Heritage House (Compton, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heritage House |
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| Location | 205 S. Willowbrook Ave, Compton, Ca |
| Built | 1810 |
| Designated | Nov. 05, 1958 |
| Reference no. | 664 |
The Heritage House is a very special building in Compton, California. It's the oldest house still standing in the city! This historic home was built way back in 1869. It started as a small two-room house, but over time, other owners added more rooms to it.
The Heritage House is so important that it was named a California Historical Landmark (number 664) on November 5, 1958. This means it's officially recognized as a significant part of California's history. In 1959, the City of Compton bought the house and moved it to a new location. Today, it has been carefully fixed up and filled with old furniture to show what life was like for the first people who settled in the area.
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The House's Journey: From Street to Museum
The Heritage House wasn't always in its current spot. When it was first built in 1869, it stood on South Acacia Street. This street changed its name a few times, becoming Lemon Street, then Main Street, and finally Compton Boulevard.
Why Did the House Move?
The City of Compton decided to buy the land where the house stood because they wanted to build a new fire station. Since the Heritage House was known as the oldest home in Compton, many people wanted to protect it. There was a public call to save this important piece of history.
Moving and Restoring a Landmark
To save the house, the City of Compton decided to move it. They found a new home for it on city-owned land, right next to the Compton City Hall in the Civic Center. Many volunteers from the community helped with the big move. They gave money, their time, and materials to make sure the house could be safely relocated.
After the house was moved, it needed a lot of work to bring it back to its original glory. This process is called restoration. Once it was restored, the Heritage House was turned into a museum.
Stepping Back in Time: The Museum's Opening
The museum was decorated to look just like a home from the 1860s and 1870s. Most of the old-fashioned decorations inside were donated by people who wanted to help preserve history. The Heritage House Museum officially opened its doors on April 14, 1958.
The care and upkeep of this special museum were given to a non-profit group called the Native Daughters of the Golden West. They are dedicated to preserving California's history and ensuring the Heritage House remains a reminder of Compton's early days for everyone to enjoy.
