Brown, Charles S.

CHARLES S. BROWN was born in 1865 and arrived into Petaluma from Modesto, California. In February 1906, he established the “Brown & Poste Studio” in Petaluma at 818 Main Street, the space previously occupied by photographer Thorsten Lawson who purchased the space from photographers Edwin and Ada Healy. Poste’s identity has yet to be determined; however, according to the Petaluma Argus-Courier February 24 announcement, Poste would operate the studio until Brown’s arrival from Modesto. Both Brown’s place of business and residence are listed as 818 Main Street in the 1906 and 1907 Petaluma City Directory. On October 7, 1907, the drill team of the Petaluma Lodge of Fraternal Brotherhood was photographed in full uniform at Brown’s Studio. This group portrait has not been found. It was among Brown’s last portraits because, just a few days earlier, it was reported that the studio had been purchased by Wesley La Motte Shattuck and renamed La Motte Studio.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, Feb. 24, 1906, p.3.

Petaluma Studio: “Brown & Poste Studio”, 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California.

Active in Petaluma: February 1906 - October 1907

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 24, 1906, p. 3; May 22, 1906, p. 3; October 6, 1906, p.8; October 4, 1907, p. 1; October 7, 1907, p.4. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 3, 1906, p. 1.

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