Nitt Witt Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nitt Witt Ridge |
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Nitt Witt Ridge exterior
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| Location | 881 Hillcrest Drive, Cambria, California 93428 |
| Architect | Arthur "Art" Harold Beal |
| Reference no. | 939 |
Nitt Witt Ridge is a very unusual house located on two and a half acres in Cambria, California. It was built by an artist named Arthur "Art" Harold Beal. He started building it in 1928. Art spent about 50 years creating this special home. He used only a pick and shovel to shape the land. He called his unique creation his "castle on a hill."
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Building Nitt Witt Ridge
Arthur Harold Beal was also known as Doctor Tinkerpaw or Captain Nitt Witt. He worked as a garbage collector in Cambria during the 1940s and 1950s. This job helped him find many interesting building materials. He used things people threw away. He also used natural items from the nearby pine forests and local beaches.
Unique Building Materials
Art Beal used many different and unusual items to build his home. Some parts are said to be pieces from Hearst Castle. He supposedly worked there for a short time. Other common materials he used were beer cans and abalone shells. He also used lots of concrete.
You can also find washer drums and car rims. Old tile, car parts, and even old stoves are part of the house. This mix of recycled and natural items makes Nitt Witt Ridge truly one-of-a-kind.
After Art Beal
Art Beal passed away in 1992 when he was 96 years old. His ashes were scattered around his favorite redwood tree at Nitt Witt Ridge. After his death, the house faced some damage. It was also ransacked, meaning things were taken or messed up.
In 1999, Michael and Stacey O'Malley bought Nitt Witt Ridge. They have worked hard to fix parts of the house. They have also cleaned up the gardens. Today, they offer tours so people can see this amazing and unique home.
A Special Landmark
Nitt Witt Ridge is recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 939. This means it is an important historical site in California. It is seen as a great example of "Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments." Folk art is art made by ordinary people, often using traditional methods or unusual materials.
What the Landmark Plaque Says
A special plaque at Nitt Witt Ridge explains its importance. It says that the house is one of California's most remarkable folk-art environments. It was created by Arthur Harold Beal, also known as Der Tinkerpaw or Capt Nitt Witt. He was a pioneer in Cambria Pines.
The plaque describes how Art shaped the land using hand tools. He used local materials and his own clever ideas. The house mixes natural items with modern ones. It is impressive because of how much material he used and how carefully he placed everything. The plaque also says it shows Art's sense of humor and love for life.
The plaque was placed on June 26, 1986. It was put there by the State Department of Parks and Recreation. They worked with groups like Saving and Preserving Arts and Cultural Environments.
