Discover the Fascinating History of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley!
If you’re interested in the history of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley, you’ve come to the right place. Established in 1940, the Pajaro Valley Historical Association preserves, interprets and promotes the history of the diverse cultures that shaped California’s Monterey Bay area. The Bockius-Orr House has been our headquarters since 1997, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our Archive houses a historical treasure trove for the community. Plan your visit today and learn more about the history of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley.
Christmas Lights
Photo above is from 2023.
This year, bright and beautiful Christmas lights will adorn the Bockius-Orr house. From this November, 2024, through January 2025, drive by in the evening between 5pm – 10pm to take a peek at the outdoor Christmas scene. PVHA wishes everyone a happy, healthy holiday season!
Christmas at Bockius-Orr House
Come stroll through the Bockius-Orr house to view the awesome display of dresses and memorabilia. The holiday decorations will be completed by December 7 and will be on view through January 2025.
Memories of the Telephone Company
“I treasure all the memories from my phone company days.”
Our Mission
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association (PVHA) strives to preserve the history of the Pajaro Valley, which spans portions of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Collections include books, manuscripts, newspapers and other printed materials, historic posters and photographs, maps, several hundred oral histories, and historic materials related to agriculture, business, local schools and government, local organizations, and local families. We also have extensive collections of men’s and women’s clothing, spanning decades of fashion from the 1860s to the present.
Board President’s Message
Our Pajaro Valley Historical Association’s museum, archives and grounds continue to be a very important and active part of our Pajaro Valley community.
It is hard to believe that the first quarter of 2024 has already slipped into history. Our annual “stay at home” raffle raised approximately $15,000 for the 2023 PVHA budget. One of the raffle prizes was a dinner for eight guests at the Bockius-Orr house. This special pre-Christmas dinner, won by Trina Coffman-Gomez, included her family and friends. Thanks to Dominic and Martha Muzzi, Ken Schwan, and my wife Ramona, who hosted the dinner. The house ambience of the mid-1800’s added to the special event.
As we move into the second quarter of 2024, we are making plans for our PVHA Vintage Picnic, under the historic oak trees. We are pleased to announce that Mr. P. J. Mecozzi, CEO and owner of Del Mar Foods, will be our featured speaker. Mr. Mecozzi will share the history of Del Mar Foods, one of the oldest frozen fruit and vegetable processing companies in Watsonville. Mark your calendar for this special event: Saturday, June 29, 2024. More information will be coming.
Thanks to volunteer Bill Beecher and his team, who have created a very special graphic presentation of the ethnic history of Pajaro Valley. The presentation depicts the significant ethnic changes within Pajaro Valley from the early 1800’s to now starting with the Spanish Land Grants. It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Grayson Moore to our PVHA Board. Mr. Moore’s family has been and continues to be a strong part of Pajaro Valley’s agricultural industry.
I would like to thank our volunteers and approximately 275 members for being an active part of PVHA.
Sincerely, Chuck Allen
Board President