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

The Sonoma Cheese Factory

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

1. The Sonoma Cheese Factory Marker

Note the California State Flag on the left and the Native Sons of the Golden West logo on the right

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This building is dedicated to Celso Viviani, an Italian immigrant who came to Sonoma, California in 1910 Celso began making cheese in 1921 and started his cheese making business in 1931. He constructed this building in 1944 and opened the cheese factory in 1945. It was a manufacturing plant and a retail store, as it is today. Celso hand made his jack cheese here in the rear of the building. The business is still operated today by the Viviani family.

Erected 2008 by Native Sons of the Golden West, June 8, 2008. (Marker Number 2008-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 1863.

Location. 38° 17.627′ N, 122° 27.47′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. Marker is mounted on the building, across from the Sonoma Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 West Spain Street, Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Swiss Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Servants Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Toscano Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Salvador Vallejo Adobe (about 300 feet away); Sonoma Barracks (about 400 feet away); Raising of the Bear Flag (about 400 feet away); The End of the Mission Trail (about 500 feet away); Mission San Francisco Solano Sacred Ground (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonoma.

Additional commentary.
1. Sonoma Valley Cheese Factory (Sonoma Cheese Factory)
Tom Vella and Calso Vivian formed a partnership in 1931 and made cheese in other Sonoma locations before opening this factory in 1945. The building, designed by Pero D. Canali, is a good example of the Art Moderne style.
Source: Sonoma Walking Tour Brochure

— Submitted January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

The Sonoma Cheese Factory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

2. The Sonoma Cheese Factory

Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,221 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.