Lovely--Historical.........by Joyce Oroz

Trolling around Watsonville in her red Mazda pickup, Josephine recently discovered one of the city's finest gems. Mind you, there are many gems in Watsonville--old Victorians in beautiful condition, perfectly landscaped. The one she discovered is an actual museum featuring one of the largest collections of antique dresses, wraps, hats and shoes--all the stuff Josephine usually doesn't care about. But she was dazzled by the beautiful displays of PVHA's extensive textile collection. 

Ever curious, Josephine wound her way around the property examining all the old buildings and finally entered a neighboring historic site, the Borina Archive/Alzora Snyder and Jane Borg Research Center. 

Docent, Richard Hernandez introduced himself and expertly showed her around, explaining what cabinet held what type of information, and if all the cabinets and files failed, one could always get the scoop from one of the computers in the building. The bulky old furniture alone was worth the tour. Of course Josephine saw it as a perfect way to collect information on "persons of interest."

In 1964, Helen Volck Tucker donated her house at 261 East Beach Street to the Pajaro Valley Historical Association in memory of her first husband, William Volck.  The Volck Museum served as the organization's headquarters from 1964 to 1997 until the PVHA moved to its current location at 332 East Beach Street.  

The PVHA has two major activities; the management of the historic Bockius-Orr House and the operation of the Alzora Snyder Archive and the Volck Museum.  The association's office is on the first floor of the Bockius-Orr House, which is open to visitors at no charge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, or by appointment.  Special group tours of the house, museum and gardens may be arranged, and the facilities are rented out for receptions,

weddings and small dinner parties.

All contributions are tax-deductible within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  

                                                    Tax ID#: 94-1663161

Historical items and photos from the PVHA are on display at the following locations:

Bockius-Orr House,
McDonald’s on Main St.,
Ella’s Café,
Erics Deli and
 California Grill Restaurant