The Bridge Between What Is and Was

Petaluma: a city that appears to keep growing smaller and smaller with every passing second. All of the buildings blur and become exact replicas of one another; nameless faces on the street transform into people you have seen somewhere at sometime; places that once seemed new and full of promise and adventure mold into obscurity and lose their flair and excitement. However, there remain a few hidden spots in Petaluma that once again open our imaginations and expand this small town we live in by miles; these places are usually stumbled upon by chance and immediately become a place of customary visits and often lie right underneath our noses.

Sitting quietly on the edge of this expanding urban community is an old style haven. From the perspective of the average on-the-go Petaluma citizen, it remains a simple backdrop that adds authenticity to culture; a bridge between what is and what was. Hot, smooth pavement that merely assists your feet in getting you to and from your daily routines begrudgingly gives way to uneven brown wood that forms a dock by the river.

Standing on the side of the road that contains solid concrete and modern culture, one may only see a long stretch of old-style buildings varying in design and color that seem to detour you from getting from one destination to another in a timely fashion. The very first building seen in this array is a tin-looking building with a simple worn out whitewash sign containing the words “Apple Box” and a vibrant red overhang that flaps slightly in the wind like a bird taking flight. Small groups of people reside on the dock next to it in a flock of plastic white tables and chairs, looking out at the river that curves and bends; a finger on the hand of downtown Petaluma that grabs people’s attention and pulls them into the excitement of the area. Many backpackers, families, jovial groups of friends, and individuals casually stroll across the dock through the people that are idly enjoying sunshine and company. Personally, I have passed by this café multiple times without giving it a second thought. When I let myself take a step back and venture into the café’s depths, a new world unfolded like a spring rose in bloom, opening up new beauty, new perspectives, and new adventures.

Cautiously stepping into the unknown, my eyes momentarily adjust themselves; they transition from being out in the warm glow and intense light emitted by the sun to finding themselves greeted by faded green and white walls, dim lighting, and an array of mismatched furniture and décor strewn throughout the café. Vintage apparel hangs on the walls and lay on little shelves that present themselves to the pedestrians that stroll into the café in hopes of finding a new home; disjointed posters of vibrant flowers, grey-scaled scenic views, and events containing crowds of people jump off of the wall and add dimension, depth, and personality to the now grey stone-slab walls. A slight chill creeps down your spine for a moment as whirring, overhead ceiling fans circulate cold air throughout the café. The aroma of freshly baked pastries, newly brewed coffee, and recently cooked meals dances around your nose. As you continue to immerse yourself in the antiquity and old-fashioned aura of the place, the sharp cling and clatter of plates and silverware as they are prepared to serve, set on the wooden tables in front of eager customers, and washed after a successful meal snaps you out of your reverie.

Your feet begin to lead you out of the door of the café onto that uneven wooden dock that excitedly welcomes you onto its humble bearings. Crisp, clean air fills your lung like helium filling a balloon. A gentle breeze swoops down and gently tousles your hair, inviting you to stay and relax for a while. The unmistakable smells of the pastries and drinks being prepared inside the café blend seamlessly with the fresh air. As you take in the simple scenery that surrounds you, a rustic bronze train track that trails its way through the downtown area catches your eye. The people that appeared so distant and muffled from the concrete barrier merely feet away have now come to life with energy and noise that pierces the calm air around you. A group of sweaty, adrenaline-induced bikers excitedly talk about their recent excursion; a mother and daughter chit-chat nonchalantly nearby while admiring the picturesque scenery that envelops them; three adolescents gab flamboyantly about a college party they recently attended. Intertwined with the chatter, birds chirp euphoric, harmonious tunes while car engines roar jarringly up ahead on the crowded downtown roadways.

Caught in between Petaluma’s efforts to remain old-fashioned and its aspirations to modernize, the Apple Box offers a sanctuary of sorts to people who need to get away from the hubbub of everyday urban society. The childish carpentry on the floor that consists of colorful prints and patterns, the mismatched assortment of wall décor, and the various decorations and upholstery that lack similarity and coherence that so much of today’s society strives for allows the occupants of the café to unwind and forget about the hustle bustle that goes on right outside of its walls. Walking into the Apple Box, a sense of relaxation and tranquility overwhelms you; the various smells that permeate the structure engulfs you in reverie; the merry chatter of content customers reflects the humble atmosphere of the café that envelops you in its wake and allows you to forget the chaos that ensues in the expanding community. Even when you feel your feet pad back along the relentless, busy pavement out of the Apple Box, the whole area becomes more than just a simple backdrop in the modern world.


- Ashley