That was enough driving around for awhile; I went to Walnut Park and left car and, camera in hand, went into the downtown area. Downtown Petaluma is not as big as I remember and I was able to easily navigate through much of the old area. Went by the old library (now a museum), by Carrithers (now a furniture store), up to St. Vincents and back by where the smorgasbord used to be, found the place where I got my first glasses back in 1973 (it smells the same!) and went by where Tuttle's used to be. Walked up past the old theater where I saw Jaws with the entire baseball league, then back down to the Boulevard. Found the deli where I had great ham sandwiches growing up, but sadly it was closed (Mondays). But McNear's Saloon & Dining House was open so I had lunch.
The feeling of walking around town was intense, but sad. I really would like to live in Petaluma, but I haven't figured out how to answer the how and why questions yet. Since leaving in 1979 I've visited maybe 4 times, twice in 1986 when I was stationed in Sacramento, once in 1998 for my 20th high school reunion, and this time. I know that I need to get back there more often than every 12 years; that is way too long. Maybe I'll take the whole family to the area; there are plenty of things to see and do in the area.
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