| This house was built in 1877 by Fred
Darke, a Civil War veteran and school teacher. At one point
the downstairs of this house was used as a classroom while an
addition was made to the school in Cambria where Darke was principal.
He later served as County School Superintendent and County Recorder.
1n 1889, the house was purchased by Alexander Paterson who
used the shop next door for his carpentry business. He also
set up barley mill business on the property. The house was
passed on to his son, Alexander Jr. whose wife, Amy became
Cambria's Postmaster.
In 1919, Earl Van Gordon bought the house. He operated a
general store, then was Postmaster and School Trustee and
later became a Justice of the Peace. Van Gordon moved and
by the early 1950's the house had become vacant.
In 1953, the house was acquired by Paul and Louise Squibb.
Paul Squibb, who founded the Midland School of Santa Ynez
Valley, retired to Cambria and was active in the Historical
Society. Under the Squibb's ownership, the house was maintained
with little change. This charming couple began an activity
known as "Squibbling" in which individuals comb
the street picking up litter. The Squibbs are much loved by
the community. Their presence is still felt in the hearts
of those that knew them and the memory of them lives on as
stories told of these special people.
In 1993, after working two years to secure planning, water,
archaeological and probate approves, Bruce Black, an experienced
renovator, became the owner and began work on the property.
Minimal changes were made during the restoration and some
of the furnishings were patterned after features in the house
and were hand built in the shop next door.
The Squibb House features:
5 rooms with private baths
Continental breakfast.
805 927-9600
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