By Larry Clinton, Sausalito Historical Society
In last week’s column about the Queen Anne Victorian known as the Pines, we inadvertently ran a photo of another villa from that era, the Bower House. The photo accompanying this column is the correct one.
When Gil Purcell and Roxanne Sheridan undertook an eight-year restoration of the abandoned mansion, they committed to opening their doors to nonprofits for fundraisers. One of the first organizations to enjoy their hospitality was the Sausalito Historical Society, which staged a wine tasting and house tour at the Miller Avenue landmark in November 2012.
Now the Society returns to the Pines on May 14 for a gala to raise money to remodel the inside of the Ice House into a state of the art exhibit experience. The Ice House served as a mini-museum and visitors center at 780 Bridgeway from 1999 until the pandemic shutdown.
When completed, the renovated museum will invite interactive multi-media exploration of the intersection of Sausalito’s land, water and people. The open floor plan will also accommodate after-hours cultural events in Sausalito’s historic downtown.
For the May 14 Gala, attendees are invited to dress as their favorite Sausalito historical character or in cocktail attire, and enjoy local food, wine, and a silent and live auction.
Ample parking is available at the Spencer Avenue northbound bus pad, with a shuttle bringing attendees to the residential neighborhood of the Pines.
The live auction will invite bids on as stays at Bodega Bay, Donner Lake and Carlsbad plus numerous local temptations.
Visitors will be able to tour portions of the home to enjoy features such as the rebuilt grand staircase with an antique stained-glass skylight from South America, and the basement lined with recycled bricks which were installed in the style of 1888. That basement houses a wine cellar, large fireplace, a stage for musicians and other entertainment, and Radio Sausalito, a fully automated 24/7 jazz station humming along in one cozy nook.
With a keen eye and the patience needed to browse antique stores, flea markets and garage sales, Gil has brought home unique period additions, both functional and decorative, that have been worked into the renovation – doors, windows, fixtures, knobs, trims, skirtings and cornices, as well as stately furnishings.
Historical Society members and non-members are invited to attend the May 13 Gala. For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com and follow the links. Proof of vaccination will be required at entry.
PHOTO FROM SAUSALITO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Pines was built by Major Orson C. Miller in 1888