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.
"The Determination of One Man". . 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.
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. Marker 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.
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.
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
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 1,919 times since then and 18 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.
