Winter 2025

state, and secured restoration funding through the California State Legislature. Work occurred in 1901 on the central portion. Artists Charles Rollo Peters and Charles Dickman were brought in as consultants to ensure historical accuracy. Additional state-funded work occurred in 1917. By 1930, a museum had been created in Custom House, and the state opened the doors to the public. In 1938, the state pur- chased Custom House from the Federal Government. Half of the purchase money came from community members. In 1970, the environment surrounding Custom House took its present form. In a four- year urban renewal project, Custom House Tunnel and Plaza were built, and parts of various streets were removed to create the space where the Conference Center and Portola Hotel now sit.That same year, the museum was re-curated to its current presentation. In the late 1870s, artists began visiting Monterey in numbers; many took up residence. Although landscapes were the principal genre back then, for many decades, artists often paint- ed Custom House. The list of Custom House painters is long and includes Lester Boronda, Harry Stewart Fonda, Christian Jorgensen, Bertha Stringer Lee, Pedro de Lemos, M. Evelyn McCormick, Jo Mora, Mary DeNeale Morgan, Charles Rollo Peters and Manuel Valencia. Many of their works are on permanent display at Casa Serrano in Monterey, Trotter Gallery in Pacific Grove, and elsewhere.The artworks are a testa- ment to the past importance of Custom House. The next time you are in the area, consider paying Custom House a visit. Imagine the building in its various eras and uses, and in its various states of construction and repair. Imagine the human activity in and surrounding the building as it passed through the decades—the people, their affairs, the languages, the dress. Chances are you will depart with a sense of awe—and respect. Custom House is located at 1 Custom House Plaza in Monterey, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Above) Known as “The Prince of Darkness, ” Charles Rollo Peters excelled at noc- turnes. (Center) Oil by Christian Jorgensen. (Below) Block print by Pedro de Lemos. 120 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 Photo: Courtesy of Joaquin Turner Gallery Photo: Courtesy of Monterey History & Art Association Photo: Courtesy of Trotter Galleries