Preserve the Furuta House
A Former Goldfish Farm
Historic Wintersburg Presbyterian Church
A NATIONAL TREASURE WHOSE HISTORY NEEDS TO BE PRESERVED
Historic Wintersburg, located in Huntington Beach, CA is a 4.5-acre plot of land that holds five structures, including one of the oldest Japanese missions in Southern California. The land is currently owned by Republic Services. Historic Wintersburg was designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Please help us in our efforts to preserve these historic buildings.
A GO FUND ME FUNDRAISER HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED
looking forward towards our goal
The vision is to provide a green space for the community where all cultures are celebrated and to provide a peaceful destination of pilgrimage to honor our past and structure our future. Educational programming will focus on cultural heritage, agricultural history, and current cultures to lead future generations to a place of understanding. With community input, this will be a valuable community hub.
HELP US PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN
The Historic Wintersburg property, currently owned by Republic Services, is fenced off, but vagrants are able to enter. In February of 2022, a 112 year old bulding at Wintersburg was damaged by fire. The remaining buildings need attention before they become too far gone to be restored.
DONOR RECOGNITION STONES - There will be engraved boulders inear walkways that recognize major donors. Stones and stone gardens are integral to Japanese culture. In Huntington Beach Central park near the cherry blossom trees is a large stone from Anjo, Japan. The reflection/stone garden is a vision for which we have been offered
consultation from the National Park Service at Manzanar. It will offer a place to sit, stand and reflect.
TREES/CHERRY BLOSSOMS - The original farm was lush with trees. The existing tall evergreen trees, which are over 70 years old need trimming, but should stay as they were planted by Charles Furuta as acommunity forest and garden. The experience of walking under cherry blossom trees is magical and a part of Japanese culture. Potentially, cherry blossom trees will line the east side of the property linking the annual Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival with Historic Wintersburg. HWC will collaborate with the Oakview community priorities on open space usage. .
AMPHITHEATER AND NICHOLS LANE WALL - A mini small amphitheater and wall along the property line at Nichols Street is one idea to maximize built-in infrastructure and make it multi-functional. Evening film screenings, story times, traditional dance or other performances will build a sense of connection. The wall can be a “green” wall offering
historic interpretation.
STRUCTURES - The historic 1910 mission and manse will be rebuilt with dedication to careful research. It is one of the last original Japanese American churches in Orange County. Once completed, Tthey will be furnished to present the original uses of the buildings and opened for docent led tours. The remaining structures will be rehabilitated and
utilized for educational uses workshops, cultural events and other locally valuable uses.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU