Maintaining Allensworth History for Future Generations

Allensworth general store

When CCC Corpsmembers arrived at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, paint was chipping off the exterior of the general store and other historic buildings. Over ten weeks, crews restored the structures to their original condition.

Ten weeks of renovations. Ten weeks of history lessons. California Conservation Corps crews had the honor to restore buildings and outdoor spaces at Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County for future generations of visitors.

“To think that I walked on the same deck and looked through the same windows as these people once did, it’s pretty surreal” said Corpsmember Carlos Arcos “it’s something I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life”.

A little more than 40 years after the first Juneteenth celebration, Allensworth became the first California town to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans.

Denise Kadara from the Allenswoth Progressive Association calls it “the mini black wall street” but noted how “the moment they reached success, the demise came” so the local community has had to fight to maintain that history.

Two Corpsmembers apply white paint to a screen door.

Two Corpsmembers apply white paint to a screen door from one of the buildings in Allensworth to return it back to it’s original condition.

“We’ve been restoring different houses, different buildings” said Camarillo Corpsmember, Ashlin Dobbie, “I personally have been restoring screen doors: sanding them down, priming them, and repainting them.”

Together, ten CCC crews brought seven structures back to conditions of historical significance from when the town flourished circa 1908 – 1918. “Being able to restore something close to its former glory feels really good,” Ashlin reflected.

As they wrap up this project, Corpsmembers are leaving with much more than the restoration skills they’ve picked up. They’ve learned the park’s history and are proud keep those stories alive so that even more people can appreciate the significance of Allensworth California.

Allensworth House before and after restoration

CCC Corpsmembers sanded and painted the exterior walls of the Allensworth Home. They also reconstructed 100 feet of fencing around the property. Colonel Allensworth, a founder of the town, constructed this home in the early 1900’s as part of a larger vision to create a community where African Americans could live free from discrimination.