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.
Hap's Hat Hangs Here. Swiss Hotel. 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.
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.
Location. 38° 17.629′ N, 122° 27.486′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. Marker 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.
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 (a
Regarding Hap's Hat Hangs Here. The hat is hanging on the wall in the bar, on the right side as you walk in.
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 83 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
