Averee McNear, Kelley House Museum, Author at The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA • Page 12 of 12

Columns & Opinion

Mendocino’s Kelley family’s independent daughter Elise continues one tradition: philanthropy

by Averee McNear, Kelley House Museum October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Widowed at 33, Elise won the right to manage her own wealth and became one of the richest women in California.

A black-and-white portrait of a seated man and a standing woman in formal Victorian-era attire, posed against a plain backdrop with ornate furniture and a fur rug.

Columns & Opinion

Mendocino’s William Kelley sailed with the county’s first sawmill

by Averee McNear, Kelley House Museum October 16, 2025October 19, 2025

William and Eliza Kelley’s life story is ever-present in Mendocino today.

A black-and-white photo of a deteriorating Victorian-style house with boarded windows, a sagging front porch, and peeling paint, showing signs of long-term neglect and weathering.

Built in 1861, Mendocino’s Kelley House Museum is a window into the past

by Averee McNear, Kelley House Museum October 9, 2025October 9, 2025

Saved by two intrepid amateur historians and the founder of Jack in the Box, the house is now an archive and exhibit space.

We depend on your support. A generous gift in any amount helps us continue to bring you this service.

One-time

Donation amount

$

Monthly

Donation amount per month

$

Annually

Donation amount per year

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

We'll create a new account for .