Five ladies in a flower-decorated car at a local parade, possibly in Fort Bragg, c. 1925. The women are identified as Elva Erickson, Fort Bragg; Dorothy Dutton; Delas Wilson, Greenwood; Grace Mattos, Mendocino; and Fay Lanphier. Fay was the first Miss California to become Miss America, winning both titles in 1925. (Kelley House Collection, Kelley House Photographs) June 30, 1931 - Winfield Daniels and former Miss [...]
The Mendocino Racetrack located on the Heeser Ranch, c. 1922. (Kelley House Collection, Kelley House Photographs) In 1921, the Farmers & Apple Growers’ Association constructed an automobile race track on the Heeser Ranch property at the western edge of town. The Association was interested in expanding their annual Apple Fair’s horse racing, rodeo, and sporting events to include the new sport of auto racing. The attraction [...]
On this day in Mendocino history… Banker’s Row, 1894-1905. This block of elegant houses on Little Lake Street in Mendocino was known as "Banker's Row." From left to right: C. O. Packard House, Henry Jarvis House, Albert Brown House, and the Elisha Blair House. Each has a tall water tower with a windmill. The first Mendocino High School, built in 1894, sits on the hill behind [...]
On this day in Mendocino history… Mendocino Schoolroom Interior, c. 1879. It may be the school in the old Presbyterian Church. (Kelley House Collection, Kelley House Photographs) June 27, 1868 - The School Board voted to acquire the old Mendocino Presbyterian Church on the northeast corner of Lansing and Ukiah Streets to convert into a district school house. This building became available when the Presbyterian Church [...]
Charles A. Perkins, left, and Guy Earl, holding rifle, with Chester Ford's dog, Sport, standing in front of a giant fallen redwood, c. 1900. (Alice Earl Wilder, Alice Earl Wilder Collection, Kelley House Photographs) On this day in Mendocino history… June 26, 1935 - Former State Senator Guy C. Earl died at his home in Berkeley of a heart ailment at the age of 74. He [...]
“Sunday Afternoon With The Ocean Wave Quilters” will be presented August 15 from 4-5PM in the Escola Room of the Kelley House Museum. This is an opportunity to meet the creators of the museum's summer display, Quilted Iconic Buildings of Mendocino. $7 public, $5 members. In July of 2019, one of the Ocean Wave Quilters members, Cindi Jo Willey, issued a challenge to guild members to [...]
The Kelley House’s summer exhibit, “Quilted Iconic Buildings of Mendocino” runs July 2 – August 31. The museum is open Friday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm. Twenty-five different historical buildings are colorfully rendered on 18” x 18” quilt squares, individually pieced and stitched by members of the Ocean Wave Quilters. In an extraordinary display of history meets art, iconic buildings are brought to life, including the [...]
With the Highlight Gallery now in residence at the Odd Fellows Hall on Kasten at Ukiah Streets, one of Mendocino’s venerable landmarks is once again brought back to life. For several years it has stood mostly empty – but the doors are open again. Beautiful objects occupy the well-lit, high-ceilinged rooms, and voices fill the air like it did 143 years ago. High School Circus Parade [...]
On this day in Mendocino history… The Marie Bakke at Mendocino, 1926. The Marie Bakke was in port in Mendocino from June 24 to June 28, 1926. (Emery Escola, Emery Escola Collection, Kelley House Photographs) June 24, 1926 - The Norwegian steamer Marie Bakke, the third largest ship ever to enter Mendocino Bay, arrived to take on 40,000 railroad ties. She was a new boat, and [...]
Campfire Girls at Big River, 1926. (Kelley House Collection, Kelley House Photographs) On this day in Mendocino history… June 23, 1926 - The Camp Fire Girls returned to Mendocino from their camping trip on Big River. They had spent two weeks camping near the Lumber Company’s Lower Ranch. The longest hike taken was up the river to Two-Log. Each girl carried her own food and blankets. [...]