City of Monterey Focus History Buffs

For History Buffs Only...

Historic Landmark Returns to City Skyline
The new onion dome, front porch and colors at the former Consuelo’s restaurant on Lighthouse Avenue are preservation in progress. All this is part of the historic restoration of the Harry A. Greene Estate, including the carriage house and historic gardens behind the main building. The Victorian house, constructed in 1887, is being fully restored inside and out from the historic colors outside to the replicated historic wallpaper inside. Harry Ashland Greene is widely hailed as the father of modern Monterey. He devoted his time and wealth to Monterey’s development, including the first electric company, trolley system, the Monterey Hotel and the harbor’s breakwater. He saved Colton Hall from destruction and sought State protection of the Custom House and First Theater. He also initiated a nationwide tree planting movement. The Greene Estate restoration is supported by City historic incentives.

Museum Sheds Light on Military Past?
The new Presidio of Monterey Museum is scheduled to open in May offering community members and visitors the opportunity to experience Monterey’s military past. The exhibits lead visitors through Monterey’s various stages of military development – from the indigenous period which highlights the area’s native American populations; through the Spanish and Mexican periods; and up to present day. Because of the important role played by the military in Monterey between 1902 and today, much of the museum is dedicated to the development of the Presidio as a training base.

Located on Cpl. Ewing Boulevard in the Lower Presidio Historic Park between Artillery Street and Pvt. Bolio Road, the free museum will be open Thursday thru Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The museum will be a stop on Monterey’s Path of History, which marks significant historic resources throughout the City. Volunteer docents staff the museum. For more info or to become a volunteer, call the City’s Museum Office at 646-5640 (conway@ci.monterey.ca.us).

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