After visiting the Mormon Battalion Center and having lunch, we toured historic Old Town San Diego Village.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (established in 1968 and is six city blocks) preserves and recreates Old Town as it existed during the Mexican and early American periods, from its settlement in 1821, through 1872 when it lost its dominant position to Downtown.
Cousin's Candy Shop--reminiscent of those old candy stores.
It's always mesmerizing to see a mechanical taffy puller pulling and stretching the saltwater taffy, and this store had so many flavors! They also made 16 flavors of fudge.
There were so many different kinds of candy, but---
---the kids didn't seem to have any problem finding their favorites!
The original brick courthouse was built in 1847 by several members of the Mormon Battalion Company B, U.S. Army, including William Garner. It was built with private funds, and was the first fired-brick structure erected in California. Before that, adobe bricks were made to construct homes and buildings, which were not fired.
The courthouse has been reconstructed.
Ashley and the kids coming out of the Courthouse
The reconstructed Colorado House, originally built in 1851, was a two-story hotel. Now the building houses Wells Fargo Bank and is a museum.
Inside is an original 1868 Wells Fargo Stagecoach and several historical pieces.
Carved Indian advertising tobacco
Doug collects these old scales, and so we just had to take a picture of this one.
McKay taking a break!
Historic buildings (original and reconstructed) lining the town square, Plaza Viejo.
Taking time out to relax on a picnic bench on the town square.
Something very unique and fun about Benny--He loves to collect and carry around papers. Notice the paper that is in his hand. He gets so mad at his mother if she throws any paper away. This reminded us of Ashley when she was his age. We called her the "Little Bag Lady" because she transported all of her favorite things in a Little Tykes shopping cart.
Interesting gnarly tree on the town square that gave us shade.
The Seeley Stable--A reconstructed mid-19th century, well built, two-story stable and barn that houses a collection of horse-drawn buggies, wagons, carriages, saddles and western memorabilia.
Inside the stable, there were even some Kachina dolls--something we teach 4th and 5th graders about when we do Southwest Indian Outreach at the museum.
There was also this interesting cabinet full of horseshoes.
The kids trying on hats from a leather store in the Park. However, the building is not old--established in 1973--but gave us the feeling of being in a bygone era.
If anyone ever has the chance to visit Old Town San Diego, we would highly recommend the experience.
Tomorrow we're going to the San Diego Zoo!!!
2 comments:
These kids just love trying out everything, don't they?! That is so fantastic! They are eager learners which I love! The picture of McKay resting on the old bench is priceless. You need to blow that one up. I haven't been to San Diego for so many years, I had no idea there was so much to see and do there historically. Like you say, we will definitely have to visit there sometime! By the way, Amy's little boy, Isaac, loves paper, too, but he loves to shred it--any paper--napkins, whatever. It is so interesting their little habits they get into, right?!
what a fun town!
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