La Casa De Machado y Silvas

La Casa de Machado y Silvas (Commercial Restaurant)
Site Improvement Project

Beginning in the spring 2013, California State Parks will partner with the Descendents of Old Town, the San Diego Women’s History Museum, and others to refresh La Casa de Machado y Silvas. Project goals for this multi-disciplinary project include improvements to the building structure, upgrades to the historic landscaping, and developing a plan for programs and exhibits at La Casa de Machado y Silvas.

Replacements and repairs will be made to the interior and exterior floor tiles, the western interior wall, and the back room wall and window. A muslin ceiling will be installed, and the herb garden will be expanded into a model huerta (kitchen garden). A comprehensive interpretive plan will also be developed for the site. This plan will help provide direction for future educational interpretive programs and exhibits on the site – both inside and outside of the building.

Work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2014. If you have any questions or would like to get involved with the project, please contact Darren Smith at darren [dot] smith [at] parks [dot] ca [dot] gov.

History of the Building and Family

Machado Home to Serve as Meeting Hall
By Ruth Taunton (San Diego Union, 1942)

The Silvas Family in Old Town
By Alexander D. Bevil (California State Parks, 1995)

The Machado Sisters: The Californians of Old Town, San Diego
By Victor Walsh (California State Parks, 2002)