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Images of America: California
Sam's Castle
With romance, elegant parties, and dashing, uniformed gentlemen, this charming castle story is almost what one might expect. But add in dramatic police raids and rumors of bodies buried in the garden, and it becomes the very unique tale of Sam's Castle. Built in 1908 as a haven for the earthquake-rattled Henry Harrison McCloskey (grandfather of former congressman Pete McCloskey), the castle served as a home, speakeasy, rum-runner signaling station, abortion clinic, and U.S. Coast Guard lookout during World War II. Despite its turbulent history, however, this castle story has a happy ending. In the care of the Sam Mazza Foundation, the magnificent estate will remain a treasured Pacifica landmark for all to enjoy.
- GenresNonfiction
127 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 21, 2019
The "Images of America" books are photo albums of locales scattered around the country that are of historic interest, often mostly to the people of that area. I previously read San Francisco's Bernal Heights because my mother was born and raised in that neighborhood in San Francisco, in a house built by her father and grandfather. She recognized some of the names of the folks mentioned therein.
I'd never heard of Sam's Castle until a buddy suggest we visit, so I looked into it and found this. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed seeing the Lowell High School uniforms from 110 years ago — this time last year I was teaching Algebra at that storied school. And I wasn't surprised, but again marveled at how the region used to be such barren-appearing scrub and grassland. Pacifica today lies at the foot of heavily forested hills, but in those old photos there are barely any trees to be seen. The same thing is true of old photos of San Francisco. We humans do like our woodlands.
I'd never heard of Sam's Castle until a buddy suggest we visit, so I looked into it and found this. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed seeing the Lowell High School uniforms from 110 years ago — this time last year I was teaching Algebra at that storied school. And I wasn't surprised, but again marveled at how the region used to be such barren-appearing scrub and grassland. Pacifica today lies at the foot of heavily forested hills, but in those old photos there are barely any trees to be seen. The same thing is true of old photos of San Francisco. We humans do like our woodlands.
March 1, 2024
Author Bridget Oates' book filled with history of a most beautiful, building filled with incredible antiques and to boot - often salacious history - is a must to get the full flavor of a space that transcends time. I started it after a visit and read to the wee hours of the morning. I just couldn't put it down. Ms. Oates lays it out with facts, and photos in an enjoyable reading way. She's done an excellent job that entices the reader to take a step back in time and enjoy the many characters' stories that lived in this unique place. The photos are in black and white depicting photography of the eras. But if you visit the richness of color, deep dark wood, lively colored antiques, soft lighting - all brings the sparkle of life then alive! I hope anyone reading this will be in preparation to visit Pacifica's historical castle - the home to many different residents. Is it haunting by some of them? Visit and you will experience if that is a possibility.
March 25, 2017
Growing up in Pacifica, this mysterious fortress loomed on the horizon - what was the story there? We could see it from the highway, and later when I attended Oceana H.S., I would often hike up the hill during my lunch hour, and peek through the gates of the Castle. I saw enough to be tantalized - statues, glimpses of chandeliers, etc., but never received any definitive answers about its history, as the castle was uninhabited during that time (late 1960s-70s). "Sam's Castle" finally explains so much about "our" castle, and the stories are as wild as I thought they would be. I expected the rum-running and the parties (these had often been reported in our local paper, the Pacifica Tribune, and before that, the News-Call Bulletin). However, there were other surprises that I won't go into, in case you want to read it for yourself. Bridget Oates weaves the story seamlessly, with clear and detailed photos; there were many "Aha!" moments for me. I think that the book will interest anyone who enjoys mysteries and unique Americana, like Sam's Castle.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews