Congdon House, San Juan Capistrano

The first wooden structure built in San Juan Capistrano is the Congdon House. Exact date of construction is not known, but I've references to 1876, 1877, and 1878.

It was built by Joel Rathburn Congdon, who is credited with introducing cultivation of the English Walnut into Orange County agriculture.

During the old years of OCThen, my friend John and I were priviledged to witness the renovation of the Congdon House. Renovation started in September of 2000.

Chase P. Christopher was hired by the City of San Juan Capistrano to renovate the Congdon House. He allowed John and I to take a tour of the home, and provided us with information on its history, and unique features.

We then published photos of the house before renovation, and after renovation, and published them here on OCThen. I kept all of the old webpages and photos, and you can enjoy by clicking the links below...

• Congdon House Renovation Start Page


• Congdon House History


• Congdon House Renovation Journal (incomplete)


• Congdon House Photos, BEFORE Renovation


• Congdon House Photos, AFTER Renovation

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Knott's Berry Farm Mannequins

Here's an e-mail sent to me regarding western-themed mannequins that used to be on display at Knott's Berry Farm, playing poker...

I have some of the cowboys and indians that were inside the buildings....peek-ins. I remember them somewhat but not perfectly. I have two and am getting 3 more soon. They were supposedly playing poker but I dont remember exactly which one and where.

Now they don't have the windows to look in. I know a guy who bought 28 of the characters in 1998 after Knotts was sold. it was a private sale and still not sure How he pulled it off. He bought a stagecoach chassis, signs etc.

Do you have any info, pictures, or people that might remember any of characters? They called them "dummys". My email is ftk454@aol.com. That's the best way to contact me. I live here in Long Beach. I hope to hear from you. Thanks.

KIRK

P.S. The guy that wrote the book....the Piano music guy, would he know any info you think? He seems to be well informed and plus he worked there for years. Thanks again.

If you have any information about these mannequins, please click on "Post a Comment" below and tell us about it.

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