Welcome to the
Historic Landmarks of Vallejo
Geo Trail!
This is one of 18 caches that are intended to introduce you to the Historic Landmarks of Vallejo, California. The complete list of caches are referenced on GC65Y05.
They are not recommended after dark.
Instructions for the "Vallejo Historical Landmarks GeoTrail"
1. Obtain a VHLGT Passport. You can pick one up in person at either the Vallejo Visitors Bureau, 289 Mare Island Way or the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street. Current hours of operation are listed on GC65Y05: VHLGT Trailhead.
2. When you find a VHLGT geocache, sign the log and record the code word specific for that Landmark(s) on your passport.
3. Share your experiences online when you get home. Log into your geocaching.com account and track all of the caches you’ve found. Let us know in your log if you’re a first time visitor to Vallejo.
Limited Edition Geocoin
• Find at least 16 Vallejo Historical Landmarks GeoTrail geocaches (passport with code word recorded) and receive a free Visit Vallejo geocoin. (Only one geocoin per household or team.)
To Obtain Geocoin
• After finding the caches, each team will be required to stop by either the Vallejo Visitors Bureau or the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum to have their code words verified. Coins will not be mailed. Please consider hours of operation when planning your visit.
* Geocoins are available while supplies last.
About This Architectural Historical Landmark
#4 Harrier Riley Levee Home 720 Georgia st
This house dates to 1897 and was originally built for a local attorney, Lewis Harrier, who was a co-owner of the Vallejo Evening Chronicle during the early years of his law practice. He later became a judge. Architect William A. Jones is credited with designing the house, although that's not certain. Jones designed many homes and civic or commercial buildings in Vallejo.
Prominent Vallejo merchant Sarjah Levee bought the house from Harrier in 1905. The house remained in the Levee family until 1946, when Wyman and Marjorie Riley purchased the home. Wyman Riley was the longtime managing editor of the Vallejo Times-Herald and the Vallejo News Chronicle, and Marjorie Riley was a newspaper columnist and author.
The architectural style of the house isn't clear-cut, and has been described as several styles mixed together. Architectural history professor Diane Kane, with the California Preservation Foundation, says the very steep gabled roof pitch and a jettied upper story indicate a Gothic influence. She also notes Classical elements such as the front porch, and says the shingles are clearly a reference to the Shingle Style. The exposed rafter tails are Arts & Crafts, as is the lower roof pitch on the center roof dormer, and the upturned eaves are Asian.
Kane says the 1890-1900 period was a transitional one where several styles were competing for attention, with some becoming popular and others on the wane but still in use by builders who were making design decisions with the help of pattern books and journal articles. Her best guess for this house is Shingle Style, but she also says she could make good arguments for Arts & Crafts or Aesthetic Movement. Kane says the Aesthetic Movement said anything beautiful is good and it all works together just fine. Hence, styles were randomly piled together in "jubilant excess."