The William Mendosa House

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” with its paneled walls, fancy ceilings, tongue-and-groove construction, and a cozy fireplace created by J.R. Smith for the living room.

William A. “Bill” Mendosa was born on August 13, 1896, the sixth of eight children born to Frank and Isabel Mendosa, immigrants from the Azores who settled in Mendocino during the late 19th century. Bill’s childhood was shaped by the strong work ethic of his family. After Bill’s father lost an arm in a sawmill accident, he opened a saloon and restaurant in a small building on the east side of Lansing Street across from Little Lake Street.

Young Bill left school to help support the household. In 1909, Mendocino voted to ban alcohol sales, and Frank converted his restaurant and saloon into a grocery store which also carried some dry goods. Bill and his brothers John, Joe, and Gus worked together in the business for over fifty years, becoming fixtures of daily life in Mendocino.

Except for a brief stint of Army service in World War I, Bill spent his entire life in Mendocino. Shortly after his home was completed, he married Florence Lyons of Fort Bragg. Florence also worked for many years in the family business, and together they raised their daughter Jeanette in the house that Ray Valentine built.

Bill Mendosa retired from the store in 1963 after a heart attack, but he remained a well-loved presence in town. A soft-spoken man who enjoyed flowers and tending his yard, he was known for his kindness and calm manner. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the American Legion, and Veterans of World War I. When he passed away in 1980 at the age of 84, the community remembered him not only for his years of service at the store but for the quiet strength and decency he carried throughout his life.

New Exhibit! ON TAP AT THE KELLEY HOUSE: The History of Brewing on the Mendocino Coast traces the deep roots and rich stories behind one of Northern California’s most spirited industries—from the small breweries that served the local lumber workers to the craft beer renaissance that put Mendocino on the national brewing map. Thursday-Monday, 11AM – 3PM.