Stone House Restoration
The Next Steps to Finish the Stone House
The next step will be to complete the stabilization of the building, which includes connecting the new exterior to the building’s existing interior support system, and the removal of the temporary steel columns. Replacement of the roof, balcony and interior restoration will follow, depending on available funding. We recently received $1.4M from the State to put towards restoration efforts on the house. CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation is currently evaluating the next steps in that process. The Trust hopes to raise an additional $6 million for that work through donations and grants. The restored Stone House will have the appearance of the photo from the 1870s.
1. The Early 1860s: First known picture. Taken before the 1868 earthquake which destroyed the stone tower. The foreground fence dates from 1857.
2. 1870: After the 1868 earthquake, the stone tower was replaced by wood, but kept the fake stone turrets. The tower balcony is gone.
3. 1908: From 1900-1911, the Stone House was neglected. The old tower was replaced after the 1906 earthquake, but the tower turrets are now gone.
4. 1937: The stone wall is now present and the house is being maintained.
5. 1964: The verandas have collapsed and been removed. Otherwise, the house is in fair shape.
6. 1994: Bracing installed by the John Marsh Historical Trust now keeps the walls from collapsing.