San Rafael Historic Walking Tour
1244 Fourth Street - Peter Building
The Mechanics Institute, 1871
Above is a sketch of the San Rafael branch of the Mechanic's Institute by Louis Peter Jr., incorporated in 1871 and located on C Street, between 4th and 5th. According to the April 8, 1871 Marin Journal, it was established as San Rafael's first free library and "comfortable rooms for those who have no homes of their own…allowing the playing of games and smoking…and to furnish an apartment with books, magazines, writing materials and newspapers." It was later moved back from 4th Street when the property was acquired by Louis Peter Sr.
Louis Peter arrived from France to San Rafael in 1875, where he established a tailoring business on C Street. He bought the Mechanic's building and property in 1885, and moved his business and family there. In 1893, he acquired the corner lot at a Sheriff’s auction, and built one of the first large business structures in San Rafael.
Peter Building, ca. early 1920s
The Peter Building was constructed of bricks from the Fortin Brickyard on Pt. San Pedro Road (later McNear’s), and had a distinctive Queen Anne Victorian turret at the corner. The family lived in the second floor, and Peter ran a dry goods store on the street level.
In the 1930s, Peter sold the building to Albert’s Department Store, and in 1957 the upstairs was remodeled to create seven apartments.
Peter Building, ca. 1940s
Today, the Peter Building looks much the same as it did when it was built in 1893.
Fun fact: Harry G. Peter, son of Louis Sr., was the co-creator and illustrator of the "Wonder Woman" comic books in the 1940s and 1950s.
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Boyd Gate House
1125 B Street, San Rafael
Wed - Sat
11 am - 3 pm
