On July 14, 1971, Mendocino was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This achievement was made possible by many hard-working individuals that sought to protect Mendocino’s unique charm and history. In honor of this 54-year anniversary, enjoy the words of Chuck Bush from April 2010. In the late '50's when the Zacha's were developing the Mendocino Art Center and adding a new dimension to [...]
Mendocino Hospital Building, c. 1900. (Gift of Bruce Levene) The Mendocino Hospital Company, founded in 1887 by Dr. William A. McCornack, marked a major milestone in healthcare for Mendocino and the surrounding coastal region. It was a cooperative enterprise aimed at providing reliable, affordable medical care for working men, particularly those laboring in the woods and mills, where injuries were common and often financially [...]
The American flag has had many variations, 27 to be exact. The 13-star flag was adopted on June 14, 1777—later designated as Flag Day— with each star and stripe representing one of the 13 original colonies. This flag would be flown for 18 years, until Vermont and Kentucky were admitted as states in 1791 and 1792, respectively, and two stars were added to represent their statehood. [...]
Artist Larry Fuente's "Cow Float" in the Mendocino Fourth of July Parade, 1990. (Photographer: Bill Wagner) Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Kelley House lawn, one of the best parade viewing spots in town! Dance to the music of DJ Beetroots, play cornhole, and enjoy margaritas, wine, and beer from North Coast Brewing Company. Non-alcoholic options available, plus BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers [...]
1976 Fourth of July Parade, Mendocino. (Photographer: Bill Wagner) Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts marching with flags near the corner of Main and Heeser Streets in Mendocino during the 1976 Fourth of July Parade. Please help us identify the people in this photograph! The photo’s documentation includes (in unknown order): Clint Freeman, Randy Mendosa, Scott ?, Jeff Leroy, Andy Freeman, Judy Schlafer, and Cub [...]
Fourth of July Celebration on Ukiah Street, c. 1900. (Nannie Escola Collection, Kelley House Photographs) A southwestward view of a Mendocino Fourth of July celebration on Ukiah Street near the intersection with Kasten Street, c. 1900. Two costumed people, a woman dressed as the Goddess of Liberty (Columbia), and a man dressed as Uncle Sam, mingle with carriages and the crowd gathered on the [...]
Mendocino Fourth of July Parade, 1884. (Kelley House Photographs) The 1884 Fourth of July parade marching eastward down Mendocino's Main Street, near the corner of Kasten Street. Identified in the parade are, right to left: Michael Byrnes (Parade Marshal), aides, band, GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Post #58, and the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows). On occasions like this, the people of [...]
Fourth of July, 1890. (McKee Collection, Kelley House Photographs) A Mendocino Fourth of July celebration, taking place in an open field known then as Bank Square, now Heider Field. A festive crowd has gathered to mark Independence Day, with Dr. James W. Milliken standing on a raised platform, reading the Declaration of Independence to the assembled townspeople. A horse-drawn wagon, filled with people and [...]
Nathaniel Smith Headstone Installed at Hillcrest Cemetery We’re honored to share that a headstone has been installed to mark the final resting place of Nathaniel Smith, who arrived in Mendocino County in the 1850s and is believed to be the first African American to settle on the Mendocino Coast. Thank you to everyone who donated to make this possible! The Kelley House Museum, with support from [...]
Perched on Little Lake Road in Mendocino, the William Mendosa House is more than just a fine example of 1920s Craftsman-style architecture; it’s also a testament to a beloved local citizen and the enduring legacy of one of the town’s pioneering Portuguese families. Built in 1923 by local carpenter Ray Valentine, the bungalow was praised at the time as “a substantial addition to the town’s homes” [...]