Originally built in 1818, the Avila Adobe is registered as a California Historical Landmark. Indeed, the entire historic district is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Being built in 1818 by Francisco Avila, The Avila Adobe has the distinction of being the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles.
Built out of sunbaked bricks, the Adobe was constructed to insulate against the extreme heat of summer and chill of winter. Walls are three feet thick, with ceilings fifteen feet high and supported by beams of cottonwood trees that grew along the banks of the L.A. River. Tar was brought up from the La Break Tar Pits a few miles away, being mixed with horsehair and rocks. This was used to bind the exterior of the building.
The owner, Francisco Avila, was a successful trader who brought in fine linens and furniture from Europe to deck out his home. The extended family lived here until the 1870's before an earthquake damaged it and the Adobe fell into ruin. By 1928, the city of Los Angeles condemned Avila Adobe and planned to tear down this piece of original history.
But an English woman named Christine Sterling stepped in. She nailed an impassioned plea to save the Adobe on the front door, right next to city’s notice of condemnation. She even started lobbying Harry Chandler, the owner and publisher of the Los Angeles Times, to run a campaign to raise awareness. The Adobe was eventually restored, designated a cultural monument and became one of the city’s most beloved and visited museums. It is open every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
Photo “Avila Adobe, Olvera Street, Los Angeles, California” by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
