Historical Walking Tour - City of Concord
Historical Walking Tour - City of Concord
Historical Walking Tour - City of Concord
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C O N C O R D ,<br />
C A L I F O R N I A<br />
This piece was produced by the<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong> with the assistance <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Concord</strong> <strong>Historical</strong> Society.<br />
<strong>Historical</strong><br />
<strong>Walking</strong><br />
<strong>Tour</strong> Guide<br />
<strong>Concord</strong> <strong>Historical</strong> Society
<strong>Concord</strong>’s Rich Heritage<br />
Welcome to our self-guided tour <strong>of</strong> the<br />
most historically significant buildings<br />
in downtown <strong>Concord</strong>. Many <strong>of</strong> the buildings<br />
date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.<br />
While some remain private residences, many<br />
have been restored and are used as <strong>of</strong>fice or<br />
commercial buildings. As you stroll through the<br />
downtown area, with the green oasis <strong>of</strong> Todos<br />
Santos Plaza as its heart, you will sense the rich<br />
cultural and architectural heritage, which is the<br />
legacy <strong>of</strong> the founding families <strong>of</strong> this city.<br />
Todos Santos (All Saints) was the original<br />
name <strong>of</strong> the city now called <strong>Concord</strong>. In the<br />
1860s, Salvio Pacheco, his son Fernando,<br />
and his son-in-law Francisco Galindo had the<br />
20 acres, which is now downtown <strong>Concord</strong>,<br />
surveyed for a new town. Nineteen blocks<br />
were plotted around a central plaza. Don<br />
Salvio dedicated the plaza to the people <strong>of</strong><br />
his new town for use as a park. Today, Todos<br />
Santos Plaza continues to be the site for<br />
numerous community festivals and celebrations.<br />
There is no <strong>of</strong>ficial documentation on the<br />
changing <strong>of</strong> the name <strong>of</strong> Todos Santos to<br />
<strong>Concord</strong>. The only reference to its origin<br />
appeared in The Contra Costa Gazette <strong>of</strong><br />
April 17, 1869. “<strong>Concord</strong> is the name, as we<br />
hear, by which the sponsors have decided to<br />
call the new village that is to form the east<br />
extension <strong>of</strong> Pacheco town.” In May 1969,<br />
the new town residents held a party in a local<br />
store to celebrate the founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>.<br />
Don Salvio Pacheco
<strong>Historical</strong> Landmark Guide<br />
1. Todos Santos Plaza<br />
2175 Willow Pass Rd., bounded by Willow Pass Rd.,<br />
Salvio St., Grant St. and Mt. Diablo St.<br />
2. County Fire House<br />
2210 Willow Pass Rd.<br />
3. Maltby-McKinnon House<br />
2350 Pacheco St.<br />
4. Barnett House<br />
2080 East St.<br />
5. Elworthy House<br />
2118 East St.<br />
6. Ginochio-Accinelli House<br />
2459 Pacheco St.<br />
7. Rosal Apartment<br />
2178 Pacheco St.<br />
8. Elworhty-Keller House<br />
2156 Pacheco St.<br />
9. Bibber House<br />
2108 Grant St.<br />
10. Neustaedter House<br />
2156 Grant St.<br />
11. Alves House<br />
2190 Grant St.<br />
12. Bolla House<br />
2289 Bonifacio St.<br />
13. Nunez House<br />
2334 Almond Ave.<br />
14. Webb-Soto House<br />
2243 Mt. Diablo St.<br />
15. Kelly House<br />
1987 Bonifacio St.<br />
16. The Beebe House<br />
1921 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
17. Salvio Pacheco Adobe<br />
1870 Adobe St.<br />
18. Old Fire House<br />
1982 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
19. Perry House<br />
1990 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
20. Foskett & Elworthy Building<br />
2001 Salvio St.<br />
21. Masonic Hall<br />
1765 Galindo St.<br />
22. Francisco Galindo Home<br />
1721 Amador St.<br />
23. Ivey House<br />
1849 Clayton Rd.<br />
24. Eddy House<br />
1800 Clayton Rd.<br />
25. Keller House<br />
1760 Clayton Rd.
HARRISON ST<br />
BROADWAY ST<br />
ADOBE<br />
GALINDO ST<br />
CONCORD AVE.<br />
17<br />
ST<br />
WILLOW PASS ROAD<br />
ALMOND AVE<br />
BONIFACIO ST<br />
GALINDO ST<br />
11<br />
10<br />
9<br />
15 14 12<br />
16<br />
18<br />
19 20<br />
PACHECO ST<br />
MT DIABLO ST<br />
SALVIO ST<br />
1<br />
13<br />
8 7<br />
3 4<br />
Todos<br />
Santos<br />
Plaza<br />
GRANT ST<br />
2<br />
COLFAX ST<br />
5 6<br />
CONCORD BLVD<br />
CLAYTON ROAD<br />
PORT CHICAGO HWY.<br />
EAST ST<br />
VISTA TERRACE<br />
21<br />
SUTTER ST<br />
23<br />
22<br />
AMADOR<br />
CLAYTON ROAD<br />
25<br />
24<br />
ASHBURYY<br />
MARINA<br />
ELLIS ST
Downtown <strong>Concord</strong>’s <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Walking</strong> <strong>Tour</strong><br />
1. Todos Santos Plaza<br />
2175 Willow Pass Rd. bounded by Willow Pass Rd.,<br />
Salvio St., Grant St., and Mt. Diablo St.<br />
The Plaza was dedicated in 1868 by its pioneer founders<br />
Don Salvio Pacheco, Don Fernando Pacheco and Don<br />
Francisco Galindo as the public square in one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
original 20 blocks laid out for the new town. The plaza<br />
continues to serve as the site for local celebrations,<br />
concerts, carnivals and festivals. The 1993-94 renovation<br />
project is the square’s seventh major renovation.<br />
2. County Fire House<br />
2210 Willow Pass Rd.<br />
Built during 1938-1939 at its existing location, which<br />
was on land in the original village <strong>of</strong> Todos Santos, Fire<br />
Commissioner DeRosa arranged for the new Fire District<br />
to purchase these two lots for $5,000. The construction<br />
cost was $2,800. The white adobe structure had two<br />
large halls for its trucks and included nine smaller rooms,<br />
two kitchens, and several sleeping and ready rooms.<br />
Currently it remains in use as an emergency and fire alert<br />
station for No. 6 Engine Company. The Contra Costa<br />
County Consolidated Fire District is the current owner.<br />
3. Maltby-McKinnon House<br />
2350 Pacheco St.<br />
Built in the 1890s <strong>of</strong>f what was then the west end <strong>of</strong><br />
Bonifacio St., this wood-frame house was used as the<br />
original, local residence for the A.W. Maltby family while<br />
their “mansion” at 3033 Bonifacio Street was being<br />
constructed. The house was moved to 2390 East St.<br />
circa 1915, then to its current site in 1979. The house<br />
now provides <strong>of</strong>fice space for a social service agency.<br />
4. Barnett House<br />
2080 East St.<br />
Located at the southeast corner <strong>of</strong> East and Pacheco<br />
Streets, the house was built by David Levinson. The<br />
house gets its name from subsequent owners George and<br />
Florence Barnett. For many years it served prominent<br />
families as a private residence. It is currently used for<br />
commercial purposes.<br />
5. Elworthy House<br />
2118 East St.<br />
The house was built in 1912-13 for Herbert H.<br />
Elworthy, who was then Mayor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>, his wife<br />
Annie (Brawand) Elworthy, and their four sons. During<br />
the 1970s and 1980s, it was converted for use as a<br />
church and child-care facility, but was restored to its<br />
original configuration in 1988-89 and is currently used<br />
for commercial purposes.<br />
6. Ginochio-Accinelli House<br />
2459 Pacheco St.<br />
The lot for this house was purchased for residential<br />
construction in 1911 by C.R. and Emma Potter.<br />
Subsequently, it has been owned by Emma (Potter)<br />
Miller, the J. Robillards (1920); the A. Guthries (1922);<br />
and Anton and Josephine Accinelli (1924). The Accinellis<br />
also owned the popular Tony’s Toggery on Salvio Street<br />
and were very prominent in community activities. Peter<br />
and Edith Ginochio purchased the house in 1944. It<br />
remains a private residence.<br />
7. Rosal Apartment<br />
2178 Pacheco St.<br />
The apartments occupy land which was originally included<br />
in the original survey for the village <strong>of</strong> Todos Santos.<br />
The two-plus corner lot was parceled in 1936 for the<br />
apartment configurations and they were sold to Pierre<br />
and Pauline Paillassou. The two-story, white stucco,<br />
eight apartment structure remains a prominent feature<br />
in the downtown.<br />
8. Elworthy-Keller House<br />
2156 Pacheco St.<br />
This small, single story, wood-frame structure has had<br />
many owners and tenants. Initially the lot was part <strong>of</strong><br />
the Brawand’s property holdings and was in the estate<br />
deeded to Minnie Brawand, Alice Brawand, and Annie<br />
(Brawand) Elworthy. Title also passed through the Ivey,<br />
Wells, Douglas, Bell, Wessman and Matinrazam families.<br />
Its association with the Kellers no longer can be confirmed;<br />
possibly a member <strong>of</strong> the Keller family was a<br />
temporary tenant. The building is presently used as<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />
9. Bibber House<br />
2108 Grant St.<br />
This house was built in 1912-13 by L.V. Perry for<br />
Charles and Carrie (Beebe) Bibber at a cost <strong>of</strong> $3,733.<br />
In addition to its large size and prominent architecture,<br />
the house is known for its exquisite wood paneling<br />
and beautifully finished staircase. Charles Bibber was<br />
the Deputy County Assessor. The house remained<br />
in his family for two generations. It has since been<br />
reconfigured for commercial purposes and is used as<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />
In addition to its large size and prominent architecture,<br />
the Bibber House (no. 9) is known for its exquisite wood<br />
paneling and beautifully finished staircase.<br />
10. Neustaedter House<br />
2156 Grant St.<br />
Built in 1906 by L.V. Perry for Barney Neustaedter, the<br />
prosperous owner <strong>of</strong> early <strong>Concord</strong>’s “Pioneer Store,”<br />
the simple wood-beam exterior belies its detailed, richly<br />
appointed interior. It remained in the family until<br />
acquired and restored by contractor James Galton. In<br />
1988 it was resold and remains a private residence.<br />
11. Alves House<br />
2190 Grant St.<br />
This corner was the site for the first <strong>Concord</strong> Grammar<br />
School. The present two-story, wood-frame house and<br />
barn were built circa 1897 for the George Alves family.<br />
A son, Frank Alves, occupied the house until his death in<br />
1992. Remembered for its extensive vegetable gardens<br />
and flower beds, and the long, white picket fence, the<br />
house remains a private residence.<br />
12. Bolla House<br />
2289 Bonifacio St.<br />
Early owners <strong>of</strong> this property included Mary Freitas,<br />
and Hatte and Harold Green. Miss Caroline L. Bolla, a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> a local farming family, acquired the property<br />
in 1924. The two-story, wood-frame house was converted<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fice-commercial uses by its current owner.<br />
13. Nunez House<br />
2334 Almond Ave.<br />
Built in the 1890s on the south side <strong>of</strong> Salvio Street<br />
between Grant and Colfax Streets, this home was<br />
adjacent to the Nunez family’s saloon in the original<br />
Todos Santos Village. When that block was reconstructed<br />
circa 1906 to accommodate the new building <strong>of</strong> the First<br />
Presbyterian Church, the Nunez house was moved to<br />
this location. The architecture <strong>of</strong> the house distinguishes<br />
it as the most prominent expression <strong>of</strong> the popular<br />
Queen Anne-style which still exists in <strong>Concord</strong>. The<br />
house is a private residence.<br />
14. Webb-Soto House<br />
2243 Mt. Diablo St.<br />
Built circa 1880 for Captain Barney Webb, this house<br />
was later the residence <strong>of</strong> the Presentation M. Soto<br />
family. Presentation Soto was an early local shop keeper,<br />
<strong>Concord</strong>’s sixth Postmaster, and sixth Mayor. The<br />
house also was known as the Jackson House during<br />
the residence <strong>of</strong> Elma (Soto) Jackson. In 1991, it<br />
was restored, and converted for use as pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
counseling <strong>of</strong>fices. The house was restored to<br />
residential use in 1999.<br />
15. Kelly House<br />
1987 Bonifacio St.<br />
The house was built circa 1915 for Mr. and Mrs. Frank<br />
Kelly. Mr. Kelly was a blacksmith at the nearby Boyd and<br />
Jaquith Blacksmith Shop. The Ray Crenna family were<br />
subsequent, long-time residents. Later, the wood-frame<br />
building was damaged severely by fire. It has been<br />
restored for commercial <strong>of</strong>fice purposes.<br />
16. Beebe House<br />
1921 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
The Beebe House was built circa 1870 as the residence<br />
<strong>of</strong> Benjamin and Fannie Beebe and their children. It was<br />
originally located about a quarter <strong>of</strong> a mile west <strong>of</strong> the<br />
town <strong>of</strong> Todos Santos (<strong>Concord</strong>) on “The Road to<br />
Pacheco”, now <strong>Concord</strong> Ave. Success at farming allowed<br />
Mr. Beebe to finance the Navas and Beebe General<br />
Merchandise Store, which opened in Todas Santos in<br />
1871. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong> took temporary possession<br />
<strong>of</strong> the house in 1992, when the location was needed for<br />
expansion <strong>of</strong> Highway 242. The house was moved to<br />
2401 Bisso Lane, where it remained until 1996, when a<br />
buyer was found and the current location selected. It has<br />
been restored and is used for commercial purposes.<br />
17. Salvio Pacheco Adobe<br />
1870 Adobe St.<br />
The first permanent structure in this area was built<br />
during the 1840s as the headquarters for Don Salvio<br />
Pacheco’s 17,921 acre land grant – Rancho Monte del<br />
Diablo. The Adobe was constructed by the Miranda<br />
Brothers <strong>of</strong> Sonora, Mexico and local Indians. Don<br />
Salvio moved his family from San Jose, California, into<br />
the eight-room, two-story adobe in 1846. It remained in<br />
the family until the early 1930s. Since then it has been<br />
restored and remodeled several times. The building has<br />
served as a restaurant and a bank. It is currently used by<br />
Metro One Credit Union.<br />
18. Old Fire House<br />
1982 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
The <strong>City</strong>’s first Fire House, this structure was originally<br />
located on a lot on the west side <strong>of</strong> Mt. Diablo St. near<br />
Willow Pass Rd. In 1883, J.W. Guy was paid $870 to start<br />
construction on the building which eventually opened in<br />
1892. Its cast-iron bell summoned firemen and signaled<br />
curfew. In 1911, to accommodate pending construction<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Concord</strong> Inn, the structure was relocated around<br />
the corner to the south side <strong>of</strong> Willow Pass Rd. In 1939,<br />
it was converted for <strong>City</strong> Hall and Police Department uses.<br />
Subsequently, it housed, in turn, the Chamber <strong>of</strong><br />
Commerce, an art studio, and the Salvation Army. In<br />
1981, it was moved to its present location. It is currently<br />
used as commercial and <strong>of</strong>fice space.<br />
19. Perry House<br />
1990 <strong>Concord</strong> Ave.<br />
Built in 1911 by its original owner, the well-known<br />
contractor Laurence V. Perry, the building faced Clayton<br />
Rd. <strong>of</strong>f Colfax St., near the present location <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Tishman Building. Constructed as a wood-frame, tw<strong>of</strong>lat<br />
structure, Laurence and Isabelle (Nunez) Perry and<br />
their daughter Laurine occupied the upstairs; the lower<br />
flat always was a rental, many times for local high school<br />
teachers. The house was moved to its current location in<br />
1981. It was been restored, remodeled and is currently<br />
in use as a law <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
20. Foskett & Elworthy Building<br />
2001 Salvio St.<br />
Sam Bacon’s Store, considered to be the first<br />
commercial establishment in the village <strong>of</strong><br />
Todos Santos, first occupied this site. In<br />
1911, the Foskett & Elworthy Corporation<br />
selected W.H. Weeks <strong>of</strong> San Francisco to<br />
design this structure, the first modern,<br />
stone-stucco building in <strong>Concord</strong>. The<br />
original tenant at the prime corner<br />
position was their own First National<br />
Bank. Over the years, a series <strong>of</strong> banks, food<br />
markets, retail stores, barber shops and<br />
Frank William Foskett (above right) and Herbert Henry<br />
Elworthy (above left) built the Foskett & Elworthy building<br />
(no. 20) in 1911. The two men started as partners in the<br />
<strong>Concord</strong> Meat Market, later the Foskett & Elworthy Meat<br />
market, and started the First National Bank. Foskett was<br />
its first president. Elworthy was <strong>Concord</strong>s’s second mayor.<br />
Juan C. Galindo, grandson <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>’s founder, and his<br />
wife remodeled the Galindo home (no. 22) in 1873.<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong>fices have occupied this key downtown<br />
facility. Completely restored in the 1970s, the current<br />
corner tenant is a restaurant. The large mural on the<br />
east exterior wall by artist Dan Fontes was commission<br />
by the <strong>City</strong> in 1992.<br />
21. Masonic Hall<br />
1765 Galindo St.<br />
<strong>Concord</strong>’s Masonic Temple provided the ceremonial<br />
meeting room and social hall for Mt. Diablo Lodge<br />
#448, Free and Accepted Masons. Constructed in 1927<br />
by L.V. Perry for $31,550, the temple was dedicated on<br />
October 6, 1928. This imposing facility incorporates<br />
approximately 9,600 sq. ft. on two levels. The building<br />
is presently owned by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong> and is being<br />
used as an art gallery.<br />
22. Francisco Galindo Home<br />
1721 Amador St.<br />
This house was built in 1856 for Don Francisco Galindo<br />
and his wife, Maria Dolores Manuela (Pacheco) Galindo,<br />
Don Salvio’s second daughter. At that time, it was one <strong>of</strong><br />
the few Victorian ranch houses in the county. When their<br />
oldest son, Juan “John” Galindo and his bride, Marina<br />
“Sarah” (Amador) Galindo took up residence in 1880,<br />
the original six-room house was expanded to ten rooms.<br />
After their eldest child Frederick and Catherine (Hittman)<br />
Galindo were married in 1911, title transferred to the next<br />
generation. Since Mrs. Catherine Galindo’s death in 1966,<br />
the house was maintained by her children. After the death<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ms. Ruth Galindo, the home became the property <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>. It is presently being restored as the<br />
Galindo House and Gardens.<br />
23. Ivey House<br />
1849 Clayton Rd.<br />
Originally built in the 1870s for John Brawand, a partner<br />
in the Salvio Street Livery Stable, the house was located<br />
on Grant Street. By 1899, Henry Ivey became sole<br />
proprietor <strong>of</strong> the livery stable and his family occupied<br />
the house. Daphne Ivey sold the property to the Wells<br />
family in 1926. The house was moved in 1979-80 to<br />
accommodate a redevelopment project. The house has<br />
been restored and remodeled for its present use as a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
24. Eddy House<br />
1800 Clayton Rd.<br />
Build by L.V. Perry circa 1900, this small, wood-frame<br />
building was the home for the William Henry Eddy<br />
family. William Eddy began and operated a maintenance<br />
garage and sales agency for Mitchell and Dodge cars at<br />
several locations in downtown <strong>Concord</strong>. The building<br />
was originally located on the northwest corner <strong>of</strong> Willow<br />
Pass Rd. and Mt. Diablo St. In 1927 the house was<br />
moved to Amador Ave. where it was discovered in a<br />
deteriorated state in 1980 by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>. The<br />
present owner rescued the building from demolition,<br />
moved it to its present site and restored it for use as a<br />
commercial <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
25. Keller House<br />
1760 Clayton Rd.<br />
Built in 1902-03 by L.V. Perry for C.H. (Harry) and<br />
Elodia Keller, the house was initially located at the southeast<br />
corner <strong>of</strong> Galindo and Clayton Rd. Paul and Marie<br />
Keller acquired the house in 1912 when his brother,<br />
Harry, purchased a large ranch in Clayton. Paul was<br />
founder <strong>of</strong> the P.L. Keller Hardware store, was <strong>City</strong> Clerk<br />
(1910-1914), and was very active in civic and cultural<br />
affairs. In the late 1970s, the house was converted to a real<br />
estate <strong>of</strong>fice and restored. In 1984, it was moved to its<br />
present Ellis Lake Park location where it is used for <strong>of</strong>fices<br />
by the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Concord</strong>, it’s current owner.