UCSFRA: Tour Three Historic Buildings in Half Moon Bay

9:45 - 11:45 a.m

Visit the James Johnston House (aka White House of Half Moon Bay), the Half Moon Bay Jail Museum, and the historic chapel of the Community United Methodist Church.

We'll begin at the James Johnston House, the classic New England saltbox (two stories in front, one in back) built by ’49er pioneer James Johnston between 1853 and 1855 for his California bride. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house celebrated its sesquicentennial year in 2005. The tour will last 30 to 40 minutes and will provide information on the Johnston family and the efforts of local conservationists to save and preserve this historic building.

We will then drive into the center of downtown Half Moon Bay to tour the Half Moon Bay Jail Museum and the historic chapel of the Community United Methodist Church, both located on Johnston Street. The Jail Museum is more than 100 years old and served as the town jail until the 1960’s; it also houses a collection of interesting coastal artifacts and exhibits explaining the history of Half Moon Bay. We'll then head down the street to the Community United Methodist Chapel, built in 1872 and featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Charles Geddes, the architect of Yosemite Chapel, the chapel features beautiful stained glass windows made by a local church member.

There are many restaurants within walking distance of the tours for those who wish to stay for lunch in Half Moon Bay.