502 Pierce Street
1852 Monterey Colonial
This charming adobe home was likely built around 1852 by the original holder of the land grant, Francisco Pinto, on land that was assessed at $7.50 in 1850. After passing through several owners, in 1862 it became the home of Jose de la Torre, youngest son of a Spanish-born soldier, Don Jose Joaquin de la Torre, a general under Governor Alvarado and Alcalde of Old Monterey. Several generations of the Torre family lived here for more than fifty years.
Local artist, Myron Oliver (1891 – 1967), touted as a “painter, master /craftsman and dedicated civic leader lived in Casa de la Torre in the mid-twentieth century. Oliver was president and founding board member of the Carmel Art Association, as well as founder and director of the Monterey History and Art Association. He bought Casa de la Torre in 1924, and undertook significant renovations, including cutting the large rounded window in the building’s north wall. Oliver remained in the adobe for thirty years. As the Monterey Peninsula Herald noted, “[p]erhaps no other artist, with years of training and notable recognition for his creative gifts, has so freely poured out his rich resources toward the preservation of Monterey’s historic and esthetic uniqueness.” It remains a private home to this day.
Historic marker: Casa de la Torre: Built for Don Jose Joaquin de la Torre, alcalde of old Monterey.
Directions to next house: Turn left onto Jefferson Street, take your first left onto Dutra Street, take a shortcut across the parking lot on your right to Van Buren Street—or continue and turn right onto Madison Street, then Van Buren Street will be the next right and you’ll find the George Edward Selby House (554 Van Buren), #2 in the map below.
