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. 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 walking distance of this marker. Swiss Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Hap's Hat Hangs Here (a few steps from this marker); General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Sonoma State Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Servants Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Toscano Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Servants' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Sonoma State Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker). 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.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

2. The Sonoma Cheese Factory Marker

Marker is left of the door.

The Sonoma Cheese Factory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

3. The Sonoma Cheese Factory

The Sonoma Cheese Factory and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

4. The Sonoma Cheese Factory and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,293 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on August 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on August 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.