UCSFRA - Tour of Three Historic Buildings in Half Moon Bay

Join us for docent-led tours of three historic buildings in scenic Half Moon Bay. We will begin at the James Johnston House (known as the White House of Half Moon Bay) located approximately one mile south of town. The classic New England saltbox (two stories in front, one in back) was built by '49er pioneer James Johnston between 1853-1855 for his Californian bride, Petra Maria de Jara. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house celebrated its sesquicentennial year in 2005. The tour will last 30-40 minutes and provides information on the Johnston family and the efforts of local conservationists to save and preserve this historic building.

We will then drive into the center of downtown Half Moon Bay to tour the Half Moon Bay Jail Museum and the historic chapel of the Community United Methodist Church, both located on Johnston Street. The Jail Museum is a historic building over 100 years old and served as the town jail until the 1960’s; it also houses a collection of interesting Coastside artifacts and exhibits explaining the history of Half Moon Bay. Community United Methodist Chapel was built in 1872 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Charles Geddes, the architect of Yosemite Chapel, the building includes beautiful stained glass windows, which were done by a local church member.

Tours of the jail and chapel will end around 11:30 -11:45 a.m. There are also many restaurants within walking distance for those who wish to stay for lunch in Half Moon Bay.

Cost:  $10.00 (cash payment at venue)

Date & Time: Thursday, November 14, 2019, 9:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Location: 
Begins at the James Johnston House, 110 Higgins Canyon Road in Half Moon Bay
Ends at the Jail Museum, 505 Johnston Street in downtown Half Moon Bay 

Please Note: Tours begins at 9:45 a.m. at the James Johnston House, 110 Higgins Canyon Road in Half Moon Bay. The house is located on the east side of Highway 1 at Higgins-Purisima Road. There is ample parking at the bottom of the driveway to the house plus spaces located right next to the house for anyone with difficulty walking up the driveway. The parking lot is a dirt lot, and the walk up to the house is short but a little steep. There is a ramp entrance to the house, but no access to the second floor which is part of the tour. There is a video that shows the contents of the rooms on the second floor if anyone is not able to climb the stairs. Restrooms are available at the base of the driveway. Weather in Half Moon Bay can vary from sunny to chilly and windy so dress in layers!