Wapple House Museum
The Historical Society’s collection of artifacts is currently housed in the Wapple family home. McKenzie and Wolf Architects of San Jose designed this Prairie Style home for George Wapple, a pharmacist and a prominent citizen of the county. The home was completed in 1909 at a cost of $5888; this fee did not include fencing or fixtures. The Historical Society holds a long-term lease with the county, owners of this important historic structure.
The main house provides a much larger display area than the old maid’s quarters. Displays are changed on a regular basis, providing the return visitor with a changing view. Current displays include:
- Tiffany Motor Company
- Early Construction & Tools
- Hat Collection
- Native Americans in San Benito County
- The Wapple Family
- Hollister is Steinbeck Country
- Stanford Steinbeck, the oldest living Steinbeck family member (94 years of age) visited the museum on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 and was quite overwhelmed with the display of family photographs (he died September 27, 2003).
- San Benito Co. Day at Panama Pacific International Exposition
- Turn of the Century Family Entertainment
- History of San Benito County Churches
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- History of Pinnacles National Monument
- Civil War Display
The museum is located at
Fifth Street and is open to the
public on Saturday 9am to 12pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm; admission is free.
Arrangements may also be made for special tours.
The Museum in March 2005 (Click on the entrance door to enter the museum)
Stop here and learn about the history of San Benito County.
Copyright of all pictures by San Benito County Historical Society 2005