Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds

Photographed by David "Kiwi" Yarborough, Grand Historian NSGW, June 20, 2015

1. Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds Marker

Inscription. In 1913 the Young Women's Christian Association founded Asilomar as its first permanent conference grounds for the western United States. Constructed during a time of progressive social and political change for women in California and the United States. The YWCA chose architect Julia Morgan to design Asilomar's buildings and grounds. In 1952 a local "Save Asilomar" committee lobbied the YWCA and the State of California to preserve the property. Asilomar became a California State Park on July 1, 1956.

Erected 2015 by The Native Sons of the Golden West HPF and California State Parks. (Marker Number 1052.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels • Women. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1956.

Location. 36° 37.127′ N, 121° 56.29′ W. Marker is in Pacific Grove, California, in Monterey County. It is on Asilomar Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove CA 93950, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically 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 2 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies: Balance Lost and Found Again (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gipsy (approx. one mile away); Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House (approx. one mile away); Frank L. Buck House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gosby House Inn (approx. 1.1 miles away); Centrella Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Chautauqua Hall (approx. 1.1 miles away); Point Joe (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pacific Grove.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a granite boulder behind the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall which is on the conference center grounds, not immediately on Asilomar Avenue.

Regarding the confusion of dates listed: State Parks dedicated the marker in 2014 but did not have it mounted. After mounting the plaque, the Native Sons of the Golden West were asked to dedicate it on June 20, 2015.

Photographed by James King, April 19, 2014

2. Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds Marker

The marker is sitting on the stage in the chapel during the State Parks dedication in April 2014.

Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David "Kiwi" Yarborough, Grand Historian, June 20, 2015

3. Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall

The marker is in the foreground, covered with the California Bear Flag before the dedication and guarded by the Grand President's mascot, Squirrel.

NSGW Dedication Team image. Click for full size.

June 20, 2015

4. NSGW Dedication Team

Left to Right:
Ron Brocco, Sonoma Parlor #111, Grand Marshall
Carl von Bargen, Bidwell Parlor #21, Grand Trustee
Carey Pearce, Santa Lucia Parlor #97, Grand 3rd VP
David "Kiwi" Yarborough, Sonoma Parlor #111, Grand Historian
Squirrel
Dean Zellers, Sonoma Parlor #111, Grand President
George Adams, Napa Parlor #62, Grand Trustee

Photographed by James King, April 19, 2014

5. Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall

From the vicinity of the chapel.

Inside the Hearst Social Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, April 19, 2014

6. Inside the Hearst Social Hall

Merrill Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, April 19, 2014

7. Merrill Hall

Auxillary Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, April 19, 2014

8. Auxillary Marker

JULIA MORGAN
1872-1957
Architect and Engineer
Designer of the plan
for
ASILOMAR
1918-1928
builder of
Gateway-Administration Building-Chapel
Auditorium-Lodges-Dining Hall
and all early structures

Sing o heavens and be joyful o Earth
and break forth into singing o mountains - Isahia 49:13

(This plaque is mounted inside the Hearst Social Hall, near the front door.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 990 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.