John Derry House Multi-cache

The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates!
See the FINAL puzzle below

Please remember to only do these caches during daylight hours, be respectful of private property, and have fun! Good Luck!

About This Architectural Historical Landmark

This patent for this property was originally obtained in 1867 by John B. Frisbie, the son-in-law of General Vallejo.  In 1870, Thomas Elder built a house here that was the first structure built east of Napa Street.  Thomas B Elder was a tinner who also became a stove and hardware salesman.  In the 1890’s, the Christian Science Church met here in the front room of the house.  

According to the Vallejo City Directories from 1902 to 1913, the house was the residence of William Simon Babcock, who was the proprietor of the Vallejo & San Francisco Express. On the night the 7 February 1911, a fire broke out in the rear of the Vallejo & San Francisco Express office in Vallejo which also damaged an adjacent express office and fruit stand. The offices of the Vallejo & San Francisco Express were located at 425 Sacramento Street in Vallejo and 511 Market Street in San Francisco. In May of 1914, William passed away and the house was the home of his widow, Frances until 1917.

By 1918, the house was the residence of George Arthur Herbert who was a machinist at Mare Island.  According to George “Skip” Herbert, his grandfather George Arthur Herbert, moved to Vallejo shortly after marrying Zula Maude Jeffers in San Francisco.  He began working at Mare Island in 1901 as a machinist in Outside Shop 38 and Shop 4. The home would be owned by George Arthur Herbert until his death although the Herbert family did not always live in this house after 1920.  By 1923, this was the home of Glenn and Bessie Huffman.  In 1925, 1926 and 1927, the house was the home of Thomas Longworth and his wife Grace.  Mr. Longworth was employed as an electrician for the Vallejo Light and Power Company.

In 1932, George Ona Herbert, George Arthur Herbert’s son, opened a piano studio in the house. George Ona Herbert and Barbara Ingham were married in 1935 and raised their sons here until 1952 when they inherited the house.  For over fifty years, the house belonged to the Herbert family. George’s father, George Ona Herbert, told him that 803 Capital had a mud foundation which was replaced with concrete after the Herbert’s sold the property.  

By the 1970’s, the house was in poor condition and was condemned.  The house was later purchased by John Derry and his wife Ruth who completely renovated the house.  During the renovation it was found that the house appears to consist of two or more earlier structures and the current kitchen was created by enclosing a former porch. The house was again renovated in the 1990’s and was recognized by with an award for the historic renovation.