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The Whaley House Interior Restoration

In December of 2000 SOHO became managers of the complex for San Diego County Parks and Recreation.

In 2002 we began the interior restoration. In the years 1869 to 1871 the Whaley family shared their residence with Whaley and Crosthwaite general store, courtroom, and the first commercial theatre in San Diego. SOHO has returned the use of rooms to reflect the most significant period of the homes history.

Focusing first on these main rooms pictured here, the restoration continues next with the dining room, downstairs guestroom and courtroom. A long-term goal is to recreate the lean-to kitchen that was removed in the 1950's.

Before Commercial hotel-sized stove sits beside the fireplace; the ever present porcelain doll of 1960's era museums sits in the archway. After Parlor and Study, carpet installed and period accessories added. Room furnishings arranged according to the decorative standards of the day. After Parlor corner facing southwest.


Before Parlor facing southwest, miscellaneous antiques, one of six keyboard type instruments that were in the house, one example of the excessive duplication of items that had accumulated over the years. Before Fireplace and archway mantle painted white, along with white walls and white woodwork, miscellaneous antiques of various periods haphazardly arranged. After Period wallpaper, carpets, lace drapes, lighting, faux grained oak woodwork, mantle painted its original black.


Before Study. Note sofa, which was one of 4 or 5. After Corner of study. The items in this picture all belonged to Thomas Whaley. The top hat and globe, books and the secretary desk are from the Whaley's 1880's home in New Town San Diego.


Two left photos Before Now the theatre, this area was made up into a suite of rooms, a master bedroom and sitting area combined. After The Theatre. Originally in 1857 this was the first parlor and dining room and then became the theatre in 1869-70. Now with woodwork faux grained, raked stage built, authentic painted backdrop, curtains and period lighting we present various 19th century type programs and performances throughout the year. Two right photos Before Entry hallway, painted white woodwork, pink industrial/commercial style wall to wall carpeting, misc. wall hangings, 1960's replica wall sconces as lighting. After Hallway, grained woodwork, faux marble block walls, hall tree, period ceiling hung hall lighting.


Before General store area was made up as a dining room. After The original use of this room was the general store. The residence was actually built to house the general store, not as an afterthought. This most significant piece of the history of the Whaley house is once again the 1870-71 Whaley & Crosthwaite general store.


We hope to have the rooms completed by the holidays, please come visit.

2004 - Volume 35, Issue 3

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

Court Sets Aside Port's Coronado Belt Line Lease

SOHO Takes Leadership Role


Disposable World


San Diego's Un-Recovered Past Obliterated & Forever Lost

The Event of the Season


People In Preservation Award Winners


Coronado Ordinance Scores a Victory for Local Historic Preservation
Designation of Coronado Railroad to be Appealed

SOHO's Dedication to Preservation


Eleven Most Endangered Historic Resources


Another Save!!!


New Resources in the California Room


Meet Summer Intern Stephanie Gordin


Chris Ownby


Whaley House Educational Series


ROMP!


A Home Run for Preservation


2004 Annual Membership Meeting


Annual Call for Board of Director Nominations

The Whaley House Interior Restoration


The Verna House Restoration


The SOHO Museum Shop Reopens


A Guide to Modern San Diego


San Diego Modernism Weekend


SOHO Museum Shop at the Whaley House


Strength in Numbers


Lost San Diego


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