Sunset Studio

SUNSET STUDIO was established in Petaluma in February 1920 when Walter Kersey Waters and Wilfred J. Geoffroy purchased “Goehner’s Photo and Art Studio” located in the Maclay Building at 23 Western Avenue. Waters sold the studio to Rupert Henry Wheldon in 1923. Wheldon moved the studio in June 1936 to 161 Kentucky, “next to Herold Drug Co.”. The studio was in operation at this location until April 1942 when Wheldon sold it to James G. Bennett.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 28, 1920, p.4

WALTER KERSEY WATERS (1896-1988) and WILFRED J. GEOFFROY (GEOFFREY) (1895-1952) were newcomers to Petaluma in 1920, and in an article announcing their purchase of Gustave Adolph Goehner’s studio, the Petaluma Argus-Courier proclaimed, “Both are experts and enlisted in the air photography service of the army as soon as the war broke out and were among the first to go to Europe. They were at the front for over a year where they saw much active service, escaping injury, and did great work, and having had thrilling experiences and they bring here a wonderful collection of war scenes secured by them which will be placed permanently on exhibit at their place of business.” Walters and Geoffroy ran bold advertisements in the Petaluma Argus-Courier in February, March, and April of 1920 and sold the studio to Rupert Henry Wheldon in 1923.

RUPERT HENRY WHELDON (1883-1960) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1883. Between 1891 and 1908, he lived in England and graduated from the Metropolitan College of Music, London. He was said to be an accomplished violinist. By 1918, Wheldon was working as a photographer in Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington.  In March 1923, he sold his Goldendale studio and moved to Petaluma. The Wheldon family lived at 515 F Street and later at 614 D Street. In 1923 Wheldon purchased the Sunset Studio on 23 Western Avenue from Walter Kersey Waters.  Wheldon maintained the Sunset Studio until April 1942, when he sold it to James G. Bennett of Sacramento. Wheldon moved to Salinas, California, where he operated a health food store. He died in Salinas on June 6, 1960.

Active in Petaluma: Waters and Geoffroy managed the studio between February 1920 and 1923. Wheldon managed the studio between 1923 and April 1942.

Bibliography: https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. Petaluma Argus-Courier, “Goehner Sells to War Heroes,” February 20, 1920, p. 3; Feb. 28, 1920, p. 4; March 15, 1923, p. 5; June 08, 1936, p. 5; April 25, 1942, p. 5. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, “G. A. Goehner Sells Studio.” Feb. 21, 1920, p. 4; Sept. 21, 1921, p. 3; March 16, 1923, p. 9; March 21, 1923, p.2; March 25, 1923, p.7; March 26, 1923, p. 2. Goldendale Sentinel, Nov. 9, 1922, p. 3; March 15, 1923, p.3. The Salinas Californian, June 7, 1960, p. 2; June 10, 1960, p. 2.

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