In addition to a rich collection of photographic images of San Anselmo, the Historical Museum has a smaller collection of interesting artifacts which are not often on display due to our limited space. Discover some of these hidden treasures and recent acquisitions in this Spotlight on the Collection.
Proposed Motel
A motel on the corner of Ross and San Anselmo Avenues was proposed in this architectural drawing by architect Harold Stoner who envisioned a 3-story motel building surrounding a courtyard with a swimming pool. Richard McLaren and his sister Ruth McLaren Thornton explored this idea when considering what to do…
Old San Anselmo Days Banner
Remember the good old days when a dollar really went somewhere. This Old San Anselmo Days Banner promoted a San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce event in June 1962 when merchants rolled back the prices to those a half century before or offered other discounts. There were store-front decorations with prizes…
1909 Postcard
The image on this postcard was taken July 4, 1909 during the festive San Anselmo celebration. The building is the one we see today at 419-425 San Anselmo Avenue, home to Desta, Fig Garden and Reflections. The heavily remodeled building is the oldest building on the block, constructed in 1908…
Cognac Babas Can Label
This can label was purchased on eBay. What? A label written in Swedish for Cognac Babas made in San Anselmo by M. Bertauche? It is an interesting bit of San Anselmo’s history that a little research uncovered. Maurice Emile Bertauche was born in 1903 in Courtenay, France. In a 1980…
Presentation Speaking Trumpet or Bugle
This beautiful silver-plated octagonal speaking trumpet with a tassel was presented to Ross Valley Park Hose Co. No. 2 of San Anselmo by Mrs. William J. Raubinger on July 4, 1908. The hose company had the best decorated fire apparatus in the 4th of July parade, and Mrs. Raubinger, wife…
Auto Vacuum Ice Cream Freezer
This Ice Cream Freezer, circa 1920s, was used by the Sousa family at their home on Ross Avenue. It is complete with its instruction manual and recipe booklet. It was advertised to “freeze cream smooth, firm and velvety in 45 minutes.”
Leonhart’s Level
An eBay listing and subsequent purchase for the Historical Museum’s collection led to an interesting bit of San Anselmo’s history. The rare item is a small level, marked “Leonhart’s Level,” with the patent date of February 27, 1906. The United States Patent Office records identify the patent holder as Rudolph…
Nick’s Dairy Milk Bottle
This quart milk bottle from Nick’s Dairy was a purchase on eBay for the Historical Museum’s collection. Dairyman Nicholas Sorich was born in 1892 in what was then Austria and today is Croatia. He and his wife Genevieve were the operators of Nick’s Dairy in San Anselmo at the end…
United Nations Flag
In a controversial decision (3-2 vote), the San Anselmo City Council adopted resolution No. 1339, Proclamation of Mundialization of the City of San Anselmo, on April 27, 1971. The proclamation resolved that the Council recognized the right of citizens to extend their responsibilities of citizenship beyond national boundaries, and to demonstrate…
Goldsmith Catcher’s Mitt
This catcher’s mitt belonged to George Anselm Sousa (1913-1995). George played catcher for the San Anselmo Merchants, the local semi-pro team which was organized in 1934. The buckle back mitt is a Goldsmith FingerGrip, Model WC, with a Bill Killefer endorsement. Goldsmith produced these mitts from about 1924 to the…