September 2007 Vol. 26. No. 9

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

New Alzheimer’s Center
Did California speak?
Senior Fraud Alert
Driver Safety fall schedule
Think About It, Show up, make a difference
Unsung heroes: Senior employees appreciated
Ferndale: Bocce court is shaping up

Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue!

Brought to you by

New Alzheimer’s Center

Groundbreaking celebration signifies a passage of time and a new beginning for 1925 California St.

by Joyce Hayes

The Humboldt Senior Resource Center board breaking ground for the New Alzheimer’s Center on July 30, from left are Nancy Streufert, John Moore, Dianna Renner Noyes, Emily Arents, Murline Georgeson, Jim Anderson, Carol Riche and Jim Stanfield. Photo by Daniel Solomon/The Eureka Reporter.

It was 1887 when an upright-and-wing house was built on the parcel known as 1925 California St. Records show the 1888 assessment value to be $600. This building became the home to three families — the William Fay family, 1887-1910; the John Schorr family, 1910-1945; and the Jack Mozzini family, 1945-1988.

William and Mary Fay were natives of New York state. They moved to Eureka to be near their son Moses and wife Lida.

John Schorr, originally from Germany, immigrated in 1884 and married Minerva, a native of California. John and his son Adolph worked together in the plumbing business.

Jack Mozzini and wife Dorothy Purdy rented the house in the early 1950s, buying the property in 1954. Four children were born to Jack and Dorothy — Helen (Andres), Lisa (McKellar), Jana (Zerlang) and John. Helen and Jana recall that their mother loved music and gardening. They remember placing big river rocks at her direction to create the landscaped yard. Their father is remembered for his work in local civic groups, serving on the Eureka School Board and volunteering as a fireman with Engine #5. He was also active singing in the Christ Episcopal Church choir.

In the 1950s the house was remodeled, which altered its design and materials. The character-defining features of the original house — bay windows, porches, siding and doors — were replaced with 1950 features, changing the building’s architectural significance in terms of historical preservation.

In 1988 the house was sold to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center when the Mozzinis moved to a house on G Street to enjoy retirement and their family.

Even though the house at 1925 California no longer retained the rather handsome features which identified its 1887 heritage, its value as a family home deserves recognition. The Fays, the Schorrs and the Mozzinis found shelter and comfort in the old house, which served its function well for more than a century. It was a family home full of joy, love and everyday living that created memories and a legacy for the families who made it their home.

In preparation for the New Alzheimer’s Center to be built on the site, the house was taken apart and removed in November 2006. Nearly all doors, windows, bricks, floor and roof beams, major boards, metal piping and 80 percent of the siding were recycled to be used in other building projects throughout town.

The removal of this house is not the end but the beginning of a new purpose for this corner of the neighborhood. The New Alzheimer’s Center will continue with the legacy of bringing shelter and comfort to those who come to this site. The new garden will create joy and activity for many elders in our community just as it did for the families that came before.

Danco Builders has been chosen as the general contractor and will begin the year-long project. The building will provide care and nurturing to elders in our community.

Families and caregivers will be able to receive support, education and respite as they cope with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Dementia can seem to be a hopeless situation, but there is hope for patients and families to improve their quality of life. This is what the New Alzheimer’s Center will do for our community, and we are excited to watch this dream being built before our eyes.

Joyce Hayes is executive director of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center and publisher of Senior News. Information for this story came from the Historic Resources Report on the Fay/Schorr/Mozinni House prepared in November 2004 by Susie Van Kirk and Stillman & Associates.