Algar's Garage

Photograph

-

Stinson Beach Historical Society

Name/Title

Algar's Garage

Entry/Object ID

1993-182-01

Description

This black and white photograph shows three buildings with false fronts abutting a dirt road. The nearest building has a painted sign over the wide door reading Algar's Garage. There are also signs (illegible) painted on either side the door. The other two buildings also have signs reading Algar's. The road is Highway 1 running through downtown Stinson Beach mainly showing Algar's Garage (at present The Surf Shop) but also showing the present-day Sand Dollar Restaurant and Real Estate Office Buildings. See notes

Collection

SBHS

Acquisition

Accession

1993-182

Source or Donor

B.R.Robinson

Acquisition Method

Gift

Notes

Born in 1901, Joe Avilla immigrated from the Azores prior to 1920. He built a barn at 3448 Shoreline Highway in 1924. It was used as a service garage from the 20's through the 50's. During the 1960's & 70's, it is used as a rec. center. Helen Kerr purchased the barn in 1973 and rented space to businesses and artists through the 70's and 80's. It is currently occupied by Live Water Surf Shop, Sand Dollar office and a gift shop. Joe Avilla ran a dairy ranch at Willow Rd behind and across the Eastcoot Creek from the Community Center. The house was known as "Shady Rest" and occupied by the Lacaze family then bought by the Stinson Beach Community Center with generous donation by John Topham. The 3 acres are being upgraded to include archival storage for SBHS and outdoor areas for gathering