Memory Garden

The Building
Thomas Oliver Larkin, a Massachusetts-born merchant who served as the first (and last) US Consul to Mexican California, purchased this property in 1843 In 1847, he hired Scotsman David Wight to expand the original structure into the present two-story building, in a transitional style between the Mexican and Monterey prototypes, the latter pioneered by Larkin in his own nearby residence. Larkin rented the property to the US Quartermaster for offices, corral, and warehouse.

The building subsequently housed the first county courthouse, as well as a tavern (not necessarily at the same time!). In 1880, it was purchased by Scotsman David Jacks, the largest property owner in Monterey County. His daughters added the annex and garden in 1927, then bequeathed both to the State of California in 1954. This newly redesigned Pacific House Museum's attractive displays offer visitors an engaging orientation to local history and sites, free of charge.

As late as 1860, bull and bear fights, a popular spectator sport with the Calijfornios, were still being held in the southern side of the enclosure that now shelters an arcaded, flower-lined courtyard. In this serene walled garden with elegant Andalusian echoes, designed by Frederick Law Otmstead, Jr. in 1927, four evergreen magnolias frame a central fountain. Camellias, wisteria, climbing roses, citrus, and Australian tea tree are 1920s selections whose staggered seasonal display still guarantees year-round interest. Shortly thereafter a local whaling industry developed, thanks to techniques imported by immigrants from the Azores, and the Old Portuguese Whaling Company began using this building in 1855 for its onshore whaling operations.

A huge iron cauldron for rendering whale oil can still be seen in the rear garden, relegated to ornamental status by the introduction of less expensive kerosene.Around 1900, Mrs. H.S. McNear purchased the property for use as a summer home, adding the front balcony and a garden. Newspaper editor Allan Griffin, who purchased it in the 1920S, later sold to Franklin Baldwin, who owned the property until 1948. He was succeeded by Lincoln Ellsworth, and then by Louis Gardener, who operated the Old Whaling Station Inn before selling it to innkeeper Wesley Dodge. In 1975, the City of Monterey purchased the property, then sold it to the state of California. Since 1980, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has leased house and grounds to the Junior League of Monterey County, which in turn make both available for special events including weddings and business events.

The Gardens
The garden's protected site, venerable trees, graceful brick walkways, and massed plantings make this an especially inviting outdoor retreat. With carryovers reflecting the property's long line of owners, the Old Whaling Station grounds have been attractively developed for adaptive reuse.

Visit Map for location in the Path of History.