By Larry Clinton, Sausalito Historical Society
PHOTO BY LARRY CLINTON
The Bank of Sausalito is now a Wells Fargo branch, but still displays the historic plaque next to its entry
In 1992 the Historic Landmarks Board began placing informational plaques on a number of buildings in Sausalito’s Downtown Historic District. Marin Scope reported on this program in an August issue that year. Here are some lightly edited excerpts from the article:
II you are in the mood for a brief history lesson on downtown Sausalito’s colorful past, all you have to do is take to the streets. Bronze information plaques arc popping up all over the downtown offering a thumbnail sketch of the early years of some of the town's oldest buildings. For longtime residents the information contained on the plaques will jog memories, while others will learn something new about Sausalito's early years: the days of rum running, Chinese gambling halls, and boarding houses.
The plaques are the result of the tireless efforts of the City’s Historic Landmarks Board, which is dedicated to promoting and preserving Sausalito's many historic structures.
Initiated by former HLB member, the late David Marcus, the plaque project began in 1988.There are sixteen plaques in all, each containing five or six lines of historical information. The plaques are currently being installed near the front entries of various historic downtown structures including Old City Hall. Mason's Garage, and the First Firehouse at 539 Bridgeway.
According to HLB Chairwoman Susan Frank the plaque design was developed with the help of local graphic designer Adrianne Dinihanian, and the informational texts were researched by former HLB member and writer Doris Berdahl in conjunction with the late Jack Tracy, founding HLB member and founder of the Sausalito Historical Society. Local architect Don Olsen coordinated the project and negotiated a series of agreements with merchants in the Historic District, who paid for the cost of the plaques.
“Special recognition should be given to the late David Marcus as the founder of the program. HLB member Doris Berdahl for her leadership in completing the program; the late Jack Tracy for his help in researching the accuracy of all historical information, and architect Don Olsen and graphic designer Adrianne Dinihanian for their generous professional contributions in coordinating and designing the project as a public service,” noted Frank.
The following are samples of the historical information contained on the plaques: “Old City Hall, 1894: Originally a restaurant/saloon, this building served as the Bank of Sausalito from 1909 to 1923. For the following half-century, it housed the city hall, the library and, for much of that time, the city jail. The facade was restored to its original design in 1992.” Today, that building, at 729 Bridgeway, houses Gene Hiller menswear.
“Mason's Garage: 1924: Built as a garage for ferry commuters. At various times it also housed a Chinese gambling hall, indoor golf course, and way station for rum runners. It became an indoor shopping complex in the 19605, one of the first conversions of its kind in the country.” That site became the Village Fair before being incorporated into the Casa Madrona Hotel
“First Sausalito Firehouse, 1914: Originally occupied the municipal wharf across Water Street (now Bridgeway), where it housed the Sausalito Volunteer Fire Department and the city jail. Relocated in 1931, it remained a firehouse until 1940. Present structure is greatly altered.” It now houses the Sausalito office of Engel & Volkers realty.
In addition to these three buildings, plaque sites included Schnell’s House, the MecchiKatto Building, the Bank of Sausalito, the Becker Building. Fiedler's General Store, the Grethel Bakery, the restored 1899 Victorian, the Old Purity Market, the Sausalito Hotel, the Baraty Building, the Salvage Shop, the Princess Theater, and the First City Hall. Most, but not all, of the plaques remain in place today, even through various remodels to these structures.
On a short stroll downtown recently, I found seven of these plaques — for the original city hall, firehouse, Princess Theater, Purity Market, Bank of Sausalito, Mason Garage and Becker House. Perhaps you can find some more.