The Silvas Adobe
This building dates back to sometime around 1794. In 2009 The Society bagan a restoration project. Jose Maria Silvas rebuilt it in 1868. In 1871, Silvas married Maria Manuela de
History
Arley Leck House
The Historical Society raised funds to create the Richard Henry Dana statue in the Dana Point Harbor. With the help of the Mission Docents, funds were raised for the restoration
O’neill Museum
The Garcia/Pryor residence, now known as the O’Neill Museum, was built between 1870 and 1880 by Jose Garcia, a saloon owner, for his wife, Refugio Yorba. It was one of
The Sante Fe Railroad Depot 26701 Verdugo Street
The old Santa Fe Railroad Dept has long been an integral part of San Juan’s history and lore. It all began in 1887 when a railroad track was laid through
The Egan House – Harmony Hall – 31892 Camino Capistrano
The Egan House, located across from El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant, was constructed in 1883. After a fire in 1897 destroyed the upper part of the structure, it was rebuilt
EL ADOBE de CAPISTRANO – 31891 Camino Capistrano
First adobe on left eventually became the El Adobe restaurant, 2nd is the Domingo Yorba Adobe, 3rd is the Garcia Adobe French Hotel The building that houses El Adobe de
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS!
In 1963, the Historical Society was a committee under the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Gerry Gaffney felt that the history of the town should be a separate organization. An organizational meeting in May was well received by all local groups in town.
Present at that first meeting included William Bathgate, Don Dumford, John Haas, H. L. Remmers, Douglas Hamond, C. Russell and Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Robert Marshall, Mrs. Marco Forster, Tony Alarcon, Clarence Lobo, Mr. Craig Snyder, Mrs. William Forsyth, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brow, Josh Gammell, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Geach, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gaffney and Stephen Hobart.
Organizations that were represented included the City of San Juan Capistrano, the American Legion, Rotary Club, Teachers Association, the city’s Planning Commission, Woman’s Association of Community Presbyterian Church, San Juan Capistrano Woman’s Club, Orange County Historical Society, Local Indians, DAR, and Catholic Woman’s Club.
H.L. Remmers was elected temporary chairman of the group. The purpose would be to preserve the many historic structures worth of attention in this area. The first fundraiser for the new Society was held on August 7, 1963, at El Adobe Restaurant. Five hundred dollars was raised from this event which allowed the Society to file articles of incorporation. It was recognized by the State of California on December 31, 1963.
On February 2, 1964, the new Historical Society elected Don Dumford as president, Fred Hunn Vice-President, Donna Chermak, Secretary-Treasurer. Directors elected to a two-year term were Betty Forster, Lucana Isch, Richard Day, Chief Clarence Lobo, and H.L. Remmers. Don Dumford served two terms as President. He was followed by Jerry Gaffney. Mrs. Dotty Gaffney followed her husband as President in 1968.
In the 55 years the Society has grown to include not only the Garcia/Pryor House (home of the O’Neill Museum), but also the Leck House, the Oyharzabal shack, the Silvas Adobe, and the old Jail. The Society continues to live up to its motto, “Remembering Our Past Ensures Our Future”. All are welcome to come and share our history.