569 ECHOS-1996-294 eng Delaplane, Kristin Cost of business in 1857 Benicia lowered Jul 14, 1996 Just before New Year's 1857, there was a snowstorm in Benicia that lasted four to five hours and left 2 inches of snow on the ground. To citizens' knowledge, it was the first snowfall since the city was founded. Hatch, Brackett and Co., proprietors of the Brick Store at 1st and E, celebrated New Year's Eve with an old-fashioned housewarming to thank customers for their patronage. Business was apparently so brisk the owners had just completed an extensive addition to the store. The public was treated to a viands on a bountifully spread table, champagne and other choice liquors. They left after an hour or two of dancing. vacahc@gmail.com 294 53783467322 Publication/Article CaVaHC http://www.solanoarticles.com/history/index.php/vhcdb/294/ Read Article http://www.solanohistory.net/articles/294/294.1.pdf PDF Document