Petaluma’s beloved “sidewalk philosopher” and iconic shoeshine entrepreneur Henry Chenault was honored on September 17, 2025, in a ceremony remaining the former alleyway where Western Avenue meets Petaluma Boulevard as “Chenault Way,” not far from where he operated his shoeshine stand.
A bronze plaque recognizing Chenault for his contributions to Petaluma for more than 30 years, was also installed on Chenault Way, the first street in Petaluma to be named after a Black resident.
Brief remarks were offered by Faith Ross, Bill Fishman, John Sheehy, and Chenault’s niece Barbara Clark.
Faith Ross, Bill Fishman, and Barbara Clark with Chenault’s original street sign, at the ceremony (photos courtesy of Connie Williams)
The ceremony was attended by the city mayor and city council members, as well as city officials. The proposal to rename the street in honor of Chenault was spearheaded by Carol Eber.
John Sheehy’s remarks can be viewed here:
