Museum House Maintained In Natural Setting At Original Location.
Los Altos History House Museum is located in what was once was a
thriving apricot orchard. It is an example of a shingled farmhouse with
interior craftsman design features, including beautifully-paneled redwood
walls and a uniquely constructed staircase. The house construction was started
in about 1900 and completed in 1905 by J. Gilbert Smith, a carpenter by
trade and later an orchardist. The city of Los Altos purchased the orchard
property and house from the Smiths in 1954 with certain usage privileges
retained until their deaths. The Smith's home, now History House, was
established as the City's Historical Museum in 1977 and has been operated by
the Los Altos History House Museum Association since that time. The
refurbished History House depicts life on the small family operated orchards
that dominated pre- World War 11 Los Altos. Furnishings of the 1930's bring
visitors into the past, while the serene garden setting is a perfect place to
sit and reminisce. Orchard life is further illustrated by outdoor exhibits,
including a one acre apricot orchard, an apricot-processing exhibit and a tank
house.
The History Museum House is located at 51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94002.
Hours: Wednesday, Saturday-Noon-4.00 p.m. and the first Sunday of each month, Noon-4.00 p.m.
Original Tank House At Rear Of Property
Inside The Tank House-Foreman's Quarters
Tour Inside the History Museum House
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