Del Mar History: Then and Now: Then and Now Two Houses Still Standing

The Alvarado-Levi House, built in 1885 on 10th Street by Del Mar’s founder Jacob Taylor, was first owned by Don Diego Alvarado who sold it to Adolph and Eleanora Levi. The house, known as the Alvarado House, is now owned by the Del Mar Historical Society and is decorated with period furniture and many photos. It sits “temporarily” on concrete blocks in the Fairgrounds where it is open to the pubic only during the annual San Diego County Fair.

The other remaining 1885 house, still on 10th Street, is the Edelweiss house. The first owner was an investor, Franklin West, from Nova Scotia. He sold it to Oscar and Lizzie Stelzner in 1898. The Stelzners converted the front of the house into a general merchandise store and opened a post office. When their daughter Effie married Horace Stolzy in 1905, Lizzie and Oscar moved to the Alvarado house and relocated their store to 9th Street. The newlyweds added the porch with its Swiss Chalet flourishes and the name Edelweiss in honor of Horace’s Swiss heritage. Many owners later, Julie and David Maxey bought it in 1973 and retained much of the design, old growth Redwood walls, and 12-foot ceilings.

Maybe one of these two treasures will someday be the home for the Del Mar Historical Society.

If you have photographs, stories, or even books to share, please contact us at info@DelMarHistoricalSociety.org. –Del Mar Historical Society