Welcome to Heritage Park, a 7.8 acre historical preserve
dedicated to the preservation of San Diego's Victorian
heritage.
Acquisition of the park property by the County began in
1970 after concerned citizens formed the Save Our Heritage
Organization (SOHO) to gain a reprieve and raise funds to
save the Sherman-Gilbert house from imminent demolition. The
County Board of Supervisors budgeted $1.2 million over a 10
year period to aid in moving and exterior renovation of the
first 5 threatened structures. A HUD Open space Land Grant
paid for paving, grading and landscape improvements. The
County-owned buildings are leased to private or commercial
entities who are responsible for interior renovation in
keeping the Park's Victorian theme.
Heritage Park will operate not only as a museum, but as a
live functional center of commercial and social activity.
The restored buildings, open daily, accommodate specialty
shops, a travel agency and a restaurant featuring fine
Victorian cuisine.
Period architecture represented in Heritage Park
includes:
Stick Eastlake SHERMAN-GILBERT HOUSE (1887) - The
style named after Charles Eastlake English author and
furniture designer utilized applied "stick work". The
"widow's walk" and a circle window distinguish the first
structure moved to Heritage Park. John Sherman, cousin of
Gen. "Tecumseh" Sherman built this house. From 1892-1965
spinster sisters Bess and Gertrude Gilbert, patrons of art
and music, brought internationally famous
entertainers to receptions in their home. The County Parks
and Recreation Department offices filled the residence until
1978; a shop featuring heirloom lace and clothing is
situated upstairs. An art gallery will soon occupy other
rooms.
Italianate BUSHYHEAD HOUSE (1887) - Built by the
early San Diego Sheriff and San Diego Union newspaper owner
Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, this style combines double doors
with glass panels, tall protruding bay windows, regularly
spaced brackets, and a low-pitched loft. Specialty shops
fill every room in the Bushyhead house, offering antiques
and collectibles, needlework, baby gifts, gifts for men and
confections.
Queen Anne CHRISTIAN HOUSE (1889) - A popular late
Victorian style characterized by a variety of chimneys,
shingles, a corner tower and circling verandah identifies
this graceful home constructed by Harfield Timberlake
Christian, founder of an early abstract company in San
Diego; now the home of Heritage Park Restaurant serving
lunch daily, dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and a
special occasions by appointment.
Classic Revival BURTON HOUSE (1893) - Pediments
and dentil cornices attributed to classic sources mark this
house built by Dr. Henry Guild Burton, retired Army
physician, during a trend which by the turn-of-the century
began paring away decoration. A travel agent and specialty
shops occupy the Burton House featuring handmade items,
collectibles, boutique accessories, gifts, ornaments and
dolls.
Classic Revival TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL (1889) - San
Diego's first synagogue constructed by the Congregation Beth
Israel also became temporary quarters for numerous religious
sects before they established churches of their own. While
the building awaits funding for restoration, the splendid
columns and leaded glass windows are being stored. After
renovation, the structure will become a community
center.
Nineteenth Century Vernacular SENLIS COTTAGE
(1896) - A modest cottage built for Eugene Senlis, an
employee of San Diego pioneer horticulturist Kate Sessions.
Senlis, and the early residents who followed, managed
without amenities enjoyed in the larger Heritage Park homes.
Recently restored, the Senlis Cottage will become
headquarters for SOHO, where trained volunteer members will
offer public information on Historic Preservation and use of
a Restoration Resource library. Park restrooms will be
located on the north side of the building adjacent to the
parking circle.
For Further Information: Call County Parks &
Recreation at 565-3600 Monday - Friday, 8:00-5:00
Copyright 2000 Cammi @ Hillsdale Middle School
All rights reserved
