Old House Club

Special Valentine’s Day Edition of the Old House Club – Feb. 12, 5-6:30 pm. SOLD OUT

Join Napa County Landmarks for a special Valentine’s edition of Old House Club, hosted by homeowners Janet and David, whose Late Victorian Cottage offers a compelling reminder that the best houses—like the best relationships—are built to last.

A Home with Stories to Tell

Built in 1885 and relocated to its current site in 1908, this Late Victorian Cottage has been a residence, a business hub, and a reflection of Napa’s evolving history. Constructed of old-growth redwood—complete with saw marks from an enormous 36-inch blade—this home retains the character of its past while embracing thoughtful updates for modern living. Its recent three-year restoration, led by architect Jackie Mendez and contractor Mark Dew-Hiersoux, has breathed new life into the property while preserving its unique charm. The owners, Janet and David, designed the interior with an eclectic and historical style, ensuring the house’s “soul” remains intact.

Inside, the house is a blend of old and new. Cat6 internet cabling, app-controlled lighting and locks, and ductless HVAC units bring the convenience of modern technology, while original features like the Douglas Fir floors, handmade architectural details, and historical fixtures anchor the home in its past. The center hall reveals muslin, newspaper, and horsehair walls, a nod to early construction methods, alongside heirlooms like a portrait of Janet’s grandmother and a vintage Staffordshire poodle lamp.

Each room tells a story. The living room features a fireplace mantel repurposed from salvaged materials, paired with custom artwork inspired by the owners’ love story. The kitchen, once a three-sided porch, now boasts a LaCornue stove like Julia Child’s, hand-carved oak window frames, and whimsical champagne cork floor plugs.

Throughout its history, the home has hosted families, businesses, and even a tamale parlor. From the Bird family in 1908 to the Imperial Tamale Parlor in the 1920s, its walls have witnessed generations of life and enterprise. Today, this restored gem stands as a vibrant tribute to Napa’s architectural heritage and the creativity of its stewards.

Built around 1895, the house at 2117 First Street has stood witness to more than a century of Napa’s changing character and community life. Early residents included John E. and Harriett O’Neill; he worked as a bank teller at the Bank of Napa. A.A. Gruber, owned the home in the 1910s. A blacksmith and later paint shop owner from Rochester, New York, his family was noted for their lively gatherings. By the 1930s, the home belonged to Dr. C.E. McCormick and his family, well-known local physicians, followed by a series of residents whose stories reflected the era—from Navy reservist Harry Hartman in the 1940s to George and Mrs. Rae, civic-minded locals involved with Mare Island Naval Shipyard and the March of Dimes. In later decades, the house sheltered generations of working families, including William “Tom” Noakes, a former major league ballplayer, and Dan McGraw, a World War II shipyard worker. Through the years, the property changed hands many times, each owner leaving a trace of their story in the life of this enduring First Street home.