Monterey Dames present a check to the Monterey County Historical Society for refurbishing of the Weeks House in Salinas. Pictured left to right: Dames Holly Ochoa, Ruth Donohugh, Marguerite Meyer, Pat Anderson, MCHS Board members Junel Davidson, Wayne Gularte, Jim Albanese, Dame Margie Martin, Curator James Perry, Dames Nancy Griffith, Marilyn Riehl, Marcia Harrington, Administrator Barbara Brown.
William H. Weeks Queen Anne Victorian House, Salinas
The Monterey Peninsula Committee of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America has partnered with the Monterey County Historical Society over the years to furnish or restore the buildings to their original state. The Colonial Dames and MCHS are now focusing on the Weeks House. The project is in dire need of further funding for a top-to-bottom reconstruction, and while invaluable, volunteer efforts have not been enough to reach MCHS’s goals to date.
Recent Event: The Colonial Dames and MCHS gathered in Salinas on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 to present a contribution check, to view the Weeks House recent work, and learn about future phases of the project. Tom Spencer, volunteer refurbisher, explained how he ordered special knives to be made to carve and replace the unique wooden gutters. Special pieces for the house skirting are being carved, along with outside corner elements.
The house is a historical gem that should shine in the Salinas Valley. Built by the Central Coast architect William H. Weeks, the notable house design features a unique Queen Anne style. Of special interest is the hipped roof with low cross gables; a conical witches cap topped with a tin finial; an elliptically shaped open porch with Tuscan columns and matching pilasters; a porch handrail with delicately turned balusters; a main gable head with an owlish decoration; paired bulls eye windows; and a side gable head with leaded glass and small diamond pattern lights. Fully restored, with greater help from the community, the Weeks House and History Center will showcase our local history.
Read more in an article published in the Salinas Californian.
Enjoy a slide show below of the event at the Monterey County Historical Society.
