Finding their roots
There’s never a bad time to walk up the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, even if it’s just to admire that splendid stained-glass dome.
But now is an especially good time to go and enjoy the latest retrospective, a joint exhibition by two of the city’s most venerable organizations, the Petaluma Woman’s Club and the Petaluma Garden Club.
The two groups are taking a look at decades of women’s contributions to Petaluma in “Finding Our Roots: Women of Petaluma Flourishing and Blooming Over the Years,” which recently opened.
This exhibit details stories of some of the many influential women of Petaluma and their impact on our community over the last 126 years.
Toward the end of the Victorian era, women across the nation began demanding a greater voice in their communities. To that end, they began forming clubs. Then, in 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition, aka the Chicago World’s Fair, sparked city beautification movements around the country. (For trivia buffs, it also introduced the Ferris Wheel.)
Three years later, Addie Atwater formed the Ladies Improvement Club of Petaluma, which was credited with major improvements at both Walnut Park and what is now Penry Park. As Atwater wrote in a letter to William Randolph Hearst of the San Francisco Examiner on March 8, 1899, “This club was organized in June 1896 because of the deplorable condition of the city’s public squares and streets, and the inexcusable neglect of the men to put and keep them in decent condition.”
In 1895, Petaluma teachers began a Ladies Literary Society, electing the prominent Ida Belle McNear as president. The Woman’s Club was founded a year later, also with McNear as president and many groups were blended into the club, including the Literary and Choral societies. Members were drawn to different areas of study for self-improvement and education.
Displays and costumes will offer some background about community involvement, notable events and activities and clubhouse happenings, while showcasing how the club helped shape not only Petaluma parks, but its society.
In 1924, the Petaluma Garden Club formed, under the leadership of Ray Herman. With the assistance of two members of the Woman’s Club, the PGC began a campaign focused on city beautification and home gardening.
When the club suspended activities during World War II, Martha Phillips of the Woman’s Club was credited with founding the Petaluma Victory Garden Club. After the war ended, the Victory Garden Club reorganized as the Garden Club.
The two clubs shared relationship began – no surprise – with a mutual interest in flower shows. The exhibit showcases many city beautification efforts and takes a look at the clubs’ multi-generational members, along with the ongoing contributions to education, environmental stewardship and community giving.
During the exhibit, Master Gardeners will offer special presentations on subjects ranging from butterflies and soil to companion planting, while master flower show judges will discuss floral arranging.
“Finding Our Roots” opens April 8. The grand opening features members of Petalumans of Yesteryear representing locally historic women, including McNear and Atwater, and music of the era, performed by Home Johnstone and Pam Sommers.
The exhibit runs through May 29 at the Historical Library and Museum, 20 Fourth St. Visit www.petalumamuseum.com for current hours and Covid-19 protocols. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.
