The Peña Adobe and Mowers-Goheen Museum
(707) 447-0518 www.penaadobe.org
The Peña Adobe Historical Society and local authors: Fern Henry, author of “My Checkered
Life”, Sharon McGriff-Paine, "John Grider's Century" and Francie Vicondoa, "Spanish Doors,
Dishes and Dreams" are proud to announce the return of “Authors at the Adobe” at the
Peña Adobe Park on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 11am to 2 pm. The Peña Adobe Park is
located in Vacaville’s rural southwest section, just off Interstate 80 adjacent to Lagoon
Valley Park.
Come meet our local authors and tour the historic Peña Adobe home, one of the oldest
structures in Solano County. Dating back to 1842, the Adobe was once the home of the Juan
Felipe Peña family, who, with the Vaca family, settled in Vacaville over 170 years ago. Tour
the adjacent Mowers-Goheen Museum or take a nature walk around the historical park.
Chat with Fern Henry of Vacaville about her historic memoir of Luzena Stanley
Wilson. Learn of Luzena’s view of the California Gold Rush days, in which women were few
and learn what it was like living during 1849. Luzena, with her husband Mason and two
children, helped to establish the town of Vacaville.
In the summer of 1846 a group of Americans arrested General Vallejo. After filing their
grievances, they raised the Bear Flag and declared independence for California. John
Grider, an early African American pioneer, settled in Vallejo in 1850 and was a member of
the Bear Flag Revolt. A former slave, Grider was one of Vallejo's earliest residents & is the
subject of McGriff-Payne’s book,
Meet local author Francie Vicondoa. Her book is an assortment of old Spanish expressions,
Spanish recipes from the past and present, with photographs, and stories of Spanish
immigrants.
Local historian Jerry Bowen will be available to sign his pictorial history book “Images of
America – Vacaville”. Other books by local authors available will include Brian Irwin’s
“Vacaville Then & Now”, Elissa DeCaro's "Suisun City and Valley" and a selection of essays
by members of the Daughters of California Pioneers, "Daughters of History".
Park docents will be available to lead tours the Peña Adobe, California historical landmark
#534 & Museum. There is no entrance fee to the Adobe or Museum. Dogs are welcome on
leashes.
The volunteer led Peña Adobe Historical Society opens the doors of the Peña Adobe and the
Mowers-Goheen Museum the first Saturday of each month February thru December from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you have a passion for local history and are interested in volunteering,
or tours, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit www.penaadob.org.