Dishing out a Serving of History

Photo Source: Petaluma Argus Courier

When Shirley and Marvin Dolowitz moved into their in-laws’ house on Bodega Avenue in 1949, they had no intention of entering the chicken business. Marvin “Marv” was a graphic designer out of New York who had found work as a freelance artist in San Francisco’s advertising industry. Acclimating to life on the farm, Marv soon found himself tearing down old structures, milking cows, and attending agricultural school in the evenings. Soon, life as a chicken farmer would be his full time job. Marv established a daily egg route and supplied eggs and chickens to customers throughout Marin and San Francisco, as well as built a sales room at home where he sold eggs, meats, jams and honey to the public.

In time, Marv and Shirley realized that the chicken business was coming to an end. They decided to supplement their business by adding an art gallery to the sales room, and an outdoor seating area to serve “lovers lunches.”

Photo Source: Petaluma Argus Courier

With increased popularity, Marv and Shirley enclosed the outdoor seating area and began serving breakfast, champagne brunches, and dinner. Artists and intellectuals alike were entertained by folk singers, belly dancers, and “Spirit in the Sky'' singer Norman Greenbaum. They called this magical place The Eggery. It was a beloved part of the community for about 12 years in the 1970s through the early 1980s where people ate, sang, and laughed.