About the Tour
Introduction
Join hosts Bill and Jan Charpier for the 55th Franklin Westrek to be held in Rohnert Park, home of Sonoma State University. Rohnert Park is located about 50 miles north of San Francisco. Even though it is close to large urban areas, we will be touring through some of the most beautiful, rural areas of Sonoma and Marin Counties. Touring will allow you to see this vibrant area which has been built by the peoples of a number of cultures going back 5,000 years.
As we drive the five days of tours you will be able to enjoy sights of the Pacific Ocean, redwood forests, coastal hills, valleys, ranching, farming, vineyards and much more. Bring your Franklin or modern vehicle and take in the sights.
Registration
Registration will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 22, 2025, in the DoubleTree Library which is to the right as you come in the main entrance of the hotel. At Registration, you will receive name tags, a welcome bag, a tour book, and other pertinent information.
Daily Tour Highlights
This Franklin Westrek includes five full days of touring. The following information will give attendees a glimpse of what is in store for each day.
General Information
Everyone is welcome to dress in period costume on the tour, but it is not required. Many ladies enjoy dressing in vintage clothes for their Friday activity, or at least wearing an appropriate hat. The banquet is a dressier affair, vintage or otherwise.
Please remember to bring a cooler with you. Water will be available for daily tours and you will be given box lunches to carry on Wednesday.
The longest mileage tour day is about 120 miles; the shortest mileage tour day is about 25 miles. Routes vary from flat to hilly usually with mild grades; however, there are several steep slopes which are noted in the Tour Book. Most of the driving will be on city streets and county roads, but there are short stretches of 2-lane highways.
Please remember to bring a cooler with you. Water will be available for daily tours and you will be given box lunches to carry on Wednesday.
The longest mileage tour day is about 120 miles; the shortest mileage tour day is about 25 miles. Routes vary from flat to hilly usually with mild grades; however, there are several steep slopes which are noted in the Tour Book. Most of the driving will be on city streets and county roads, but there are short stretches of 2-lane highways.
Monday
Our first day of touring will take us along the Pacific Ocean to Fort Ross with additional stops along the way.
Potter School House
In the early 1960s when Alfred Hitchcock decided to film The Birds he chose an abandoned school house, built in 1873, to play a prominent role in the filming. The schoolhouse was rebuilt for the filming which saved this landmark building.
Fort Ross State Historic Park
The Russian fur trading outpost of Fort Ross was founded by the Russian-American Company in 1812. It was the hub of the southernmost Russian settlements in North America from 1812 to 1841. Numerous structures give a feel for the former Russian settlement.
The Barlow
The Barlow is a 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol, California featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans. One of the favorite stops here is the Two Dog Night Creamery where ice cream is made daily using fresh organic cream. Naturally, some of us will just have to stop by for some shopping or some snacking.
Potter School House
In the early 1960s when Alfred Hitchcock decided to film The Birds he chose an abandoned school house, built in 1873, to play a prominent role in the filming. The schoolhouse was rebuilt for the filming which saved this landmark building.
Fort Ross State Historic Park
The Russian fur trading outpost of Fort Ross was founded by the Russian-American Company in 1812. It was the hub of the southernmost Russian settlements in North America from 1812 to 1841. Numerous structures give a feel for the former Russian settlement.
The Barlow
The Barlow is a 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol, California featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans. One of the favorite stops here is the Two Dog Night Creamery where ice cream is made daily using fresh organic cream. Naturally, some of us will just have to stop by for some shopping or some snacking.
Tuesday
Tuesday we will be touring to the City of Sonoma to visit Sonoma State Historic Park and the village of Glen Ellen to visit Jack London State Historic Park.
Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma Complex
The site of Mission San Francisco Solano dates from 1823. The present chapel was constructed in 1841.
Sonoma Barracks
The two-story, wide-balconied, adobe barracks was completed in 1841 to house Mexican army troops under the command of General Vallejo.
The Blue Wing Inn
This adobe building is thought to be the first hotel or public house north of San Francisco. Its register contains the names John C. Fremont, William Tecumseh Sherman, U.S. Grant and Kit Carson.
La Casa Grande
La Casa Grande was the Vallejo family's first home and it was one of the most imposing and well-furnished private residences in early California. It included a kitchen and sleeping quarters for Vallejo's staff of Native Indian servants. The family lived at La Casa Grande until 1852, when their new residence, Lachryma Montis, was completed. The main wing of the old house was destroyed by fire on February 12, 1867, leaving only the servants' wing which is still standing today.[11]
Vallejo's Home
In 1850 Vallejo began to build a new home, Lachryma Montis, which was a two story, wood frame house that was designed, prefabricated and built on the east coast of United States and shipped around Cape Horn to its present site.
The London’s Cottage
The Cottage was author Jack London's principal home on his Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen. This wood-framed cottage was purchased by London in 1911 and was later enlarged to some 3,000 square feet of living space where he wrote many of his later stories and novels.
The House of Happy Walls
The House of Happy Walls was built by Charmian London, Jack London’s wife, after his death in 1916. She lived in the house from 1935 until 1952. The house is currently a museum showcasing the adventurous and inspiring lives of the Londons.
The Wolf House Ruins
Jack London started building his dream house, known as the “Wolf House,” in 1911. Unfortunately, Jack and Charmian never moved in. Construction was nearly complete when a fire gutted the interior of the house leaving only the massive masonry walls.
Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma Complex
The site of Mission San Francisco Solano dates from 1823. The present chapel was constructed in 1841.
Sonoma Barracks
The two-story, wide-balconied, adobe barracks was completed in 1841 to house Mexican army troops under the command of General Vallejo.
The Blue Wing Inn
This adobe building is thought to be the first hotel or public house north of San Francisco. Its register contains the names John C. Fremont, William Tecumseh Sherman, U.S. Grant and Kit Carson.
La Casa Grande
La Casa Grande was the Vallejo family's first home and it was one of the most imposing and well-furnished private residences in early California. It included a kitchen and sleeping quarters for Vallejo's staff of Native Indian servants. The family lived at La Casa Grande until 1852, when their new residence, Lachryma Montis, was completed. The main wing of the old house was destroyed by fire on February 12, 1867, leaving only the servants' wing which is still standing today.[11]
Vallejo's Home
In 1850 Vallejo began to build a new home, Lachryma Montis, which was a two story, wood frame house that was designed, prefabricated and built on the east coast of United States and shipped around Cape Horn to its present site.
The London’s Cottage
The Cottage was author Jack London's principal home on his Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen. This wood-framed cottage was purchased by London in 1911 and was later enlarged to some 3,000 square feet of living space where he wrote many of his later stories and novels.
The House of Happy Walls
The House of Happy Walls was built by Charmian London, Jack London’s wife, after his death in 1916. She lived in the house from 1935 until 1952. The house is currently a museum showcasing the adventurous and inspiring lives of the Londons.
The Wolf House Ruins
Jack London started building his dream house, known as the “Wolf House,” in 1911. Unfortunately, Jack and Charmian never moved in. Construction was nearly complete when a fire gutted the interior of the house leaving only the massive masonry walls.
Wednesday
This day will be spent traveling to and exploring various sites within the Point Reyes National Seashore as well as a stop at a long-time cheese factory.
Marin French Cheese Factory
The Marin French Cheese Factory began in 1865. Their classic French-inspired cheeses have been continually made for over 155. Their cheese shop includes locally-made wine, beer and ciders, as well as their handmade cheeses.
Bear Valley Visitors Center
The Pt. Reyes National Seashore's primary visitors center provides an orientation of the park's roads, trails, and human and natural history. The interior exhibit space provides a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park.
Drakes Beach
Drakes Bay is archaeologically and historically important. It is believed to be the site of Francis Drake's 1579 landfall (which he called New Albion), and also the location where a Spanish Manila galleon (the San Agustin) sank during a storm in 1595. Drakes Beach provides a view of the ocean and stunning cliffs.
Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitors Center and Observation Deck
The Lighthouse Visitor Center offers exhibits on the Lighthouse, marine life, and maritime history. The Observation Deck at the top of the stairs to the Lighthouse offers a great view on a clear day.
Marin French Cheese Factory
The Marin French Cheese Factory began in 1865. Their classic French-inspired cheeses have been continually made for over 155. Their cheese shop includes locally-made wine, beer and ciders, as well as their handmade cheeses.
Bear Valley Visitors Center
The Pt. Reyes National Seashore's primary visitors center provides an orientation of the park's roads, trails, and human and natural history. The interior exhibit space provides a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park.
Drakes Beach
Drakes Bay is archaeologically and historically important. It is believed to be the site of Francis Drake's 1579 landfall (which he called New Albion), and also the location where a Spanish Manila galleon (the San Agustin) sank during a storm in 1595. Drakes Beach provides a view of the ocean and stunning cliffs.
Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitors Center and Observation Deck
The Lighthouse Visitor Center offers exhibits on the Lighthouse, marine life, and maritime history. The Observation Deck at the top of the stairs to the Lighthouse offers a great view on a clear day.
Thursday
We will drive through an area of vineyards on our way to two attractions in the City of Santa Rosa.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Museum allows people to explore the man behind Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Just across the street is Snoppy’s Home Ice where visitors can ice skate or enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Warm Puppy Cafe. Just beyond the Ice Arena, is Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop.
Pacific Coast Air Museum
The Pacific Coast Air Museum presents a collection of aircraft, aviation-related display material, reference books, display engines and assorted historical artifacts. The Museum has the honor of being the home of the first aircraft to respond to the World Trade Center attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Museum allows people to explore the man behind Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Just across the street is Snoppy’s Home Ice where visitors can ice skate or enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Warm Puppy Cafe. Just beyond the Ice Arena, is Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop.
Pacific Coast Air Museum
The Pacific Coast Air Museum presents a collection of aircraft, aviation-related display material, reference books, display engines and assorted historical artifacts. The Museum has the honor of being the home of the first aircraft to respond to the World Trade Center attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001.
Friday
For our last day of touring, we will drive to the City of Petaluma and visit General Vallejo’s Adobe. Following the tour, there will be a tech session and an activity for the ladies. That evening will be our silent auction and banquet.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
The Park’s adobe building was the main residence of Rancho de Petaluma, the agricultural empire of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. From this site he ran cattle, grew his hide and tallow business, raised sheep, bred horses, and grew numerous crops.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
The Park’s adobe building was the main residence of Rancho de Petaluma, the agricultural empire of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. From this site he ran cattle, grew his hide and tallow business, raised sheep, bred horses, and grew numerous crops.
