Windsor historical landmarks facts for kids
Windsor, California, is home to many interesting and old places! The town has a special list called the Windsor Historic Register. This list helps protect and celebrate buildings and sites that have a lot of history.
There's also a group called the Windsor Historical Society, started in 1959. They run a museum about local history and even have a guide for walking tours to see these cool old spots!
Besides the town's list, some places in Windsor and nearby are so important that they are recognized by bigger groups. For example, the Cunningham-Hembree Estate in Windsor is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the whole country that are very special! Also, just outside Windsor, the Mount Weske Stables and the James H. and Frances E. Laughlin House are recognized by Sonoma County, California and the National Register.
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Windsor's Historic Landmarks
Windsor has many unique places that tell stories about the past. Here are some of the most important ones:
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple at 371 Windsor River Road has quite a history! It was first built in 1898. But then, a fire in 1905 damaged it, and it had to be rebuilt. Not long after, the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake shook it up again, and it needed more repairs. This building has really stood the test of time!
Gutchell Residence
The Gutchell Residence, located at 321 Windsor River Road, is an old home built in 1890. What's interesting is that this house was used as the local telephone exchange starting around 1918. Imagine having your phone calls routed through someone's house!
Cunningham House
You can find the Cunningham House at 9229 Foxwood Drive. This house was built around 1850, making it the oldest known building in all of Windsor! It's a true piece of the town's early history.
Hembree House
Right next to the Cunningham House, at 9225 Foxwood Drive, is the Hembree House. This home was built in 1931. The family who lived there called it "Mattapan," which they said was an Indian word meaning "I sit down."
Bell Ranch House
The Bell Ranch House, located at 294 Windsor River Road, was built in 1860. This house shows off a style called Greek Revival. This means it has design elements that look like ancient Greek temples, often with columns and a grand entrance.
Heritage Bay Tree
Not all landmarks are buildings! The Heritage Bay Tree is a very large tree located near Cerrada Court and Foothill Drive. It's believed to be a huge California bay laurel tree, which is a type of tree native to the area. It's special enough to be considered a historic landmark!
Shiloh Cemetery
The Shiloh Cemetery, at 7100 Windsor Road, is a very old burial ground. It was originally part of a Methodist church site. People believe the first burials here happened as early as 1836! The church building burned down in 1867, and a group was formed in 1885 to take care of the cemetery.
David H. DuVander House
The David H. DuVander House, found at 295 Windsor River Road, was built in the late 1880s. This house is believed to have been used for a funeral business back in the day.
Odd Fellows Hall
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The Odd Fellows Hall, also known as Odd Fellows Osceola No. 215, is at 337 Windsor River Road. When it was built in 1933, it was the biggest building in Windsor! The Odd Fellows lodge (a type of community group) met upstairs, while a grocery store was located downstairs.
Old Redwood Highway Palm Trees
Along the Old Redwood Highway, there are 17 special palm trees that have been designated as "landmark trees." These trees are important parts of the landscape and history of the area.
