Benicia Historical Society

Page 9 NAVAS HOUSE ~ c. 1880 224 West I Street History:: If the walls of this historic Victorian home could talk, they would tell us the story of two notable families that occupied this house for the better part of the 19th century and all of the twentieth century. The first was the Quarney family, led by Irish emigrant John Quarney, who located in Solano County in the days immediately follow- ing the gold discovery and contributed to the ultimate success of this area as an agricul- tural center. Purchasing property in Benicia, he undertook ranching on a modest scale, and as his means permitted he enlarged his holdings and branched out in the grain and dairy business until he owned and managed two of the finest ranches in Solano County, one of five hundred and the other of three hundred acres. These he carried on with re- markable success for a number of years, or until he felt financially justified in retiring to private life, moving his family off the ranch and into town and leaving the management of the ranches to tenants. The second pioneer family to occupy this house, represented by Tom and Mary McKay, bought this home in 1969 and retained ownership until the recent sale to the Navas family. Tom was the grandson of Thomas McKay, founder of the first tannery located here in Benicia. His wife, Mary, was a founding member of the Benicia Historical Society and was the first woman elected to serve on the Benicia City Council. Architecture: Architecturally, this house is an interesting example of Queen Anne style. The builder is unknown. The house has retained most of its original ornamenta- tion and has integrity of design, setting and location. The house has a T-shape plan with a cross gable which displays an arched attic window. A covered porch with a shed roof and pediment occupies the east half o the front elevation. The front bay has an arched window with stained glass trim around its edge. The interior is a treasure of original trim and ornamentation fashioned by local woodwork craftsmen.