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Right near the Plaza at 291 First Street East stands a little white wood frame farmhouse and long-neglected garden that was built about 1910. Walking or driving by, you may not really notice it, but Sonoma old timers know that this was the home of Henri Maysonnave.

Way back, the property belonged to General Vallejo. Next it passed to the Buclis and later was purchased by Henri Maysonnave. Inside the house just past the front porch are a parlor, a library, a kitchen, a dining room, and two other rooms beyond that. In back are a veranda and a small garden.

During his ownership, the only alterations Mr. Maysonnave made to the house were to enclose the front porch after he developed tuberculosis, and to add a half bathroom, so the building is truly almost completely original.

In 1989 Henri died. His will contained two memorable requests. One was that his body be driven around the Plaza one last time and the other was that he willed his house to his beloved City of Sonoma, stipulating that it be used for art, cultural or museum purposes. Recognizing the historical value of the property, the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation secured a long-term lease from the City of Sonoma for Henri's house. The League is striving to make Henri's dream come true by restoring the house and garden and creating a Sonoma Valley Heritage Center in his memory.