News And Events

Jail Renovation
The Jail is now closed for renovation until May. Proposals for painting the interior and exterior of the Jail have been received. This also includes repairs for patching cracks and reglazing the windows. At our March meeting we will discuss updating our displays and what should be included to best represent the history of the Coastside.
March 20, 2004

Historic Coastside Mixer
The Half Moon Bay/Coastside Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Historic mixer at the James Johnston House on Thursday, April 15, 2004 from 5PM to 7PM. All Spanishtown members are invited to attend.
March 20, 2004

Pumpkin Festival Haunted House
During this year's Pumpkin Festival the Thomas Johnston Barn built in 1877 and located behind the Jail on Johnston Street will be the site of a haunted house. Through a collaboration between the Young Actors Workshop (YAW) and the Spanishtown Historical Society (SHS) the barn will be divided into six rooms each with a different theme: agriculture, farming, dairy, a blacksmith's shop, a kitchen and a country store. The project was organized by SHS president Marina Fraser, recovering from a softball injury, and YAW director Auri Naggar. Naggar's students came up with the individual theme ideas and set up the house with historical artifacts. It will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday 18-10 October, 2003. The cost is $3 per person. More information can be obtained bay calling 726-1304.
October 16, 2003

Cunha's Country Store Destoyed by Fire
As are all Coastsiders we are devastated by the tragedy that occurred Wednesday evening May 21, 2003. The Society has not yet had a chance to react to this horrible event, but as a 22-year resident and avid local historian I (assistant Webmaster, Jim Nourse) cannot think single loss of a building and institution as tragic in the nearly 200 year history of Half Moon Bay. We will do our part in the recovery that is already underway.
May 24, 2003

Pescadero History Project
The Pescadero history group is collecting oral histories and documentation on the old farming families, businesses and local history of the area. Gina Capers is our contact and is attending the group's meetings. They were very interested in accessing the Society's archives. Gina was welcomed by the Pescadero group as a "goddess" for bringing our copy of the 1890 Pescadero census book. The census books along with other files are now on load to the group for their research. We hope to have Meg Delano of the history project speak to the Society sometime in the future. If you have any historcal material or recollections from Pescadero or know people who could help please contact Meg at 650-879-9557.
May 24, 2003

Main Street Mural
Charles Nelson, owner of Nuestra Tierra reports the mural painting of historic Half Moon Bay icons will begin sometime in June. The Society has contributed to this project. $2000 more is need for the $8500 project. To raise the remainder Charles is planning a Fiesta Fundraiser at Nuestra Tierra at 6:00 Pm Friday June 20. There will be food, refreshments, raffle prizes, and entertainment by the well-known classical guitarist Richard Johnson. Tickets will be $20 and will include a raffle ticket. You can get tickets at Nuestra Tierra, 421 Main Street or leave a message at the Society Voicemail 726-7084.
May 24, 2003

Holiday Tea and Boutique Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed for the Johnston Holiday House Boutique and Tea to be held November 1,2,8,9 2003. Edit Phillips has already taken the lead on this project with many activities underway. She needs lots of help. Mary Lou Cunha-Orange is still recuperating and replacing her efforts alone probably would require an additiional 3-4 volunteers. Please contact Edie Phillips at 726-2153 to help.
May 24, 2003