South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Baldwin House & Tallac Museum
Rustic Gem
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
1. Baldwin House & Tallac Museum Marker
Inscription.
Baldwin House and Tallac Museum. Rustic Gem. In 1920, at age 19, Dextra Balwin ordered construction of her summer house. The architect created a picturesque summer residence that reflected the simple, natural style favored by the wealthy in the 1920s. The house was completed in 1924 and is an outstanding example of rustic architecture. , Inside, hand-hewn walls and exposed rafters warm the spacious 5,000 square foot home. The house includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living room area, a butler’s pantry and a kitchen. Time spent here by family and friends was devoted to quiet pursuits. Children and close friends spent their time swimming, boating, and hiking.
In 1920, at age 19, Dextra Balwin ordered construction of her summer house. The architect created a picturesque summer residence that reflected the simple, natural style favored by the wealthy in the 1920s. The house was completed in 1924 and is an outstanding example of rustic architecture.
Inside, hand-hewn walls and exposed rafters warm the spacious 5,000 square foot home. The house includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living room area, a butler’s pantry and a kitchen. Time spent here by family and friends was devoted to quiet pursuits. Children and close friends spent their time swimming, boating, and hiking.
Erected by Tallac Historic Site, Tahoe Heritage Foundation and the US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 38° 56.379′ N, 120° 2.846′ W. Marker is in South Lake Tahoe, California, in El Dorado County. Marker can be reached from Heritage Way east of Emerald Bay Road (California Highway 89). The Baldwin House is located on the grounds of the Tallac Historic Site. Marker is located at the front of the building (lake side). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Lake Tahoe CA 96150, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Marker can be seen at the foot of the steps between two pine trees.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
4. An Additional Wayside Marker Located at the Rear of the Baldwin House
A Rustic Retreat
The Baldwin Estate
When ELias "Lucky" Baldwin died in 1909, he left his real estate holdings in the Tahoe Basin to his daughter, Anita Baldwin. A few years later, Anita gave her daughter Dextra McGonagle this six-acre lot on the shore of Lake Tahoe.
Dextra had a beautiful house built here in the popular rustic style in 1924. The architect was told to "spare no expense." She used the estate as a summer home, an extension of her social life in the city. Dextra spent more and more time in Lake Tahoe in her later years, until her death in 1967. Two years later, the title was relinquished to the federal government.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
5. Rear of the Baldwin House & Tallac Museum
The "A Rustic Retreat" wayside marker is seen at the foot of the pine tree.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
6. The Kitchen
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
7. Stove on Display in the Kitchen
This wood burning stove is from Lucky Baldwin's Cottage at the Tallac Resort, (circa 1900).
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
8. National Register of Historic Places Plaque
The plaque is mounted on the rear of the building at the Museum entrance door.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
9. A Pet Carrier From 1880 on Display
Sign on carrier
Imagine the pet riding from San Francisco (by train) to Truckee...then by stagecoach to Tahoe City...and finally by steamer to the Tallac Pier.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
10. View of the House From the South Gardens
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
11. View of Lake Tahoe Seen From the Front Entrance of the Baldwin House
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,606 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.