Black & white photograph of the corner of 4th Street and Petaluma Avenue, later Lincoln Ave., called the "Crossroads." The building was constructed in 1894 and had a saloon and grocery store on the ground level and the proprietor's apartment on the second floor. The sign painted on the side of the building reads "Elite - Wines & liquors - Billiards & pool."

The story of Petaluma Avenue in San Rafael is closely linked to the city’s development and early railroad ambitions to connect San Rafael with nearby towns such as Petaluma. The area along the proposed route grew and Petaluma Avenue emerged as an important thoroughfare. Fourth Street was early on established as the main road through San Rafael, and the intersection of Petaluma Ave. and Fourth Street became known as “The Crossroads.”

In November of 1923, an ordinance was passed to rename Petaluma Ave. to Lincoln Ave. after residents along the road petitioned the City Council to change the name to further prevent their mail from being misdirected to the Petaluma Post Office.