The restoration of the Castro Adobe is almost finished! Plans for interpretive exhibits have been created. The installations will help visitors understand the life of the Californios and Native people who lived and worked on this land, through an innovative, touchable, hands-on experience in the historic adobe.
A key next step is furnishing the historic building with period-accurate pieces for the 1840s-era Rancho. To accomplish this, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is searching for historically accurate furnishings such as an 1840s-1860s era sofa, chairs, side tables and a washstand, as well as any items belonging to or related to the Castro family of Santa Cruz.
The photos below provide examples of the furnishings needed to tell the story of the Castro Adobe.
Empire Dining Table (shown closed)
Empire Dining Table (shown extended)
Empire Dining Chairs
Empire Center Table
Mantilla Comb (or other grooming items of the period)
Riatas (lasso) and other Mexican rancho era horse tack
Riata (lasso)
Empire Sofa ex.1
Empire Sofa ex.2
Religious items of the era (1840s) including santos, bultos, or crucifix
Flat desk
1840-60s Rocker
Empire Wash Stand ex. 1
Empire Wash Stand ex. 2
Hides
Clock
1840s-1870s Mantilla ex. 1
1840s-1870s Mantilla ex.2
Baby Spool Crib
Hand Painted Chinese camphorwood chest
Criss Cross Frames
Chinese Sewing TablePlease consider donating or selling these items to Friends. If you think you have one or more of the items on this list please email Jessica Kusz, Friends’ Historic Preservation Project Manager at Jessica@ThatsMyPark.org. Please include a description and photograph of the item, and anything you know about its age and history. Thank you!