Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Fashion Shop

800 Grant Avenue

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 29, 2017

1. Fashion Shop Marker

Inscription. Stephen Porcella's Fashion Shop - a blacksmith shop and iron works - was built circa 1893. This business was named the "Fashion Shop" because Porcella would "fashion a tool to suit the customer."
Pprcella made and repaired iron equipment, built wagons, filed saws, and filled many special orders for ranchers throughout Marin County. He lived modestly at the back of his shop, until he married and built the family home directly behind the shop in 1900.
In 1980, the Fashion Shop and Porcella House were listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1984, there was a major reconstruction of the shop, which preserved the original walls and the historic exterior.
The building has had many uses: in the 1960's as "The Fixit Shop," in 1984 as the café "Hotdogs and Apple Pie," and in 1988, as the "Blacksmith's Café." As of 2014, the popular coffee shop and café, "Dr. Insomniac's," occupies the building.

Erected by Novato Historical Guild.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 38° 6.423′ N, 122° 33.991′ W. Marker is in Novato, California, in Marin County. Marker is at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Reichert Avenue, on the right when

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traveling west on Grant Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Grant Avenue, Novato CA 94945, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Druid's Hall/ Loustaunau's Hall (a few steps from this marker); Druids Hall (a few steps from this marker); Novato's First Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Novato Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); DeBorba's (within shouting distance of this marker); Novato Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Scott General Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); (Novato) City Hall (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novato.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 29, 2017

2. Fashion Shop Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.