Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

"The Determination of One Man"

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 24, 2008

1. "The Determination of One Man" Marker

Inscription. In October of 1906, Joseph Debenedetti constructed this two story mission revival commercial style building, which immediately became the center of commerce for Half Moon Bay and the surrounding area. Rising from the ashes of the devastating 1906 earthquake, it was the first concrete reinforced building in San Mateo County and symbolized the determination of one man to recover from a natural disaster and lead the way to resurgence of the San Mateo Coastline. Despite the absence of good roads and adequate transportation to and from Half Moon Bay, Joseph Debenedetti’s leadership helped the small rural supply center succeed in overcoming its isolation and prosper. That prosperity continues today at the Debenedetti Building and all of Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street. As one of the largest and most impressive structures in Half Moon Bay’s Downtown, it is a vital asset to the community’s architectural and historical heritage.

Erected 2006 by The Cotchet Foundation. (Marker Number SMA 038.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1906.

Location. 37° 27.879′ N, 122° 25.748′ W. Marker is in Half Moon Bay, California, in

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San Mateo County. It is at the intersection of Mill Street and Main Street on Mill Street. The marker is on the J. Bebenedetti Building which is located on the southwest corner of Main and Mill Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Half Moon Bay CA 94019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Joseph Debenedetti Building (a few steps from this marker); Zaballa House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Concrete Bridge Erected in San Mateo Co (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The James Johnston House (approx. one mile away); Miramar Beach Restaurant (approx. 2.8 miles away); Granada's Burnham Plan (approx. 3.4 miles away); Ocean Shore R.R. and Granada (approx. 3.4 miles away); Hotel El Granada (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Half Moon Bay.

More about this marker. This site is a California Point of Historical Interest (No. SMA 038).

There are two identical markers on the building. This one on the Mill Street side of building, and one on the front facing Main Street.

Mill Street View of J. Debenedetti Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 24, 2008

2. Mill Street View of J. Debenedetti Building

Note marker on wall to the right of the white doors

Main Street View of J. Debenedetti Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 24, 2008

3. Main Street View of J. Debenedetti Building

Note this marker's twin on the wall toward the left side of this picture.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,206 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.