The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum Proudly Presents:
The Imaginative World of William Caldwell
Did you miss the exhibit? Here’s a curator-narrated video of the exhibit:
[September 11-December 19, 2021
Hours: Saturdays & Sundays
10:00 am – 3:45 pm]
Carved out of blocks of wood, decorated with leather and metal hardware the Caldwell folk art becomes a world of imagination.
William Caldwell came to Petaluma in the 1950’s. He bought a ranch on Roblar road. This is where he was inspired to start carving his western themed world. The PMA is pleased to present a collection of his imaginative work for the first time in decades.
If you grew up or shopped in downtown Petaluma in the 1950s–1970s you might recall Caldwell’s many carved western figures facing you while you were being fitted for a new suit at Lombardi’s Men’s Store. His carvings also could be found at the Floral Chalet and Simoni’s Clock Shoppe.
Born in 1889 in Nowata County Oklahoma, Caldwell, like many other children, was fascinated with the American West. Western legends Wild Bill Hickok (1837– 1876) and Buffalo Bill Cody (1846–1917) could have been the inspiration that made Mr. Caldwell start carving a collection that spotlights wagons, cattle, mounted riders, and Native Americans hunting buffalo. Caldwell was a lifelong senior member of the Petaluma Riding & Driving Club. He died in 1971 in Petaluma.
Alongside the carvings will be historic photos of Petaluma in order to create a compelling diorama to complement the collection.
Introducing woodworking artist Christian Wall and his custom made Petaluma centric models to be sold.
A very generous thank you to Christian Wall! Over the last few years Christian has been busy making Petaluma-themed replicas to donate to the Petaluma Museum Association to be sold to the public! They will be on display for sale in September in the gift shop.
Christian Wall was born in American Territory Aguana, Guam. He worked as a teacher at Petaluma High School and has worked with lumber all his life.
Christian developed a love for the Old West while spending time visiting ghost towns along Hwy 49, which inspired him to create items familiar with the Gold Country.
Christian likes making models for their educational component, and enjoys learning about history, not just Petaluma’s, but from other areas of the world. Studying other historical places and museums has given him design ideas, which he has incorporated into his carvings.
Some of the pieces have taken several years to complete, because he lets them sit and then comes back to them. Sometimes he has to push himself to finish a project, which doesn’t make him happy. On average, it takes Christian about three months to complete a model. Christian comes by the wood he uses from friends who have given him unused lumber to make his projects.