Save Our Heritage Organisation
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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 & globe, books and the secretary desk are from the Whaley's 1880's home in New Town San Diego.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.Before
Entry hallway, painted white woodwork, pink industrial/commercial style wall to wall carpeting, misc. wall hangings, 1960ās 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.
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