The Cooper-Molera complex, located at the intersections of Alvarado, Pearl and Munras: In 1827, John Rogers Cooper settled in Monterey. As was the accepted practice, he changed his name to Juan Bautista Cooper, married a local woman, Encarnación Vallejo (sister of General Maríano Vallejo) and settled into life as a trader in hides and tallow, pelts and general merchandise. The complex highlights the contrast between the daily life of the average Mexican inhabitants and the lives of a wealthy merchant family. The barn and garden, along with the old Spear Warehouse, add to the overall historical interpretation. In 1969 the property was willed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation; was restored, and opened to the public by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The Cooper Store, at this location, is operated by the Old Monterey Preservation Society