Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
2007.046.0221Scope and Content
Color Photograph:
2015 East Second Street Benicia CA
Parcel Number: 87-021-13
Common name: Leigh Ranch
Historic name: Hastings - Borges - Newman Ranch
Wood Water Tower and Barn,pasture land, hen house,
Olive Grove
at end of East U Street/now Rankin Way
The wooden water tower/tank house on this old farm appears to be of late 19th century construction. The tank is approximately 8' high by 8' in diameter and is constructed of vertical staves with horizontal metal strapping; it sits on heavy timbers supported by a truncated pyramidal open frame tower. The tower/tank house is recorded on the 1919 tax appraisal wth a value of $145.00; however, the present out-buildings and house do not seem to be consistent with the 1919 survey diagrams. The one-horse gable roof barn with hay loft has a one story lean-to at each side with a recent extension on the easterly side. The framing is poor quality 2 x 4's five to six feet on center. Exterior cladding is mostly horizontal lap siding with some irregular medium to wide planking on one side which appears to be salvaged lumber. The structure is supported partially by concrete footings and appears to be of early 20th century construction.
To the far west of the property is a large impressive grove of olive trees which may be quite old. In the eastern section near the tower are several walnut, almond, fruit, and evergreen trees.
This 9.98 acre farm or ranch was in the 1850's-60's part of the huge S. C. Hastings farm which in 1867 produced wheat and hay. In 1878 most of the Hastings property was owned by Henry Borges who was listed in the 1886 voter register as a farmer from Germany, naturalized 1859. Between 1880 and 1907 the large tract was apparently subdivided into smaller parcels. In 1919 according to City tax appraisal survey, most of the buildings were @ 30 years old and were owned by F.E. Newman who may have operated a chicken ranch on the site. Subsequent owners other than the Leigh family are unknown at this time [1986] but the land seems to have been in continuous use as a ranch or a farm since 1850's. Today the property is completely surrounded by dense build-up. It is an island flanked by a service station, motel under construction, single-family homes and a freeway. The olive tree grove and the tower/tank house are the most historically significant aspects of the property. It may be feasible to relocate the water tower if it can not remain where it is. The grove and tower offer historical focal points and recall Benicia's once vital agricultural past. The mature olive trees are visually significant from the freeway. [unknown what happened to the water tower]Collection
Benicia Architectural Study - 1989
