Rich Past Gets A New Home

The is dealing with an old-as-time problem: too much success.

The Watsonville Planning Commission helped tackle the issue Tuesday when it unanimously approved rezoning a house near the association's site on East Beach Street.

The organization will grow into a single-family home next door to the historic Bockius-Orr House, where the historical association operates from, according to Regan Huerta, who filed the rezoning petition.

The planning commisison not only supported the growth but praised the work—mostly volunteer—of the association. Commission Chairman Pedro Castillo even recommended becoming a member and attending their Christmas party.

The problem for the Historical Association is its success: it receives so many donations of archival materials that it simply needs more space. The new acquisition, after some renovations, would house the overflow and make it possible to for better access by both volunteers and visitors.

The new site will allow better public displays of a unique collection of
costumes, such as the wedding dresses and military uniforms. The archive also
includes photographs, journals, and documents that tell the story of life in the
Pajaro Valley.