Welcome to the old adobe
Visitors can get a taste of what life was like for early Californians at an adobe that has stood for nearly 200 years.
The Costa Mesa Historical Society is hosting its 46th annual Early California Days from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Diego Sepulveda Adobe in Estancia Park, 1900 Adams Ave..
The event will mark the society’s anniversary.
“Come and learn about some local heritage and have fun at the same time,” said Terry Shaw, historical society vice president of programs.
The historical society got its start through the restoration of the adobe, Shaw said.
The annual event comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 9 of the Segerstrom family’s donation of the historical landmark and its surrounding five acres to the city.
Early California Days, which is free, will take residents back in time when nearly extinct skills like corn husk doll making, leather working, wool spinning and wood carving were widely used.
Some participants will dress up in early period clothing as they do demonstrations and let kids try some of the activities, Shaw said.
Chapman University sociology associate professor Paul Apodaca will speak at 1 p.m. on how California Native Americans contributed to the creation of the missions, Los Angeles and early Orange County cities.
Food trucks on site will donate a portion of their proceeds back to the historical society.
“There is a lot of exhibits for people to look at and the adobe is open for tours,” Shaw said.
The adobe was used as a stopping point between the San Gabriel Mission and the San Juan Capistrano Mission for the followers of Father Junipero Serra.
Residents can visit the historical landmark from noon to 4 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month.
Twitter: @britneyjbarnes
If You Go
What: Early California Days at the Diego Sepulveda Adobe
When: noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: Estancia Park, 1900 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa
Cost: Free admission. Food will be available for purchase
Information: https://www.costamesahistory.org or call (949) 631-5918