When visitors first step onto the second floor of the Rancho Los Cerritos adobe, their eyes are inevitably drawn to the artifacts on display in the period rooms, the architectural structure of the windows, or the photographs of the Rancho’s various occupants. Yet, a critical historical element that many visitors miss is right under their feet.
Like the artifacts and photographs on exhibit, the floors on the upper level of the adobe also tell a story–one that Rancho Los Cerritos is working to preserve.
The second floor of the adobe is used to interpret Rancho Los Cerritos from 1866-1881 when it was home to Jotham and Margaret Bixby. In the 1930s, following a period of tenant occupancy, Jotham’s nephew, Llewellyn Sr., purchased the property from him and had it remodeled. The floor visitors walk across upstairs is the same floor from the 1930s remodel. Now at nearly one-hundred years old, the floors of the adobe are beginning to show their age.
Our historic floors take on the footfall of over 10,000 visitors per year. Footsteps inadvertently bring structural vibrations, abrasive dirt particles, moisture, and scuffs–all of which take their toll on the floors of the 182-year-old adobe.
Currently, the second story is closed to the public as we prepare for conservation work to safeguard the historical integrity and craftsmanship of the adobe’s upper level. The preservation of these floors requires specialized knowledge, which is why we work with professional conservators who treat historic wood floors like artifacts rather than building materials. And when it comes to preservation work on any artifact, our guiding principle is always to repair rather than replace.
We look forward to completing floor conservation soon to safely reopen the second story to the public.
