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

Duhring Building – 1891

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 17, 2023

1. Duhring Building – 1891 Marker

Inscription. This “modern brick building” with its distinctive cupola was built in 1891 by pioneer Sonoma merchant Frederick Duhring. It replaced the old Duhring Store, an adobe built in 1850 which had housed his mercantile established. In 1911 this building was among those saved when water from a basement well was pumped on a disasterous fire. On this site there has been a business serving the citizens of Sonoma for over 130 years.

Erected 1985 by Sam Brannan Chapter #1004 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1812.

Location. 38° 17.511′ N, 122° 27.393′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. It can be reached from East Napa Street near First Street East. Address of building is 498 First Street East, however marker is located on the East Napa Street side of building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in California’s Wine Country,

in the San Francisco Bay Area,

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,

on 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: Boccoli Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Simmons Pharmacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Castex Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Poppe-Parmelee Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gottenburg's Garage (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Pacific Stage Coach 1905 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.G. Marcy Plumbers (about 400 feet away); G.W. Clark Cobbler (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonoma.

Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places nomination form for Sonoma Plaza Historic District.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

2. Duhring Building – 1891 Marker

The Duhring Building contributes the Sonoma Plaza Historic District which was added to the NHRP in 1975. (Submitted on September 7, 2026, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. Duhring General Store
An early morning fire in October 1990 completely destroyed the original building on this site. Through the efforts of the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation and donations from the citizens of Sonoma, the façade, using the original bricks, was completely restored to its former appearance.

From about 1849, an adobe building was on this site. It was purchased by Frederick Duhring in 1879, and operated as the Duhring Clothing Store and agency for Wells Fargo and Company. In 1891 he built the brick building (that was destroyed by fire nearly a hundred years later) and operated it as a general store.
Designed by A.C. Lutgens, who also designed City Hall, the original building, as does its replacement, features a short tower a the corner with conical roof and pressed metal to resemble shingles with a flag pole on top.
After the building burned, all of the bricks were taken to the City Corporation

A Second Marker at this Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

3. A Second Marker at this Site

THE SONOMA LEAGUE FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION We dedicate this plaque to all who contributed to the restoration of the Duhing Building Facade following the fire of September 19, 1990. Their community-wide effort made it possible for the League to acquire an easement guaranteeing that the original design and appearance of this historic building shall remain forever unaltered. Grateful acknowledgment is given to the following: for their special effort Mrs. Betty Gordon * Neils & Susan Chew * Mr. & Mrs. Frederick K. Duhring * Friends of Sebastiani Theater & Plaza Merchants Assoc. * Fuller O'Brien Paints * Sally Hayton-Keeva * General Vallejo Memorial Assoc. * Cannard Fund Reiner Keller, Architect May 1992

Yard where the mortar was removed, by hand, by members of the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation so the same bricks could be used when the building was restored.
Source: Sonoma Walking Tour Brochure

— Submitted January 14, 2009.

2. Additional Information Regarding the Marker Dedication
Carl Schoelles was Noble Grand Humbug when this plaque was dedicated. Plaque wording by Loren A. Wilson

— Submitted April 22, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California.

Duhring Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

4. Duhring Building

Markers are to the right of the window

Photographed by Syd Whittle, January 10, 2008

5. Duhring Building

Photographed by Loren Wilson

6. Duhring Building

Duhring Building Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Loren Wilson

7. Duhring Building Tower

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, August 24, 2026

8. Duhring Building

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,779 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on April 23, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 14, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on April 17, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. 8. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California.