rose – A Photo's Worth

Autumn around the Fountains

Summer is here, looking for chill in Petaluma

Camera Totin’ Tuesday folks are looking to get out of the Sacramento heat. Petaluma is located south west of Sacramento, and less than 2 hours away. The day we visited the weather did not disappoint.

Founded in 1858 Petaluma makes an effort to maintain a mid-19th century charm. Located on the Petaluma River and close to the Bay area, Petaluma provided locally grown food to San Francisco and Oakland starting during the Gold Rush. Today, it can serve as a jumping off spot in Sonoma County. Close to the coast of Point Reyes, 30 minutes outside of the Bay Area, and near Napa and there is plenty to photograph is this town.

The Petaluma River provided easy access to transport goods to the coast. Today, it serves as a focal point for the town’s center.

1606_24_Petaluma_073 — Bridge over the Petaluma River

1606_14_Petaluma_2770 — Decaying pier no longer supports train tracks.

The Free Public Library building is filled with such classic details. This library built in 1904 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie is one of over 1600 library buildings constructed in the United States between 1886-1919. The town had to come up with money for books, salaries, and maintenance. Born poor, Carnegie was denied use of a public library because he couldn’t afford the $2.00 library card. He proclaimed “Free Public Library” on the front of this building to show that all could make use of the facility. Carnegie understood that access to information improves a person’s ability to better oneself.

1606_14_Petaluma_2739 — Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave away 90% of his wealth.”The man who dies rich dies in disgrace,” Carnegie said. In bestowing charity the main consideration should be to help those who help themselves,” he wrote.

The buildings are impressive. I photographed this one in Eureka, California. Many serve another purpose now such as museums, and community centers. As a retired librarian, I hope that these buildings continue to serve the public need for information.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Eureka Springs Carnegie Library

1606_14_Petaluma_2749 — The McNears were part of Petaluma history

1606_14_Petaluma_2756 — Brick wall with window capture my attention

1606_14_Petaluma_2747 — Time out for a tune!

1606_14_Petaluma_2767 — Small town main street today

1606_14_Petaluma_1000321 — Green Tower Clock

1606_14_Petaluma_2762 — Display Window of a music store

Lunch was enjoyed at The New Yorker Pizza & Restaurant. I’m always on the lookout for “New York Pizza”. Though this time I enjoyed the meatball hero. Afterward we wondered into the Shutterbug Camera Store. Money was safely tucked away. This time.

1606_14_Petaluma_2782 — Faded sign on side of building

1606_14_Petaluma_2787 — Spider makes a home

1606_14_Petaluma_2797 — One of many Victorian Era houses

1606_14_Petaluma_2824 — Arch and picket fence detail draws me in

1606_14_Petaluma_2820 — Always looking for signs. So polite!

1606_14_Petaluma_2811 — Bee sure is enjoying a drink

1606_14_Petaluma_2816 — Bee has moved on. What is this flower called? Be Gone!

1606_14_Petaluma_2805 — Soft purple frilly flower. Do you know the name?

1606_14_Petaluma_2821 — Love the lighting on this pretty coral rose. I do know the general name.

1606_14_Petaluma_2806 — He loves me. He loves me not? He loves me!

There are many churches in Petaluma. Taking a walking tour we came across a church on nearly every block.

1606_14_Petaluma_2834 — Stain Glass found in St. Vincent de Paul Church

1606_14_Petaluma_2836 — A friendly, portable tripod

We ended our walk around town. Taking in the architecture, nature, and friendly spirit of my photo buddies. Good bye Petaluma. May be back again.

Life at the Sacramento Historic Cemetery

The Sacramento Historic Cemetery is a great place to visit throughout the year. The changing foliage adds to the visitors experience.

Recently a controversy arose regarding the “historic” title of these grounds. It seems that some want to remove anything that was not in the original design of the cemetery. Specifically, the City Counsel wants to remove the Historic Rose Garden. I spoke to one person and I was informed that plans to remove roses and trellises was underway. She explained that this would be disappointing to many visitors who travel here to see historic roses. I looked around and imagined the surroundings without the flowers.

The first blooms of the season done, and to encourage new ones they were dead-heading the bushes. The morning that my Camera Totin’ Tuesday group arrived I saw many volunteers busy pruning the roses.