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Jean Marie Cazes was born in Nestier,France in 1867. He arrived in the US in 1883 (aboard the ship Chateau Lafitte!).  After spending a significant amount of time in New York, working in the wine business, he decamped for California and the Valley of the Moon in 1920.

In 1922, Jean and Genevieve Cazes started construction of their new resort on the Sonoma Highway in Fetters Hot Springs. In April of that year, according to the Index Tribune, “The new hotel and café being erected for Mr. and Mrs. Jean Cazes on the highway near Fetters, is nearing completion. The Cazes sold their resort in the hills and are to engage in business in the new quarters. A twenty-five room hotel and grill will provide fine accommodations for guests and a good season is expected.” The name of their “resort in the hills” is unknown as of this writing.

Prohibition being the law of the land, raids of public establishments became common. The Index Tribune (via the S.F. Chronicle) tells us, in September of 1922, under the headline “Prohibition Agents Raid Springs Resorts,” Jean Cazes  was arrested along with some other resort proprietors. He eventually received a $250 fine for his transgressions.

By 1924, Jean Cazes had sold his resort to a Domenico Rovigna, who conitunued business under the Cazes name. (However, a 1942 article about a robbery at the resort, calls Mrs. Cazes “the proprietor.” It also erroneously calls her “Mrs. Doree Cazes.” Her name was Genevieve.)

Jean Cazes died in Fetters Springs in 1941. His obit in the IT said he “was among the first café proprietors in Fetters Springs and…had been prominent in California wine circles before that for many years.”

Genevieve Cazes was also born in France, in 1881, and died in 1970 at her home on Mountain Avenue, Fetters Springs. Her obituary states she was the owner of Maison Doree for fifty-five years, which suggests she still owned it when she died.

The Historic Survey, done for the Redevelopment project in 1984 (below), listed the construction date for the Cazes building as approximately 1915.  Dan Petersen, the author of the report, noted , “this collection of early commercial buildings should be restored as contributors to the historic character of this community,” If only this suggestion had been acted on! However, the buildings(s) do exist (in 2024), in highly altered states.

A subsequent Historic Survey done in 2004,  listed the construction date as 1925 and the building  “the Jean M. and Genevieve Cazes residence.” The authors seem to be unaware of the existence of the resort.

In 2008 I created the Valley of the Moon Main Stem Photo Archive in order to preserve for future artists and historians and folk in general, a snapshot of what the two-mile stretch of highway looked like. It contains over 400 photographs. I donated a copy to the Sonoma County Library and the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, in digital form and on paper.

Index Tribune, first photo, and Historic Resource Reports courtesy of the Sonoma Valley Hisotrical Society. Many thanks to Joan Lounibos for research.

For more on French families in the Valley see https://springsmuseum.org/2020/12/13/dutil-french-cottages-verdiers/

UPDATE! Historian and writer Joan Lounbous contributes this essay detailing more about the Cazes and Prohibition in the Valley. Thank you Joan for the wonderful research and writing:

JEAN MARIE CAZES (1867-1941) –Resort Owner and Bootlegger

Jean Marie CAZES was a wine loving Frenchman who wasn’t going to let a few raids get in between he and his wine glass!

In October 1925, Jean Marie Cazes’ Maison Doree resort in Fetters Springs, just north of Boyes Hot Springs and our El Verano, was raided by the Feds—again: “57 Varieties—Not Pickles—Raid’s Loot. ”If you don’t see what you want, ask for it,” was apparently the slogan of Cazes, resort owner of Sonoma Valley, according to County Detective E W Westphall. Cazes’ bar contained the 57 varieties, more of less, according to Westphall—and he didn’t mean pickles, though it might be called a pickling stock. The detective, leading a squad of county officers, gave out the following list of assorted liquors seized in a raid yesterday: 21 gallons of White Wine, 10 quarts of Red Wine, 2 quarts of Port Wine, 1 quart of Sherry Wine, 1 quart of Vermouth, 2 quarts of Berry Cordial, 1 quart of Creme de Menthe, 1 quart of good Scotch, 1.5 quarts of Jackass. The liquor, which was contained in 30 kegs of various sizes, was hidden all over Cazes’ little resort building, opposite the site of the former Fetters clubhouse, according to Westphall. Cazes will be arrested Monday and is to appear before the local justice court. “ [The Press Democrat Sun, Oct 18, 1925 ·Page 4]

Jean Marie CAZES was born on 16 APR 1867 in Nestier, Bordeaux, France and died on 28 Feb 1941 in Fetters Springs, Sonoma, Valley. He and his wife, —Genevieve Batistine BÉGUÉ m CAZES. (1878–1970) who was born on 8 June 1878 in Hèches (Section de Rebouc), Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died in 1 June 1970 in Fetters Hot Springs, Sonoma Valley, California, —had arrived in the Valley about 1915—just as the our Aunt Annie Lounibos Chauvet (1872-1960) and her brother, our grandfather, Jean Baptiste Lounibos (1873-1929) were losing their own vintner family. (Germain Charles (1870-1913), Jean-Pierre (1840-1917) and Paul Emile (1876-192). Tuberculosis took the brothers, while some say their father died from the shock of Prohibition looming over their heritage.). Our Grandfather Jean Baptiste did not test the Feds, especially since he had a large family to support, and by 1919 he had already closed the Pioneer Liquor Store on Main Street in Petaluma, and opened the IXL Hatchery located on Baker Street, behind their 519 Upham Street home. But he did always keep a keg of Brandy in his cellar.

It is difficult to imagine what Prohibition did to a place like our Valley of the Moon, but Jean Marie Cazes’ story gives us a glimpse into how the wretched Volstead Act played out in a region whose heritage and primary industry had always been the cultivation of the vines—all thanks to a hint from historian Mike Acker of the Springs Museum which proved to open that glimpse into The Valley through those long years of Prohibition. Jean Marie and many of his fellow Frenchmen and neighbors in the valley did not let Prohibition stopped them in their lifestyle. And through the 1920s the Federal agents of the county visited them at least annually. By 1922, the Resort owners of The Springs were already labeled as “notorious” in their operations. [The Prohibition era Jan 17, 1920 – Dec 5, 1933 was the period when the United States prohibited the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.]

As the Turks were attempting to re-gain their foothold in Europe by pushing into Constantinople, on the World front, the San Francisco Journal and Daily Journal of Commerce announced in adjacent headlines that the “Police Campaign Against Bootleg Liquor Is Begun.” Their aim was to raid and close several well-known spots in the City flagrantly violating the Prohibition laws, but also notorious bootleg resorts in Sonoma Valley: Deputy Director C H Wheeler began the investigation into the case of a blind and partially paralyzed man who was found wandering in the neighborhood of San Francisco Hospital. When discovered, he had on his person twenty-four small bottles of wood alcohol whisky which he is believed to have been drinking. (Wood alcohol whisky will cause blindness.). Twelve others were also arrested on this day. Also ordered was the destruction of 625 quarts of “home brew” seized at the Phoenix Bottling Works in Guerrero Street since the bottles were exploding in the government warehouse. Another fellow was arrested for transporting liquor in his automobile. He was fined $150 and his machine was confiscated. By the time they got to the Valley resorts, George Darling of Darling’s resort in Boyes Springs, E Peters of Cabinot resort in Boyes Springs, our Jean Marie Cazes of Maison Doree in Fetters Springs, and J Moore of Shamrock Sun resort in Fetters Springs—were also arrested. [Sep 16, 1922]

The following year, we see that “a fine of $250 was paid by Jean Cazes of Fetters Springs when he appeared in the justice court at Glen Ellen—charge of violating the county Liquor ordinance. ALSO, B Mori–same. [Santa Rosa Republican Feb 14, 1923]

The following year in February 1924, it appears that Jean Marie Cazes was ready to throw in the towel. He is selling lots in Agua Caliente Park, and The Maison Doree is advertised For Sale as well. “Spend your vacations in Sonoma Valley. Two blocks’ walk to station, baths and all amusements. Meet parties at station by appt. Excellent home cooking. Rates $14 per week. JEAN CAZES Prop. Phone 4-F-3 Fetters Spring, CAL.” [Oakland Tribune Jun 22, 1924] But it was only a lease he obtained: “Mr and Mrs Jean M CAZES proprietors of the French resort near Agua Caliente, have leased the property to Domingo Rovigna of South San Francisco, for two years with an option to buy—for $13,000 during lease.” But again, while the two men were celebrating their new transaction at the resort, “the Feds dropped by to pay their respects.” Domingo Rovigna, who purchased Maison Doree, Fetters, last week from Jean Cazes, was charged $300. [Press Democrat Mar 13, 1924 and Petaluma Argus-Courier Mar 28, 1924]

Remarkably, Jean Marie Cazes is also filing papers for his Naturalization (Citizenship) at the same time. Two days later, he is again raided at his resort: 57 Varieties–Not Pickles–Raid’s Loot. “If you don’t see what you want, ask for it,” was Cazes slogan in the bar. Confiscated from stash holes throughout the resort were: 21 gal White Wine, 10 gal Red Wine, 2 qts Port, 1 qt Sherry, 1 qt Vermouth, 2 qts Berry Cordial. 1 qt Creme de Menthe, 1 qt Good Scotch, 1.5 qts Jackass. [ Press Democrat Oct 18, 1925 ]. His fine, this time, was $250 paid four days later when he appeared before M T Vaughan in Santa Rosa.

In 1928, the “Drys again attempted to clean up the Valley, raiding six resorts: Joe/Rose Udvic-Our Resort-El Verano; Jean Cazes–Maison Doree-Fetters, Matthew Bock-Quick Meal Lunch Counter-Fetters; Roy Burchane-Stone House; Carl Steffan-Caliente Villa-; Mrs E Johnson-Italian American Hotel-all Aqua Caliente [Santa Rosa Republican May 7, 1928]. Three of them (the Sonoma Rum Trio) were hauled off to San Francisco to the US Commissioner, Francis Kroll, for selling illicit liquor. This time the fine was a bit steeper: arrested 5 May: Jean Cazes, Matt Bock, and Eva Johnson–$1000 each. All posted the fine. [The Press Democrat May 10, 1928 ]. And so it continued—Arrested last night was John Cazes, 62; he pleaded guilty to possession of small quantities beer, wine and Jackass Brandy $250–along with three others–including Louis Dueret, 28. [Santa Rosa Republican. Sat, Aug 03, 1929]

Jean Marie Cazes died on 28 February 1941, in Fetters Springs, at the age of 73, the beloved husband of Genevieve Cazes and father of Marguerite Cazes. His daughter Marguerite, by then, was married to Jess Reinking, the manager of Spreckles Golf Course, and they lived next door to her parents in Fetters.

One would like to imagine that Jean Marie Cazes’ wife, Genevieve Batistine BÉGUÉ, was removed from the bootlegging activities pf her husband—but that was not quite the case, it seems. In 1928, when Genevieve attempted to apply for citizenship, it was found that her character witness for citizenship, and their neighbor with the Quick Meals Lunch Counter in Fetters, was in jail —for bootlegging. Matt Bock was a regular associate of her husband Jean Marie, at several of their arrests for bootlegging. —“Witness for Naturalization Hearing in Jail—Matt Bock, witness for Genevieve Baistine Cazes of Fetters Springs, was recently arrested for Liquor Possession and his case is pending in the federal courts; her application was continued pending the outcome of Bock’s case.” [Santa Rosa Republican. May 24, 1928]. Due to Bock, May Have to File Anew. If Bock is convicted–Genevieve would have to file a new naturalization application (after maybe a five year wait.). On 24 Jan 1929. She again “Loses Citizenship Application—Bootlegger Bock as Witness. Her application was dismissed without prejudice. She must now wait five years to begin application process again–due to character witness Matt Bock who was found guilty of liquor possession.” [Santa Rosa Republican. Thu, Jan 24, 1929 ·Page 8]

Even after the repeal of Prohibition, Genevieve was getting herself into trouble. “Complaint charging Genevieve B Cazes, who operates a beer parlor at Fetters Springs, had distilled spirits “with intent to sell.” Only has a beer license. ALSO–Four more stills seized in Valley. [Santa Rosa Republican. Tue, Feb 18, 1936 ·Page 5]

Three years later, when she again tried to apply for citizenship (Naturalization) she drew the ire of Judge Comstock: “Widely known Sonoma Valley woman, Genevieve Cazes of Fetters Springs, wife of a resort owner—was insistent she had never run afoul of the law. Her false statements were confronted by Judge Comstock with evidence—of two arrests. Application was continued. [Petaluma Argus-Courier Jan 19, 1939]. Eighteen months later she applied again and was confronted, again,—this time by Judge Geary: “Judge Geary denied application for citizenship by Genevieve Cazes due to false information on her application that she had never been arrested. She was warned to tell the truth when she fills out new application next year. Geary warned her that “the truth is one of the first requisites of citizenship.” She may file again next year. [Santa Rosa Republican. May 11-12, 1939]. Genevieve was finally admitted to citizenship in Nov 1942 by Judge Geary.

Four years later, Genevieve re-married, on 7 May 1946. “Justin Coulier, 59, of Sonoma, and Genevieve Bastistine Cazes, 63, of Fetters Springs.” “Widely known residents of Sonoma Valley are Mrs Genevieve B Cazes, Fetters Springs, and Justin Coulier, Sonoma, who has operated a resort near Sonoma. The bride, a widow, is conducting a cafe and resort once conducted by her former husband. [Press Democrat May 8, 1946]

Justin Coulier had been a Hotel Keeper (Hotel Arno and Hotel Idora) in San Francisco prior to his move to Sonoma in about 1923 with his first wife Marie Delbruc (1886-1942) They had purchased the old Maurel Villa (formerly owned by the late John Maurel.) In 1933, we see them developing an artesian well on the property which was located on a lane opposite Sonoma Valley High School. The well was said “to have sulphur qualities.“ The new proprietor, Justin Coulier, says the artesian well has wonderful flow—like the waters of The Springs section of Sonoma Valley. Fountains, pools, and bathing are contemplated. [Petaluma Argus-Courier Feb 09, 1933 from Index-Tribune]

Justin lists his profession as Farmer in the June 1940 Census, but in August 1940, we read: “Brandy Still Seized at Sonoma, when the Feds raided the ranch of Justin Coulier on a lane opposite Sonoma Valley High School, south of Sonoma. They discovered there a 5 gal still and untaxed brandy. Pleaded guilty-$100 fine or 50 days jail. [Petaluma Argus-Courier Thu, Aug 15, 1940]

So—when Genevieve Batistine BÉGUÉ w’d CAZES married Justin COULIER in 1946, we see that she was continuing on with her numerous bootlegging associations. Justin did not last long though, dying in Sonoma on 10 Jan 1950 at the age of 62. Genevieve lived on for another twenty years, still working at her Cazes’ Maison Doree Restaurant (French and Italian Dinners) in Fetters Springs. She died at her home at 95 Mountain Avenue on 1 June 1970, at the age of 89 years. She had lived in The Valley for 58 years and had been owner of Cazes Maison Doree restaurant for 55 years. (Curiously, also listed near her obituary is one for Rosa Kruschwitz, 86, also of 95 Mountain Avenue in Fetters Springs. A native of Germany, with one daughter Freida Hagan. Rosa had lived in Sonoma Valley for 49 years. Living at the same address with Genevieve, Rosa had died the day before Genevieve.) [JAL Sept 2024—with special thanks to Michael Acker, Artist and Director of the Springs Museum in Sonoma Valley. Mike has written further information of Jean Marie Cazes, especially regarding his earlier life, in a biography posted in August 2024 on The Springs website]

Joan Lounibos 2024-