business administration at College of Notre Dame in Belmont. Locals graduate in Kansas Amy Clark Beal of Petaluma' and Erin Allen of Rohnert Park graduated May 17 from the University of Kansas.

Beal earned a master's degree in music, and Allen earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. The total number of students who graduated from the University of Kansas was 5,800. The school offers more than 75 undergraduate and 141 graduate degrees. Local secretary wins award Joan Nielsen, a 25-year secretary at Liberty School, was chosen as 1992 Classified Employee of the Year by the McDonald's awards student Juan Higueros, a Petaluma High School senior, received a $1,000 scholarship from McDonald's restaurant's Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) Foundation. He was honored among 20 scholarship recipients in the Bay Area during an awards luncheon May 20 at the San Francisco Airport Hilton.

Students' families and friends, and representatives from McDonald's Corporation and Bay Area Ronald McDonald Children's Charities attended the ceremony. In the fall Higueros plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College, where he'll study international business. According to my iues, rnii, Kutn and rarncia laiamames, who are native Petalumans, have a Presidio connection. grandmother, Angelina Bojorques, was born at the Presidio in-' 1831. Petalumans and Catalina Island Among the Petalumans who went through Merchant Boot Camp training in World War II at Catalina Island Milt Forman, Mac Valenti, Pat O'Hara and Barney Lieder.

Milt; and Pat still call Petaluma home. Barney lives in Santa Rosa; and Mac is still roaming all over the country..