|
Julian Pioneer Museum
2811 Washington St, Julian, CA
(760)765-0227
Julian was once the center of a thriving gold rush which began in 1869 and continued until the
Turn of the Century. The place to see many of the photos and artifacts of this golf rush period is the Julian
Pioneer Museum, located at 2811 Washington Street, just as you’re coming into town on Hwy 78.
The museum, a solid looking structure of stone, has had many incarnations during its history. From
1885-88 it was Peter Mayrhoffer’s brewery. Then it became a blacksmith shop under a couple of owners
until the 1930s when it fell into disrepair. It was rebuilt in 1950 as the museum it is today and the original
structure is preserved in the stone walls.
Artifacts in the museum range in date from 1869-1913. The building houses a collection of 19th
century clothing (including what is billed as the best lace collection in California). This lace collection
includes collars, tablecloth, napkins and hats There are also other household items, Indian artifacts, tools
and mining equipment of the era. Included are five Western oil paintings by Marjorie Reed, a famous local
artist who achieved national fame. Overhead is a collection of stuffed animals that live or have lived in the
Julian area, including a mountain lion and a wild turkey. The goal is to eventually have a specimen of every
animal that has lived in Julian. Ninety percent of the total collection comes from Julian itself.
The museum recently completed a new viewing museum: a replica of the blacksmith house. The
new exhibit is furnished with authentic tools of the 1800s. It was built with a combination of County funds
and profits from many, many rummage sales.
The museum is sponsored by the Julian Women’s Club and has Board of Directors: Jeanne
Richardson, chairman; directors, Ruth Rabenberg, Marion Moore, Martha Helley, Jean Resetco, Mary
Hobson, Edwina Silbernagel. Mabel Carlson has been the curator for 20 years and she is assisted by
Edwina Silbermagel. The board meets quarterly on the first Thursday of the month, 9 a.m. at the museum.
Those meetings are open to the public.
In addition to its exhibits, the museum has a park out front where people can picnic, and a free
restroom open to the public.
The Julian Pioneer Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. April-November (holidays
excepted) and only on weekends December-March, the museum charges a $1 donation (children under 7,
free). Phone: 765-0227.
|
