Name/Title
Plate, CommemorativeEntry/Object ID
2011.043.0001Description
Souvenir Plate - white with black lithodgraph of the Benicia State Capitol Building: "California State Capitol / 1853 - 1854 / Benicia, California" 10" diameter
Information on reverse side: Official Capitol Restoration Souvenir In 1852 the "Old Capitol" was first erected, in three months time, by the City of Benicia for use as a City Hall. During the era of the "Roving State Government", Benicia offered the building to the Legislators for the Capitol of the State of California. The offer was accepted and in Feb. of 1853, the Fourth Session of the Legislature convened in Benicia. However in Feb. of 1854, thirty-nine of seventy-four Legislators voted to move to the City of Sacramento, which has remained the Capital ever since. Throughout the century which followed, and while it slowly fell into a state of disrepair, the old, red-brick 'Capitol' served many purposes in the Community-Life of Benicia. Then, because it was the only early State Capitol still standing, the building was restored by the State of California during 1956-57, and was dedicated as a State Historical Monument at Restoration Ceremonies, March 15, 1958. (L.M.) [note: L.M. is LeNoir Miller]
Also on the back is the maker's mark: Eggshell / Theme / Homer Laughlin / Made in U.S.A. inside a green wreath.
included with the plate is a metal, spring style plate hangerCollection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection![Commemorative Plate - Benicia State Capitol 1853-54 [issued circa 1958]](https://d8e7jbdw4fu0e.cloudfront.net/11167/f9f15700-2980-11ee-86d7-2133f09bee2f-vd2nese.lg@2x.jpg)
