New! On the Kelley House YouTube Channel – An Afternoon with Barry Cusick & Mendocino Water Towers
When the town of Mendocino was first established, water towers operating on the gravity system were the source of fresh water. To this day, water towers remain a signature part of the town’s character.
After arriving in Mendocino in the 1970s, Barry Cusick and a partner bought, for $1.00, a water tower slated for demolition and rebuilt it on the site next to the Bay View Cafe (Flow Restaurant in 2023). Since that time, he has been involved in the restoration of other towers and has brokered the sale of several historic water towers.
The Kelley House event occurred on September 27th, 2009. Filmed by Julia Larke.
Don’t miss our summer exhibits, “Water Tower Wonderland” – Discover the beauty, ingenuity, and architecture of these iconic structure. Using historic photographs, original pieces from local artists, and small-scale models, the exhibit explores the majesty and functionality of many well-known water towers. On display are renderings of Mendocino water towers in several media, with serigraphs by Anne Kendall Foote and Bill Zacha, a quilt square by Dee Goodrich, and a linocut by Emmy Lou Packard. The Kelley House has also been working closely with Mendocino High School, and the exhibit includes pastels and architectural models made by students. 45007 Albion Street, Mendocino. Thursday-Monday, 11am – 3pm. Now until September 18.