Partners in Preservation

Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library

Christmas in the Adobes thrives because of its partners. More than a dozen stewards of historic buildings open them to the public each year to benefit our Monterey heritage community. One of the most stalwart partners is the Monterey History and Art Association, the real pioneer of preservation in Monterey.

MHAA was founded in 1931 with the mission of preserving Monterey’s heritage. Long-time president Colonel Roger S. Fitch began the Path of History, which still guides visitors through our streets. The group is probably best known for hosting La Merienda, Monterey’s gala birthday party, held in the Memory Garden at Pacific House nearly every year since 1931. MHAA also initiated tours of the adobes in 1945 to raise funds for the restoration of Casa Guitierrez. Back in those days, the owners themselves, including historian Mayo Hayes O’Donnell and philanthropist Margaret Jacks, welcomed guests to their homes.   

Three of the association’s buildings are featured this year. Casa Serrano (412 Pacific Street) is an 1843 adobe with an outstanding collection of paintings, furniture and decorative objects. The Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library is out of the way at the end of Van Buren Street, but it is at the forefront of local historical research. Located in the former St. James Episcopal Church (1876), it houses extensive historical archives and a photo collection (much of it now available online). Finally, the Stanton Center museum of history and art, located right on Custom House Plaza, will once again be a will-call location for CITA ticket purchasers. All of these buildings are open to the public regularly throughout the year.

Interior of the Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library