Ferndale in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

A. Berding House

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

1. A. Berding House Marker

Inscription. The Berding House, also known as the Gumdrop Tree House, was built by pioneer merchant Arnold Berding in 1875. Berding owned the first general store in Ferndale. The gumdrop trees are coast cypress which were planted in 1865 and have always been trimmed to have their distinctive shape. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1983. It is still owned by Berding descendants.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.

Location. 40° 34.522′ N, 124° 15.849′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. Marker is on Bluff Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 455 Bluff Street, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Danish Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Danish Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Victorian Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Mildred Radanovich (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Ivanhoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferndale Palace Saloon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ferndale Meat Market

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(about 300 feet away); Ferndale Masonic Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places.

"The A. Berding House is nominated to the National Register as an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Built during Humboldt County's settlement period, the house retains an unusually high degree of historical and architectural integrity. As one of Femdale's finest examples of 19th century design, the A. Berding House was identified as a contributing building in the community's designation as a State Historical Landmark in 1975. The A. Berding House remains a highly significant part of Femdale's heritage—a heritage of fine 19th and early 20th century houses and commercial buildings which provide a unique historic character to this rural California community." ~NRHP Nomination Form

(Submitted on August 24, 2023, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

2. A. Berding House Marker

Possible vintage hitching post resides in front of the home and marker.

A. Berding House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

3. A. Berding House

Gumdrop trees (coast cypress) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 20, 2023

4. Gumdrop trees (coast cypress)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2023, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2023, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.