Bedford-Clay Historic Home Tour Properties: MAP
2025, Bedford-Clay Historic District, El Dorado County Historical Society Home Tour
Bedford Avenue and Clay Street Historic District: A Legacy of Placerville Pioneers
Today’s home tour explores the rich history of the Bedford Avenue and Clay Street Historic District, a region that transitioned from a bustling Gold Rush mining camp to a refined residential enclave. Paolo Sioli’s 1880s "Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County" recounts early tales of the area, including a robbery in "Log Cabin Ravine" (now understood to be near Pleasant Street), linked to Placerville's first hangings and the "Hangtown" moniker. While the origin of the name "Bedford" remains uncertain, it may honor pioneers from various Bedford locales in the eastern United States.
The district's early days were marked by intense mining activity, with remnants of 1850s stone masonry and mine shafts still visible. Beyond mining, Bedford Avenue became home to prominent pioneers like Judge George E. Williams and John Hume. Over time, many original homes were replaced or lost to fire, giving way to "modern" residences built by families like the Goodrich, Weatherwax, and Bosquit clans. Bedford Avenue became a hub for county civil servants, newspaper owners, and hoteliers.
By 1904, electricity arrived, and in 1923, modern amenities like water pipes and sewers were installed, transforming daily life. However, the construction of Highway 50 in the mid-20th century significantly altered the landscape, leading to the demolition of numerous historic structures, including the Judge Williams House and many homes along Union Street (approximate location of Highway 50). While some buildings, like the Shakespeare Club and First Church of Christ, Scientist, were relocated, many were lost.
Clay Street, connecting to Bedford via Coleman Street, became the residence for many of Placerville’s entrepreneurs and businessmen. Families like the Tracys, Aldersons, and Blairs made their homes here. The street’s name may derive from its clay-rich soil or honor statesman Henry Clay, who served as both U.S. Secretary of State and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Sadly, the Tracy Mansion and other significant properties were demolished or destroyed, leaving behind only remnants like the Alderson home's original stone retaining wall.
Coleman Street itself serves as a connector between Bedford and Clay, and leads to other charming historic homes, including the once prestigious neighborhood of "Nob Hill." As you explore this district, consider the lives of the pioneers who shaped Placerville and left their enduring mark on this historic landscape.
Thank you for joining us!
On behalf of the El Dorado County Historical Society, welcome to the 2025 Historic Home Tour. We are absolutely delighted to have you join us today.
As a special thank you for your support, your ticket automatically grants you a 2025 membership with the EDCHS! We’re thrilled to welcome you to our community. Keep an eye out for an email welcoming you to our membership family. As a member, you can now enjoy 25% off future event tickets this year and claim two complimentary tickets to an upcoming EDCHS program (excluding fundraisers).
Please take your time today to truly appreciate the remarkable 19th and early 20th-century architecture and the captivating pioneer stories woven into the fabric of this district. We hope you have a wonderful day exploring our local history!
Jill Kearney, President, EDCHS
Historic Property #1: 515 Main Street; Historic WPA Placerville Post Office
Year Built: 1939-1940
Architect: Louis A. Simon
Builder: PWA
Architectural Style: Art Deco
The Placerville Post Office, a significant historical landmark at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Main Street, is a concrete, box-like structure reflecting the architectural simplicity common in Public Works Administration (PWA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects. Following World War I, these programs aimed to address unemployment and improve infrastructure. Constructed between 1939 and 1940 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal WPA, the building was designed by Louis A. Simon, a U.S. Treasury architect known for his standardized post office designs, and shares a twin design with the Ukiah, CA post office. Its architectural features, typical of the era, emphasize functionality and durability, while incorporating stylized Art Deco ornamentation.
Placerville Post Office, Circa 1945
Key architectural elements include its solid concrete construction, which was often paired with stucco, smooth-faced stone, and terra cotta, reflecting the era's embrace of industrial technology. The building exhibits a low-relief panel of stars and an eagle over the front entrance, as well as a simple geometric pattern over the front awning, and geometric art deco ironwork over the windows, adding a touch of elegance and creating a sense of modernity and forward-thinking design. The robust, almost fortress-like appearance is further accentuated by the original vault, with its heavy steel door, now repurposed to showcase the George Wheeldon gem and mineral collection. Inside, above the former postmaster's office door, hangs a prized 1941 oil-on-canvas mural, "Institute of Forest Genetics," by California Artist, Tom E. Lewis. This artwork, commissioned by the Federal Works Treasury Section of Fine Arts, depicts the local lumbering industry and commemorates the Institute of Forest Genetics in Camino. The mural remains the property of the federal government.
The building, later retired as a post office and converted to the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently owned by El Dorado Gold 1848, a non-profit organization, which leases subsidized office space to local non-profits at the basement level. The building also houses the Marilynn Ferguson Community Research Center and Library, honoring the late local historian who lived in a historic home on Bedford Avenue. El Dorado Gold 1848 plans to establish a museum focused on the county's geology, history, and local culture within the building.
Historic Property #2: 467 Main Street; Placerville IOOF (Odd Fellows) Lodge
Year Built: 1913
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Philias Cote
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
While not located within the Bedford Avenue-Clay Street Historic District, many of the district’s prominent citizens were dedicated members of Morning Star Lodge #20, instituted in 1854. Initially meeting in a rented hall, the Lodge became a cornerstone of Placerville’s fraternal life. Its commitment to the community is evidenced by its involvement in establishing the Placerville Union Cemetery in 1871.
Placerville IOOF Lodge, circa 1913.
In 1859, the Lodge constructed its own building, which served the community for 50 years until it was tragically lost in a fire originating at the adjacent County Courthouse in 1910. Undeterred, Morning Star Lodge #20, joined by the Franklin Lodge, rebuilt. The cornerstone for their new three-story edifice was laid in 1911, a ceremony marked by the placement of a time capsule containing local historical documents, artifacts, and gold dust mined on the site, reflecting the area’s rich history.
In fact, the Odd Fellows mined the entire foundational area of their parcel while preparing to rebuild and extracted a decent amount of gold, which helped fund the reconstruction. Later that year, the completed building was dedicated. This structure, designed in the Romanesque Revival style, stands adjacent to other buildings along Main Street, presenting a dignified facade. Elements of the Romanesque Revival style include rounded arches, a defining feature used prominently in windows, doorways, and arcades, as well as massive forms exhibiting a sense of weight and solidity, with thick walls and substantial masonry.
The building features a rectangular, two-story design with a basement, and a front constructed of dressed granite blocks, transported by train from Rocklin. The medium gable roof and minimal exterior trim accentuate the solidity of the design. Notably, the granite blocks form a pyramidal design along the top edge of the building. The second-floor front is distinguished by three blind arcades, or semi-circular fascias, each with a prominent keystone. A blind arcade is a decorative architectural feature consisting of a series of arches applied to the surface of a solid wall, serving as a visual element without providing actual openings or structural support.
The central arcade displays the letters “IOOF,” “Morning,” “No. 2011, 111911,” and a star, along with the three chain links symbolizing the Odd Fellows, representing “Friendship, Love, Truth.” Double-hung windows with stained glass side panels adorn each fascia. The ground floor showcases a mix of rectangular and arch-topped windows, a double door leading to the basement, and another to the upper floor stairwell, offset to the left. A stone at the stairwell entrance bears the recessed block letters “1185911,” marking the year the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was first established in Placerville. The ground floor was designed to accommodate commercial tenants to generate cash flow for the maintenance of the building.
For years, the Arcade Bakery and a Placerville grocer occupied the first floor, and several other businesses followed over the ensuing decades. On the interior second level, the building features a unique spring floor, designed for dances. This building served as a vital hub for numerous fraternal organizations in Placerville, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. In 1984, the Lodge commemorated its 130th anniversary, celebrating its enduring legacy with a historical reenactment and recounting the Lodge’s long and storied history within the region. The building stands as a testament to the resilience and community spirit of Placerville’s early fraternal organizations.
Historic Property #3: 2961 Bedford Avenue; Lulu Weatherwax House
Year Built: 1902
Architect: Philias Cote
Builder: Philias Cote
Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial Revival
The LuLu Weatherwax House, located in Placerville, California, is a Dutch Colonial Revival structure built in 1902 for Charles H. and Dorinda Weatherwax. Its architectural features include a distinctive gambrel roof with double-sloped sides, a prominent dormer window, and a wide, inviting porch supported by unique lava rock columns. The house's design reflects the period's architectural trends, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Weatherwax House, circa 1915
Charles H. Weatherwax, a prominent Placerville citizen, commissioned the Dutch Colonial Revival house in 1902. Born in Michigan in 1840, he followed his pioneer father, J.B.M. Weatherwax, who had settled in Mud Springs and contributed to the region's early development. A Civil War veteran, serving in the 2nd California Volunteers, Charles also engaged in mining and co-owned what is now Placerville Hardware before dedicating himself to public service. He served as Placerville's postmaster and city clerk for nine years, actively participating in numerous civic and fraternal organization. He married Dorinda Sarah Laverty, also from Michigan, and they had one daughter, LuLu. Charles passed away in 1918, followed by Dorinda in 1938. Lulu inherited the family home following her parents’ death.
LuLu Weatherwax, born in 1873, was a notable artist in Placerville. She was known for her china painting and oil paintings, often exhibiting her work. She even won a gold medal at the 1915 San Diego Exposition for her hand-painted berry set. LuLu had her own kiln and studio, which became a local hub for art enthusiasts. She also traveled extensively, including trips to San Francisco, Saint Louis, Chicago, New York, and Mexico, often accompanied by her dear friend and Bedford Avenue neighbor, Albina "Bine" Violet Ingham. After Bine’s parents passed away, she opted to live with the Weatherwax family, and remained with them until her death in 1921. She was not only a close companion to LuLu but also a businesswoman, co-owning and publishing the Mountain Democrat with another Bedford neighbor, Mollie Carpenter. The dynamics between LuLu, Bine, and Dorinda suggest a close-knit household with shared interests and travels.
LuLu's artistic contributions extended beyond local acclaim. Her work, particularly her painted china, reflected the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on bringing art into everyday life. She advertised her painted china in the local paper. Today, the El Dorado County Historical Museum and the Fountain & Tallman Museum house many of her pieces, a testament to her lasting legacy. LuLu moved to San Francisco in 1945 and passed away in 1950. Subsequent owners adapted the home into multi-family housing, creating one unit on the original ground floor and two additional apartments upstairs. To address structural concerns, a wooden column support was installed on the front porch. The ground floor still features much of the original Weatherwax-era wood flooring.
Historic Property #4: 2957 Bedford Avenue; Archibald Bosquit House
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Year Built: 1903
Architect: A. A. Merry
Builder: Philias Cote
Architectural Style: Eastern Shingle
The Archibald S. and Sarah Bosquit House, built in 1903 on Bedford Avenue in Placerville, is a two-story Eastern Shingle style cottage that replaced the Bosquit family's previous residence. Designed by Sacramento contractor A. A. Merry and constructed by Philias Cote, the house exemplifies the style's hallmarks: wood shingle siding and roofing, an asymmetrical facade, and a harmonious blend with its natural surroundings. Architectural details are abundant, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. The cottage features a high gable design, relieved by a bracketed inset above the upper story windows, accented by a bullseye vent in the peak. The upper story is clad in plain shingles, complemented by gabled dormers and a composition shingle roof. Double-hung windows, surrounded by molded trim, are a consistent feature throughout. The front, recessed porch is a focal point, boasting a square diamond, leaded glass decorative window with molded trim. Turned wood columns support a monumental pediment with a decorative frieze, and both porches are adorned with turned spindle bannisters. Notably, the concrete foundation, an early use of the material, was scored to resemble stone blocks and integrates the front steps into its construction. The total construction cost of the house was less than $3,000, achieved using "day labor."
Archibald-Bosquit House, circa 1905
Archibald S. Bosquit, born in Pennsylvania in 1851, moved to California with his family in 1854. His early life included work as a telegraph operator and bookkeeper for the Sacramento and Placerville Railroad Company in Shingle Springs, where he married Sarah Catherine Gray. He also worked as an agent for Wells Fargo Express Company. Before settling in Placerville, Bosquit was already a well established member of the community.
Bosquit's career shifted to public service in 1890, leading to a distinguished tenure as El Dorado County's Tax Collector, County Clerk, Auditor, Recorder, and Sheriff. His dedication and efficiency marked his 16 years of service. Notably, as Sheriff, he led the pursuit and capture of escaped Folsom State Prison inmates in 1903, a dangerous operation that resulted in a deadly standoff on Manzanita Hill. He also co-founded the Pierce, Bosquit Abstract Company, a precursor to the Intercounty Title Company.
The Bosquit House, following its completion, was described as a "modified colonial" style home, measuring 52 by 35 feet. The first floor featured a large hall, parlor, sitting room with an open fireplace, dining room, kitchen, pantry, and two bedrooms. The second floor contained three bedrooms, two large closets, and a bathroom. The house was equipped with hot and cold running water and sat on a high concrete foundation with concrete steps leading to a colonial-style porch.
Archibald S. Bosquit passed away in 1911 at the age of 60. His contributions to El Dorado County, both in public service and business, left a lasting impact. His life, from his pioneer roots to his influential roles in local government, exemplifies a commitment to community and a spirit of public service. The Bosquit House stands as a testament to his legacy and the architectural styles of the early 20th century. Notably, the Bosquit family were good friends and neighbors to the Weatherwax family next door, fostering a close-knit community on Bedford Avenue.
Many of Archibald and Sarah's descendants continue to reside in El Dorado County today, including former County Supervisor Wendy Thomas, highlighting the family's enduring connection to the region. This continued presence underscores the lasting legacy of the Bosquit family in Placerville.
Historic Property #5: 2950 Bedford Avenue; First Church of Christ, Scientist
Year Built: 1933
Architect: George Sellon
Builder: James Morton
Architectural Style: Eclectic, incorporating Tudor and Gothic elements
The First Church of Christ Scientist in Placerville began as a small group of Christian Scientists meeting in a private home in 1901. By 1909, the group was recognized as a Christian Science Society, and services were held in various locations, including private homes, the Grange Hall, Masonic Hall, Eagle Hall, and the Shakespeare Club. In 1927, the Society purchased a lot at Bedford and Union Street, and construction of their church building commenced. Services began in the completed building in 1933, and the church was dedicated in 1934. In 1936, the Society applied to the Mother Church to change its name to First Church of Christ Scientist, Placerville, a change that was accepted in 1937. A reading room was also opened in 1936.
First Church of Christ, Scientist; Circa 1938
In 1954, the church was moved to its current location at 2950 Bedford Ave. to accommodate the construction of Highway 50. Remarkably, the brick veneer church was moved intact, without losing a single brick, a feat considered unusual given the steep terrain. The new location offered improvements such as increased parking space and the addition of a basement. In 1957, a Sunday School classroom addition was constructed on the west side of the church.
The building itself is characterized by its brick veneer, accentuated by patterned masonry, and tall, narrow Tudor-style windows. It also features three gabled dormers, a steeply pitched roof, arched Gothic doorways, and a large rear chimney. For many years, the church's identity was conveyed by modest wall-mounted letters reading, “First Church of Christ, Scientist.”
In 2018, the church installed an innovative sign on its front lawn, featuring an eight and a half foot shepherd’s staff fabricated by local blacksmith Dennis Dusek, and graphics by sign painter Shannon Chard of Yellow Sail Design. Church members and families collaborated on the installation. Nestled beside the Tudor Revival Shakespeare Club Clubhouse, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, is a complementary example of classic 1930s Tudor Revival architecture.
Historic Property #6: 2940 Bedford Avenue; Placerville Shakespeare Club
Year Built: 1930
Architect: Coffman
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Tudor Revival
The Shakespeare Club building, constructed in 1930, exemplifies Tudor Revival architecture. It features high, prominent gables and a composition shingle roof covering an open-beamed banquet hall with hardwood floors. The stucco exterior is accented with wood trim, horizontal siding, and varying gable heights. Unadorned steel sash windows and the integration of brick and stone walls, along with two graduated stone fireplaces on the lower level, contribute to the building's robust, Old World charm. Steeply pitched roofs and tall, narrow windows further define this distinctive style.
Shakespeare Club, Circa 1940
The Shakespeare Club's origins date back to May 2, 1897, when 20 women gathered at Mollie Schueler’s home in Placerville to form a women's organization. Choosing the name "Placerville Shakespeare Club" allowed them to pursue their intellectual interests without male opposition. Initially, the club focused on literary pursuits, with members reading and writing detailed reports on their chosen books.
In 1901, the club joined the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, shifting its focus towards community improvement. Members actively worked to enhance Placerville, placing garbage cans on street corners, advocating for the preservation of trees along the Lincoln Highway, and supporting legislation to protect the forest between Placerville and Tahoe. They also established a free kindergarten and promoted bonds for new school construction. The Placerville Arts Association originated as a section of the Shakespeare Club, further demonstrating their commitment to local culture.
For 15 years, the club met in the Superior Court at the Courthouse. In 1921, they purchased a home adjacent to the Courthouse. The 1929 bequest of $10,200 from member Mollie Wilcox Hurd enabled them to begin construction of a new clubhouse behind the Courthouse. A mortgage financed the remaining costs, which the women repaid by serving dinners and catering events.
Shortly after the mortgage was settled, plans for a new highway necessitated the clubhouse's relocation. The State of California covered the expenses of moving the building to its current site. This complex process involved cutting the clubhouse into three sections and moving them separately. One section's width required the relocation of a residence on Jackson Street, the demolition of a garage and walls, and the removal and replacement of a front porch from another house.
A new basement and foundation were constructed, and the three sections of the clubhouse were reassembled. The homes on Jackson Street were restored to their original positions.
By 1996, the aging clubhouse required significant restoration. The club members once again rallied, raising funds for necessary repairs, including kitchen appliance replacement, attic storage expansion, drapery replacement, new dishes, and improved walkways and landscaping. More recently, a new roof was installed, and a generous bequest from member Pat Relfe allowed for the installation of a modern HVAC system, a new storage shed, and other updates, ensuring the "Grand Old Lady" continues to flourish.
Historic Property #7: 2934 Bedford Avenue; Ollis-Plumado-Gladwill House
Year Built: 1859-1860
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: “Pioneer” with Gothic Revival elements
The Ollis-Plumado House, located in Placerville, California, has a storied past dating back to the Gold Rush era. The earliest known owner of the property was pioneer merchant, undertaker, and sexton (cemetery manager), Abraham Vedder, who sold it to Henry Ollis in 1862. Ollis, a local businessman, had previously employed John "Wheelbarrow Johnny" Studebaker, who would later become a renowned wagon and automobile manufacturer. In 1874, the home changed hands again when it was purchased by Francis Plumado for $600 in gold. A Canadian native, Plumado had arrived in Placerville in 1852, where he worked in various trades, including mining, ditch-agency, shoemaking, and orchard cultivation. The house remained in the Plumado family for 75 years.
Ollis-Plumado-Gladwill House; Circa 1950
The architecture of the Ollis-Plumado House is a fine example of 19th-century Pioneer-style craftsmanship. Built with locally handmade brick and thick lava rock walls, the house features a wood-shingled front gabeled roof, a plain boxed cornice, an arch-shaped central window, and gable-end windows adorned with decorative trim. A prominent open verandah wraps around three sides of the structure, supported by turned wood columns and spindle bannisters. Interestingly, the foundation incorporates old tombstones with engraving errors, likely made available to Vedder when he served as a sexton, adding to the home’s unique historical character. Situated on a hillside that was once extensively mined, the lower level of the house was built partially underground, reflecting the ingenuity of its early builders.
Francis Plumado and his wife, Jane Eliza Oldfield Plumado, played a significant role in shaping the property. They raised their four daughters here, and Jane, an avid gardener, planted the magnolia trees that still grace the yard today. According to anecdotal reports from Plumado family descendants, the Plumados converted their old chicken coop into a residence for the family seamstress, Ms. Josephine. Following Jane Plumado’s passing in 1927, the family continued to reside in the home for another 22 years.
The home’s history is intertwined with notable figures and events that shaped Placerville. In 1885, the house hosted the wedding of Frances Plumado and William F. Fairchild, who later established a well-known pharmacy on Main Street. They also made their home across the Street from Mrs. Fairchild’s parents, the Plumados. Family legend suggests that gold discovered during the excavation of the Fairchild’s Main Street building’s foundation helped finance the construction. The Fairchilds' store became a local hub, selling collectible postcards depicting El Dorado County landmarks and featuring an extensive collection of Native American Maidu and Miwok baskets, which were preserved by Mrs. Plumado Fairchild, who also became a fierce advocate for preserving California historic landmarks statewide.
The house later passed through the hands of five different families before being acquired by the family of celebrated local artist, Anne Gladwill. While living in the home, Gladwill painted her popular series known as “The Seasons”, which featured Placerville and its surrounding communities in each of the four seasons, celebrating the beauty of El Dorado County in spring, summer, winter, and fall. While raising three children, she became an active member of the Placerville Art Association and exhibited her pastel and watercolor paintings. Her work depicting small-town life garnered widespread admiration, and one of her pieces became the cover of the Sacramento Bee’s Home Magazine, leading to a 14-year career as a graphic illustrator for the newspaper. She also shared her artistic talents by teaching at Edwin Markham School, where she notably instructed future painter Thomas Kinkade.
Today, the historic Ollis-Plumado House continues to stand as a testament to Placerville’s rich past. Preserved as part of The Seasons Bed and Breakfast–a nod to the work of Anne Gladwill–the house provides guests with a glimpse into the Gold Rush era while offering modern comforts. Both the old family wood shed and former chicken coop turned Ms. Josephine’s cottage provide vintage charm for the inn’s guests. The Plumado Houses’ enduring architecture, deep-rooted family histories, and connection to Placerville’s artistic and entrepreneurial legacy ensure its place as a cherished landmark in the community.
Historic Property #8: 2928 Bedford Avenue; Walter Miller House
Year Built: 1898
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Queen Anne Cottage
Welcome to this charming Queen Anne cottage, built around 1898 by Deputy Sheriff and City Marshal Walter Miller, his wife Mary, and their growing family. Initially, the home likely served as a modest single-story, two-bedroom residence. The November 5, 1898, article in the Mountain Democrat stated, “Walter Miller and family have moved into their new residence on Bedford Avenue. It is one of the prettiest little homes on that street.” The home features an asymmetrical facade, a steeply pitched roof, a partial porch, and decorative elements such as ornate spindlework, architectural gingerbread, contrasting patterns of shaped shingles, and a prominent bay window.
Walter Miller House; Circa 1920
After civil service, Walter Miller's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a successful cigar-manufacturing company and a barber shop, adding to his local prominence. Later, the Millers sold the property to Nicholas Fox, a prominent local investor and speculator, and former Vice President of the El Dorado County Bank. Notably, Fox, who resided in his grand hilltop estate on Coloma Road, likely viewed this property as an investment.
Indeed, the home's history reveals that it primarily served as an investment property. By the mid-20th century, it was converted into two distinct living units. This conversion involved transforming the attic into a one-bedroom apartment, accessible via an exterior staircase and a separate rear entrance.
In the early 2000s, a significant restoration project returned the home to its original single-family function. This involved the installation of a striking spiral staircase connecting the two floors, the removal of the exterior rear staircase, and the transformation of the former landing into a delightful patio overlooking the rear gardens and the adjacent creek.
More recently, the home was owned by Joyce Bahnsen, a respected local artist and former proprietor of Art Studio 360 on Main Street, Placerville. Joyce's artistic legacy extends beyond her gallery; during her nearly 20-year residency, she adorned the home with beautiful frescoes and watercolor murals, remnants of which you can still admire during today's tour.
Historic Property #9: 2922 Bedford Avenue; Zeuner-McKay-Grover Basement
Year Built: Approximately 1896
(basement likely circa 1850s)
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Possibly Walter Miller
Architectural Style: Cottage
On the 1872 map of Placerville, the property at 2922 Bedford Avenue, designated as Block 27 Lot 8, is listed as owned by George Zeuner. However, Zeuner was not the original owner. Earlier records from the El Dorado County Recorder’s Office, dating back to 1865, before the establishment of blocks and lots, indicate that Charles Crippen sold land north of his property to George Zeuner. Fred Geary also sold land north of Crippen’s property to Zeuner. These parcels, both acquired by George Zeuner, were consolidated to form Lot 8 on Block 27, which is now 2922 Bedford Avenue.
Zeuner-McKay-Grover Basement; Circa 2025
In 1891, the property was sold to Walter Miller. Miller, who had the home at 2928 Bedford Avenue constructed to the south, may have been responsible for constructing the house currently at 2922 Bedford. El Dorado County records suggest this house was built in 1896 during Miller’s ownership. However, the cellar beneath the present-day home tells a different, older story.
Preliminary geological assessments of the cellar reveal that the hand-hewn foundation stones were likely quarried near Diamond Springs. These stones are estimated to date back to the 1850s, though their original purpose remains unclear. Given the presence of identified mine shafts and remnants on neighboring properties, a connection to early mining operations is plausible.
By the early 20th century, the cellar appears to have been converted into an apartment. Evidence of plumbing remnants in the outer porch area indicates the addition of a bathroom. Notably, the cellar apartment walls are still lined with early 1900s Stockton Record newspaper mat molds, which were used as a substitute for wallpaper. These mat molds, newspaper-sized sheets used to create lead negative images for letterpress printing, are now obsolete due to digitization. While letterpress printing survives for artistic purposes and in some small-town newspapers, its primary use was for advertisements.
The home changed hands several times before John McKay purchased it in 1916. McKay renovated the property, rented it out, and then bought a house across Bedford Avenue, where he lived until 1930.
McKay, born in Coloma in 1864, was a fruit grower and, in the early 1900s, had mining interests in Amador County. He filed a location notice on the Vulture Mine in 1926 and renamed it the Gold Bug Mine. McKay discovered a more prominent gold vein in the Gold Bug and laid tracks for ore removal. The improvements he made are what visitors see at the Gold Bug Mine today. No records were kept of the amount of gold extracted during McKay’s ownership.
Speculation suggests that McKay's interest in 2922 Bedford stemmed from its possible 1850s association with early mining operations. He subsequently sold the property to the Grover family, who occupied it for several years. Later, the property was further developed with the addition of apartments housed in two buildings at the rear.
Historic Property #10: 2985 Clay Street; James B. Blair House
Year Built: 1901
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Queen Anne/Princess Anne
The James B. Blair, Jr. House, built circa 1901 as a wedding present for his bride, Erla Blair, exhibits characteristics of the Queen Anne style, specifically a sub-type sometimes referred to as 'Princess Anne' or Edwardian. This sub-type, popular in the post-Victorian era, shares the Queen Anne's asymmetrical massing, multi-gabled roofs, and wrap-around porches, but features simpler surfaces and less ornate detailing. While the house retains the round tower common to Queen Anne architecture, its overall ornamentation is more restrained. James Jr., of the Blair lumbering family, utilized the finest Blair milled sugar pine and J. & J. Blair manufactured windows, doors, and roofing in its construction, highlighting the quality of materials over excessive embellishment.
James B. Blair House; Circa 1905
James Blair Jr.'s father, James Blair Sr., and uncle, John Blair Sr., arrived in El Dorado County in 1852 at the height of the Gold Rush. These pioneering brothers operated a way station on the Placerville-to-Carson City Road known as Sportsman's Hall, later a Pony Express stop. The Blair brothers established a lumber mill in 1856, opening additional sites through the late 1800s and early 1900s. James B. operated the mill at Sly Park, as well as the lumber yard and retail operation in Placerville. The Blairs, who mostly settled on Cedar Ravine and Clay Streets, were a deeply respected pioneer lumber and entrepreneurial family.
The house, distinguished by its round tower, gable roof, decorative leaded glass windows, and second-story porch over the entry, is where James Blair Jr. and Erla Blair raised their three children. The home holds a unique place in local history, not just for its architectural significance but also for its connection to James “Bud” Blair III, the son of James Jr. and Erla. Bud Blair, a Cal Berkeley rowing team member, achieved Olympic glory by winning a gold medal in the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, becoming El Dorado County’s first Olympic gold medalist. Bud, at 6’2” and 168 lbs, was the smallest oarsman in the winning eights team, which finished within a boat length of the other teams. Adding to his legacy, the very oar that Bud Blair used to row his way to Olympic victory can be seen today at the El Dorado County Historical Museum.
After Erla Blair sold the home in 1953 for $10,000, the property changed hands several times. In the early 1980s, Patsy and Richard Thompson purchased the then-dilapidated house and undertook extensive renovations, including a new roof, gutters, paint, sheetrock, and the installation of a heat pump. The Thompsons transformed it into a bed and breakfast, "The James Blair Mansion B & B," reviving the home's legacy and highlighting the Blair family’s lumber heritage. Later innkeepers rebranded the house as the “Sugar Pine Bed & Breakfast,” a nod to the original building material.
The house has seen numerous changes over the years, including alterations to the color scheme and internal layouts, such as the enclosure of sun porches to create additional bedrooms. It has also been featured in multiple historic home tours. The current owners of this beautiful property hope to reopen it as a bed and breakfast in the coming months. The James Blair Jr. and Erla Blair home stands as a testament to the Blair family's contribution to the region and the enduring charm of turn-of-the-century Queen Anne architecture.