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You are here: Home / Archives for castro adobe

castro adobe

History Sharing Day at Castro-Adobe

November 13, 2018 by Seb Frey

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) today announced it will host a history-sharing event Castro Adobe State Historic Park on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Thanks for the Memories” is a chance for history buffs, locals and Castro family descendants to visit the new state historic park in the Pajaro Valley and share historic photos of the property and surrounding area. Staff will be on-hand to scan the images and add them to the park’s archive and for potential use in the site interpretation. Friends staff is also interested in hearing personal stories and anecdotes about the Castro Adobe and families that have resided there.

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“Part of restoring and opening the Castro Adobe as a State Historic Park is learning all of the history of the property and interpreting it for the public,” said Bonny Hawley, executive director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. “But we need help. Please check your attics, photo albums and even family bibles for information related to the Castro family or the property. We’re crowd-sourcing in the 21st century to get a look at life in the 19th century.”

Friends is trying to solve one mystery in particular — what did the family of Juan Jose Castro and his wife, Rita Josefa Pinto Castro look like? To date, no photos of this particular family have surfaced. Friends is also seeking historic photos that include:
• Castro family members and nearby rancho families, such as Rodriguez and Amesti
• the Castro property and historic buildings including outbuildings
• nearby properties and surrounding lands
• Old Adobe Road from various angles

Photos and documents will be returned immediately after they are scanned.

The Saturday event also will include tours of the Adobe and is free to attend. Castro Adobe State Historic Park is located at 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville. Parking is extremely limited and carpooling is encouraged. Learn more at www.thatsmypark.org.

For those who cannot attend the event, but still want contribute to the historical archive at Castro Adobe State Historic Park, please contact Friends at 831-429-1840.

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Filed Under: Events, News, Parks Tagged With: castro adobe, history

Libro Castro: Saturday, June 23

June 5, 2018 by Seb Frey

Libro Castro at the Adobe

Libro Castro is a fundraising party and book launch to honor Castro Adobe stewards from the past and celebrate the recent progress toward opening the Castro Adobe, the first State Historic Park in the Pajaro Valley. The event will be 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 23.

Tickets are now available. Cost is $75 per person, including food and drink, or $100 with food, drink and a copy of the book. All donations will be matched 1:1 by the James & Carol Toney Fund.

This year’s stewardship event honors the Paizis family, who owned and cared for the property from 1959-1963, and also celebrates the launch of the second edition of Suzanne Paizis’s chronicle of the Castro’s history: The Castro Adobe in the Twentieth Century: From Earthquake to Earthquake.

The event will pay tribute to John Paizi’s Greek heritage with assorted Mediterranean food.  Wine from Storrs Winery, local beer, and made-to-order espresso and tea will be served.

Early 60’s period address is encouraged!  The Castro Adobe site is fragile, so guests are encouraged to park offsite at the Strawberry Business Center at 125 Hangar Way in Watsonville.  Free shuttles will be running through the evening, but some parking for mobility-impaired guests will be available at the Adobe.  But guests who do take the shuttle will be given a free ticket to enter a raffle drawing.

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Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: castro adobe

Castro Adobe Open House January 27, 2018

January 25, 2018 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville (Larkin Valley)

Explore Castro Adobe State Historic Park during the first public open house of 2018, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 27th. The event will focus on the early period of the Adobe and the Castro family’s prominent role in local and California history.

Visitors can enjoy homemade nopales (aka prickly pear – a cactus salad) and fresh tortilla-making while getting the chance to share stories of their own family’s beginnings in California. Guided tours will be offered at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. A short presentation on the Castro family’s participation in the historic De Anza Expedition will start at 2:15 p.m.

The event is free. The Castro Adobe is at 184 Old Adobe Road in Watsonville. Parking is limited; please carpool. Leashed dogs are allowed only in the parking area.

If you have never been to see the Castro Adobe, this is a great opportunity – it is an amazing structure in a beautiful setting, and loaded with early Santa Cruz history.  Bring your entire family, invite your friends – but please carpool, because parking is limited.

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Filed Under: Events, News, Parks and Recreation Tagged With: castro adobe

Vaqueros on the Rancho

April 11, 2017 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville
Castro Adobe in Watsonville

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks today announced it will host Vaqueros on the Rancho, a ticketed event at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park, to share the tradition and skill of vaquero horsemen while raising funds to support the full opening of Castro Adobe in the Pajaro Valley.  The special event will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Castro Adobe State Historic Park, 184 Old Adobe Road. Tickets are $25.

At Vaqueros on the Rancho two traditional vaquero-style horsemen will share aspects of early vaqueros along with how and why the culture is maintained today during a demonstration at 2 p.m. Jeffery Mundell and Victor “Buddy” Montes will show their horses and gear along with the art of using a 60-70 foot rawhide riata for “big loops.” Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how the traditional vaquero’s knowledge of land comes into play today with grassland conservation programs.

Vaqueros on the Rancho also will include light refreshments, tours of the Castro Adobe as well as artisan and craftsmen wares on display and for sale, including: spurs, bits, silver and leather items and braided rawhide.

Friends is leading a multi-year restoration effort to preserve and interpret the Castro Adobe as the region’s next State Historic Park and the first non-beach State Park in south Santa Cruz County. All proceeds from Vaqueros on the Rancho will be dedicated to this effort.

By Time Life Books – The Old West- “The Cowboys”

From the first Spanish expedition into Alta California in 1769, the vaquero played a significant role in California’s heritage. Vaqueros, or horse-mounted livestock herders, of the Americas came from Spanish Mexico to California, and their “culture” developed into a fine art through the Mission and Rancho eras, and continued into the early 1900s.

At the Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe, herds of cattle and livestock grazed the land under the mounted vaquero’s watchful eye. The vaqueros were skilled in the use of the rawhide riata for cattle sorting, roping, branding and slaughter, as well as roping grizzly bears. The rider and the horse worked in partnership with the slightest of “cues” hardly noticeable. True horsemen were held in highest regard for their patience, knowledge and skills regarding horses, cattle and the land.

Tickets ($25 each) are available on Eventbrite (https://vaquerosontherancho.eventbrite.com) or by calling 831-429-1840. Advance ticket sales only. Additional donations are gratefully accepted. All donations and ticket sales will be matched 1:1 toward the opening of the park, up to $317,920 by the James & Carol Toney Fund.

Western dress is encouraged. Parking is extremely limited; please carpool. The event is co-sponsored by Vaquero Heritage Times Journal (http://www.vaqueroheritagetimes.com/ )

About the Vaqueros

Jeffrey Mundell 

Ranch Manager, Rancho Cienega del Gabilan, part of an original Mexican land grant of 1834, remains an 11,000 acre working cattle ranch in the Gabilan hills of San Juan Bautista.

California born and raised, Jeffrey became intrigued with California bridle horses at age 12 watching and listening to old-style vaqueros start young colts. He remembers first seeing Spanish spade bits, riatas, silver on saddles, headstalls and spurs those vaqueros used, and felt privileged to meet and work with horsemen following old bridle horse traditions. In 2003, he moved his family to Oregon where they began a cattle operation and lived the buckaroo lifestyle which came from the early California vaquero. In 2014, they returned to California to manage the Rancho Cienega del Gabilan, respecting vaquero traditions in horsemanship and stockmanship on this historic cattle ranch.

Victor “Buddy” Montes 

Raised on California’s historic Tejon Ranch in Kern County, one of four Mexican land grants acquired in1874 to form Rancho El Tejon which totaled over 300,000 acres. He is a 5th generation Native vaquero and a member of the Tejon Indian Tribe. Buddy continues his family vaquero traditions which began on El Tejon prior to 1874. He is manager [cowboss] of Booth Ranches based in the San Joaquin Valley.

During his early years on the Tejon, Buddy began at the bottom and over time earned respect of the viejos [old wise vaqueros] who slowly shared their knowledge of making bridle horses – the purpose and techniques for using jaquimas [hackamores], spade bits and rawhide riatas. In the 1980s, he worked the great open range ranches of Nevada, some covered as many as four million acres. Returning to California, he worked on the Onyx Ranch and the San Emigdio prior to accepting the manager position at Booth Ranches, where both he and his wife manage the cattle operations retaining the old traditional vaquero style in horsemanship and handling cattle.

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Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: castro adobe

Castro Coastal Campfires in July and August

July 8, 2016 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe Interpreter Joseph Carr Ritchie
Castro Adobe Interpreter Joseph Carr Ritchie

Joseph Carr Ritchie, the California State Park Interpreter for the Castro Adobe State Historic Park, will be leading two free Castro Coastal Campfires in July and August. Folks are invited to go and learn about about the historic Castro family’s coastal connection at a Sunset Beach State Park campfire program.

Ritchie will explain the link between Santa Cruz County’s first State Beach, Sunset State Beach, and Castro Adobe, the county’s newest State Historic Park. The free event will be offered at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd, and Saturday, August 20th.

The Castro Family

Back in the day, these two properties, currently property of the California State Parks system, were part of a larger land grant holding of the Castro family. The Castros arrived in California as part of the Anza Expedition 240 years ago and eventually made their way to Santa Cruz County. During the Mexican Rancho period of 1821-1850, they grazed cattle in the coastal hills and shipped hides from an embarcadero (wharf) that once existed between Sunset and Manresa State Beaches.

The Program

The program, which includes a slideshow, hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows, aims to bring local families out to experience the State Beach and enjoy the bilingual (English/Spanish) presentation. The talk will be in the campground area at Sunset State Beach, 201 Sunset Beach Road in Watsonville. The program is free. Parking is $10 and supports the park. Participants will be invited to future Open House events at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: castro adobe

Vaquero Heritage Tack Talk at Castro Adobe

June 20, 2016 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville
Castro Adobe in Watsonville

Are you a horse lover? How about a history lover – or better yet, both? Then you will be interested to check out the Vaquero Heritage Tack Talk at Castro Adobe, to be held on Saturday, June 25th at 1:30 PM at the Castro Adobe. Noted historians Griff Durham and Bruce Haener will speak, and share examples of vaquero and horse gear from the mid-1800’s onward as appropriate for the era of the Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe. Parking at the Castro Adobe is extremely limited, and carpooling is encouraged.

This event is a fundraiser, and tickets are $25 to $100, and attendees may select the amount of their donation. Refreshments will be provided, and guests will have an opportunity to tour the historic home and grounds. To RSVP, please call 831-429-1840 or email castroadobe@thatsmypark.org. This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and Vaquero Heritage Times.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: castro adobe

Castro Adobe 2016 Open House Dates Announced

January 28, 2016 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville
Castro Adobe in Watsonville

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has announced the Castro Adobe State Historic Park will be open to the public six Saturdays in 2016 – and admission is free! This is an incredible – and very cool – cultural and historic resource and is very well worth the trip to check out.

The two-story Castro Adobe, built between 1848-49, is one of the best examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. Open House visitors will be able to tour the property including the restored cocina (kitchen) and the Potter-Church Garden. The garden is a unique outdoor space originally created by then-owners Elizabeth and David Potter (1968-72), in consultation with noted landscape architect Thomas Church.

Each open house will be themed to highlight an aspect of the historic property. The Open House Days begin Feb. 20 with “Romance on the Rancho.” Visitors will enjoy traditional hot chocolate, make tortillas, stroll through the historic garden while exploring romance during the Rancho period. You’ll be able to learn about courting and marriage during that era — including the Bolcoff-Castro marriage and the Castro Adobe-Wilder Ranch historical connection — as well as concepts of race and intermarriage in Alta California, the perception of the Rancho Period as a “golden age” compared to what historical and archaeological record show, and the loving relationship between a vaquero and his horse.

Future dates include:
• April 23: Vaqueros y Banditos (Cowboys and Bandits)
• June 11: Castro Adobe in the 20th Century
• Aug. 13: Evening at the Adobe
• Oct. 22: Earthquakes and the Adobe
• Dec. 10: Festivos en el Rancho (Holidays at the Rancho)

The open houses will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the exception of the August evening event.  Interpretive Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to offer a “sneak peak” into the restoration process and to assist visitors who would like to enjoy handmade tortillas cooked on the recently reconstructed brasero (stove).

Filed Under: News Tagged With: castro adobe, history

Castro Adobe State Historic Park

December 6, 2015 by Seb Frey

The Castro Adobe
The Castro Adobe

The Castro Adobe State Historic Park is located just outside of Aptos, in Larkin Valley.  It’s one of the very oldest structures in Santa Cruz county, and one of only four adobe structures left standing within the county.  It’s also one of the few remaining two-story adobe homes anywhere in California.  The Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is working with the State of California to open the site as a California Historic Park.

Although the Castro Adobe is located outside of the limits of Aptos proper, it is historically important to Aptos and the Pajaro Valley region. The Castro family was one of California’s earliest and most prominent Spanish families, having arrived with the Spanish explorer Anza in 1775.  The Castro Adobe was built between 1848 and 1850.

The structure was badly damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and has been undergoing renovations ever since.  A lot of progress has been made, but there’s much work to be done before the site can officially open as a California state park.  It is presently open to the public only on special occasions, however it can be visited by schools on field trips and organized community groups by special arrangement.  If you would like to arrange a special visit by your group, please contact the California State Park Interpreter:  Joseph Carr Ritchie, 831-226-9669 or joseph.ritchie@parks.ca.gov

Related Posts On AptosCommunityNews

  • History Sharing Day at Castro-Adobe (November 13, 2018)
  • Libro Castro: Saturday, June 23 (June 5, 2018)
  • Castro Adobe Open House January 27, 2018 (January 25, 2018)
  • Vaqueros on the Rancho (April 11, 2017)
  • Castro Coastal Campfires in July and August (July 8, 2016)
  • Vaquero Heritage Tack Talk at Castro Adobe (June 20, 2016)
  • Castro Adobe 2016 Open House Dates Announced (January 28, 2016)
  • Castro Adobe Open to the Public in November and December (October 24, 2015)
  • Castro Adobe Receives $100,000 Grant (July 17, 2015)
  • Castro Adobe to Open this Summer (June 1, 2015)

See also:  Castro Adobe Facebook Page, Castro Adobe Wikipedia Page, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Page, Castro Adobe State Historic Park Page

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The Castro Adobe
The Castro Adobe

Filed Under: Gems, Parks and Recreation Tagged With: castro adobe, state park

Castro Adobe Open to the Public in November and December

October 24, 2015 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville
Castro Adobe in Watsonville

Good news for folks interested in the Castro Adobe…if you missed the last few times it was held open, you’ll be happy to hear that the Castro Adobe will be open to the public on November 14th and December 5th. Admission is free with donations to support the park gratefully accepted.

Located in Larkin Valley, near Watsonville, the two-story Castro Adobe, built between 1848-49, is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. Open House visitors will be able to tour the property including the restored cocina (kitchen) and the Potter-Church Garden. The garden is a unique outdoor space originally created by then-adobe owners Elizabeth and David Potter from 1968 to 1972, in consultation with noted landscape architect Thomas Church.

State Park Interpretive Rangers and Friends’ volunteers will be on hand to offer a “sneak peak” into the restoration process and to assist visitors who would like to enjoy handmade tortillas cooked on the recently reconstructed brasero (stove).

The Castro Adobe is located at 184 Old Adobe Road, north of Watsonville. Parking is extremely limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Friends is leading a multi-year restoration effort to preserve and interpret the site and is partnering with California State Parks to open the adobe as a State Historic Park. It is Santa Cruz County’s second State Historic Park and the first non-beach state park in the Pajaro Valley. The Castro Adobe is open on a limited basis for special events, such as Open House Days. To follow progress on the restoration effort, visit www.ThatsMyPark.org/projects/castro-adobe.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: castro adobe

Castro Adobe Receives $100,000 Grant

July 17, 2015 by Seb Frey

Castro Adobe in Watsonville
Castro Adobe in Watsonville

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends), a local nonprofit serving 32 state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, announced it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, to fund the ongoing restoration of the Castro Adobe State Historic Park.

Located in Larkin Valley, near Watsonville, the two-story Castro Adobe is one of four adobe buildings remaining in Santa Cruz County and one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. Friends is leading a multi-year restoration effort to preserve and interpret the Castro, and is partnering with State Parks to open the adobe as a State Historic Park. A phased opening started this year with school group tours and public open house events, which continue on August 14th and 15th. The Castro Adobe will be Santa Cruz County’s newest State Historic Park.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation grant will help fund Phase Two restoration work to:

  • Strengthen the second floor of the Adobe
  • Install a lift to make the Adobe wheelchair accessible
  • Move the interior stairs to create a larger space for the interpretation of the fandango room
  • Install new exterior stairs
  • Finalize seismic stabilization of the building

Filed Under: News, Parks Tagged With: castro adobe, monterey peninsual foundation, state parks

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