Christmas-themed Artifacts from the Collection, by Heather Powell, MHM Curator of Collections

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“Your Attention is Arrested Long Enough to Wish You…,” 1941
and “Summons,” c. 1950. Gift of William Sagar.

For December, a peek into the breadth of the collection through an assortment of jolly and festive Christmas-themed artifacts from different eras.

Walter B. Sellmer (1891-1982), a chicken rancher turned incensed Novato “speed cop,” six-term Marin County Sheriff, and “tough-as-nails” game warden, became so notorious in the ‘20s that he resorted to dressing as a side-of-the-road “hobo” in order to catch speeders. He was also a man with a sense of humor. Here, two Christmas greetings from Sellmer’s tenure as sheriff, one disguised as an arrest warrant and one a Sheriff’s Office “Summons” with a backwards message to be viewed in a mirror.

Christmas-themed paper coaster and matchbox from the Buckeye, undated. Gift of Rudy Bush.

The Buckeye Roadhouse alongside the 101 in Mill Valley is nearly as old as the Marin History Museum. Opened in 1938 as the Buckeye Inn by German-born proprietors Rudy Bush and Henry Brummer, the nightclub and German restaurant originally served lunch for 50 cents, dinners starting at 85 cents, and a special family dinner every Wednesday for 75 cents. Here, two Christmas-themed items from the Buckeye, part of a larger donation that included ephemera, artifacts and a complete history of the restaurant.

Souvenir postcard “Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from California,” c. 1913. Gift of Carol Wells.

The Tavern of Tamalpais opened to tourists in 1896 atop the “Crookedest Railroad in the World”—a serpentine railway connecting Mill Valley to the mountain’s east peak. From the tavern, travelers could then descend into Muir Woods in breezy “gravity cars.” The Tavern, well-known in its day for its view, fine dining, and first-class accommodations, suffered two devastating fires and finally closed for good in 1930. Here, a colorized photographic postcard with a handwritten greeting dated 1913.

Happy Holidays to all of our members, supporters, readers, and like-minded Marin history enthusiasts. We appreciate all of the wonderful donations to the collections that were accepted in 2024. More highlights to come in 2025, our 90th year!

Sources: Marin Independent Journal, Mill Valley Historical Society, Marin Magazine