H. P. Vogensen
Few men in Petaluma have won their independence through more satisfactory or praiseworthy means than H/ P. Vogensen, and few have been more thoroughly in touch with the growing fortunes of this progressive town. In a substantial sense he has had a hand in its upbuilding, for during the past thirteen years he has erected many of its finest buildings and incidentally has been the means of raising immeasureably the architectural standard of the town. Financial gain is the first and also the legitimate object of any undertaking, but it is doubtful if in any business is it so essential that men engaged therein should under all circumstances follow strict lines of integrity as in that of general contracting, wherein is not only involved a large amount of money, but the building erected must stand and give service for years and consequently should be done on honor. This is the first consideration in whatever Mr. Vogensen attempts and without question is the secret of his phenomenal success as a contractor and builder.
Mr. Vogensen was born in Haderslev, Denmark, August 2, 1865, and when a youth of seventeen years he put into execution a plan which had been forming in his mind to come to the United States. Embarking from Denmark in April, 1883, after reaching New York he came by rail across the continent to San Francisco, and from there came to Petaluma, his residence here dating from May 26, 1883. This has been his home ever since, with the exception of two years spent in the Willamette valley, Ore. Among the buildings which stand as monuments to his skill and ability as a contractor and builder may be mentioned the telephone building, Schoeningh Brothers block, postoffice building, Canevascini livery stables, Danger’s poultry farm buildings (over fifty in number and the largest buildings in the United States devoted to that purpose), Golden Eagle Flour Mill, Gossage building, Sweet building, Dr. Peoples’ residence, Captain Mount’s residence, the Swiss-American Bank building, and bank outfitting for the Wickersham building, many fine residences throughout the city not enumerated above and creamery buildings in various parts of the county, besides which he is now erecting the Catholic parochial residence at Olema, Marin county. This is only a partial list of Mr. Vogensen’s accomplishments since coming to Petaluma, but the high class of work here shown proves conclusively that the utmost confidence is reposed in his ability, an honor which he appreciates and honestly merits. A further example of his architectural ability may be seen in his fine new residence on Fifth and H streets, with a mission cottage adjoining. The grounds are tastefully laid out and well kept up.
Mr. Vogensen’s marriage in 1902 united him with one of his country women, Miss Christina Andresen, and three children, Amelia, Halvor and Gorm, have been born to them. In addition to his business as a contractor Mr. Vogensen is a director of the Swiss-American Bank, a member of the board of trustees of Petaluma, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is also connected with other commercial organizations in the town. Fraternally he is identified with all branches of the Odd Fellows order, and is past grand president of Dania Lodge. He was made a Mason in Petaluma Lodge No. 180. F & A. M. Taken all and all, Mr. Vogensen is a successful and enterprising man, devoted to family, friends and fellowmen, and is esteemed by all for his upright and worthy character.
History
of Sonoma County, California
History by Tom Gregory : Historic Record Company, 1891
Los Angeles, Ca. 1911
Transcribed by Roberta Hester Leatherwood
July 11, 2011 Pages 617-618
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