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

Hap's Hat Hangs Here

Swiss Hotel

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

1. Hap's Hat Hangs Here Marker

Inscription. After retiring from the armed forces after World War 2, General Henry “Hap” Arnold made his home in Sonoma Valley and was a frequent patron of the Swiss Hotel. One day a female air force sergeant, who accompanied a courier to deliver messages to Hap, forgot her hat at the bar after a few drinks. As a prank hap attached his five-star general pin to the hat. However, the woman never returned and the hat remained at the bar. Over the years Hap’s family continued to attach pins and medals. It is now on display in a glass case, a lasting memento of the close relationship between one of America’s great Generals and the Swiss Hotel.

Erected 2022 by Sam Brannan Chapter #1004 and Yerba Buena #1, E. Clampus Vitus.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism.

Location. 38° 17.629′ N, 122° 27.486′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. It is on West Spain Street east of First Street West, on the right when traveling west. The plaque is mounted to the far left side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18 West Spain Street, Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Wine Country,

in the North Coast,

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Swiss Hotel (a few steps from this marker); The Sonoma Cheese Factory

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(a few steps from this marker); General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo (within shouting distance of this marker); Salvador Vallejo Adobe (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); a different marker also named Servants' Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Toscano Hotel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonoma.

Regarding Hap's Hat Hangs Here. The hat is hanging on the wall in the bar, on the right side as you walk in.

Swiss Hotel and Hap's Hat Hangs Here Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

2. Swiss Hotel and Hap's Hat Hangs Here Marker

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

3. Hap's Hat

Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.