Petaluma in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Wilmar Union Elementary School District And Wilson Elementary School

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

1. Wilmar Union Elementary School District And Wilson Elementary School Marker

Inscription. Wilson Elementary School was established in 1863 to serve the ranch families of West Petaluma. In 1908 a larger school was needed. The new school housed 4 or 5 classrooms and an auditorium. A picture of this school, designed by locally famous architect Brainerd Jones, can still be seen in the school office.

The Wilson School District merged with the Marin School District in 1960. After lively discussion the name of the new district became Wilmar Union Elementary School District, ("Wil" for Wilson and "Mar" for Marin)

In 1968 as enrollment continued to grow, the Cluster Building was added to Wilson School. Wilson reached its maximum enrollment of 425 students at that time.

In 2002 Wilson's instructional excellence was recognized when it earned the coveted "California State Distinguished School Award".

To this day Wilson School continues to serve West Petaluma families, many of whom are descendents of the original Wilson School families.

Erected 2009 by Nicasio Parlor No. 183, Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 2009-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

38° 14.672′ N, 122° 41.136′ W. Marker is in Petaluma, California, in Sonoma County. Marker is on 3775 Bodega Avenue, 3.7 miles west of Highway 101 (U.S. 101), on the right when traveling east. Exit Hwy 101 at Washington Street and head west. Washington turns into Bodega Avenue somewhere in Petaluma. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petaluma CA 94952, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Willow Creek Inn (approx. 1.7 miles away); Volpi's Grocery (approx. 2.4 miles away); Sergeant Richard A. Penry (approx. 2.4 miles away); Bill Soberanes (approx. 2½ miles away); Petaluma Historical Library and Museum (approx. 2.6 miles away); Cases Horseshoeing (approx. 2.6 miles away); United Methodist Church (approx. 2.7 miles away); Petaluma Train Depot (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petaluma.

More about this marker. The marker is near the flagpole, across the parking lot from the street.

Grand President Gene Perry & Wilson School Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

2. Grand President Gene Perry & Wilson School Monument

Dedication Ceremony image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

3. Dedication Ceremony

Grand President Gene Perry presides over the NSGW dedication ceremony.

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

4. Dedication Ceremony

Grand Trustee Bob French invokes the favor of Heaven.

Mayor Torliatt Addresses the assembly image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

5. Mayor Torliatt Addresses the assembly

Native Sons Dedication Team image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, September 19, 2009

6. Native Sons Dedication Team

From left to right:
Grand Trustee Bob French
Grand President Gene Perry
Grand First Vice President David Allen
Grand Second Vice President Allan Baird
Past Grand President James Shadle

Wilmar Union Elementary School District and Wilson Elementary School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anne Crawford, circa 1925

7. Wilmar Union Elementary School District and Wilson Elementary School

Wilson District School photo taken probably around 1925 (William Gray, born 1914 looks to be around 10 years old).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. 7. submitted on February 24, 2023, by Anne Crawford of San Francisco, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.