California is a state with a rich and diverse history, from the Native American tribes that inhabited the land for thousands of years, to the Spanish and Mexican colonizers that established missions and ranchos, to the American pioneers and immigrants that transformed the economy and culture. Among the many historical landmarks that reflect this history, one stands out as the oldest house in California: the Ávila Adobe in Los Angeles.
The History of the Ávila Adobe
The Ávila Adobe was built in 1818 by Francisco Ávila, a wealthy rancher and politician who owned a large portion of land in present-day Los Angeles County. The house was constructed in the Spanish colonial style, using adobe bricks made of clay, straw, and water. The house had a simple rectangular floor plan, with a central courtyard, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and several bedrooms. The house also had a fireplace, a tiled roof, and wooden doors and windows.
The house was located on the Plaza de Los Ángeles, the center of civic and social life in the early days of Los Angeles. The Plaza was surrounded by other adobe buildings, such as the church, the government house, and the jail.
The Ávila family hosted many guests and events in their house, such as parties, dances, and religious ceremonies. Francisco Ávila was a prominent figure in the community, serving as the mayor of Los Angeles in 1810 and 1816, and participating in the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican-American War.
The house witnessed many historical events and changes, such as the secularization of the missions, the transition from Mexican to American rule, the influx of Anglo settlers, the discovery of gold, and the growth of the city.
The house also endured several natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and fires. The house was damaged by the 1848 flood, which destroyed part of the roof and walls, and by the 1870 earthquake, which cracked the adobe bricks. The house was also threatened by urban development, as the Plaza became surrounded by modern buildings and streets.
The Preservation of the Ávila Adobe
The Ávila Adobe was saved from demolition by Christine Sterling, a civic activist who campaigned for the preservation of the historic buildings on the Plaza. In 1926, she founded the Plaza de Los Ángeles Restoration Association, which raised funds and awareness to restore and protect the old adobe structures. She also persuaded the city to designate the Plaza as a historic park, and to acquire the Ávila Adobe as a public museum.
The restoration of the Ávila Adobe began in 1930, and involved repairing the damaged walls and roof, replacing the wooden doors and windows, and furnishing the rooms with period-appropriate furniture and artifacts. The restoration was completed in 1932, and the house was opened to the public as a museum.
The museum displays the original adobe bricks, the fireplace, and the courtyard, as well as exhibits on the history and culture of the Ávila family and the early Los Angeles. The museum also hosts educational programs and cultural events, such as lectures, tours, and festivals.
The Ávila Adobe is the oldest standing residence in the city of Los Angeles, and the oldest house in California. It is a California Historical Landmark, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and a National Register of Historic Places site. It is a testament to the heritage and legacy of the Spanish, Mexican, and American eras in California, and a symbol of the preservation and celebration of the state’s diverse and rich history.
Conclusion
The Ávila Adobe is a remarkable historical landmark that has survived for over 200 years, despite the many challenges and changes that have occurred in California. It is a valuable cultural and educational resource that showcases the life and times of the early Californians, and the origins and development of the city of Los Angeles. It is a house that has witnessed history, and a house that has made history. It is the oldest house in California, and it is still standing after 120 years.