Whittier city feature
About this landmark
Whittier's oldest surviving structure and center of the city's founding
The Jonathan Bailey House, also known as "The Old Ranch House," stands at 13421 E. Camilla Street and is considered the oldest remaining building in the City of Whittier. The home's original core structure was built of redwood, and the house was constructed around 1868–1869 by Jacob Gerkens. The land was originally part of the Thomas Ranch, which was purchased by the Pickering Land and Water Company for $69,850 (approximately $55 per acre) to establish the Quaker colony of Whittier.
The Bailey Family and the Quaker Settlement
Jonathan Bailey, born in Prince George County, Virginia in 1819, became president of the Pickering Land and Water Company. He moved into the home in May 1887 at the age of 68 to lead the new settlement, and became known locally as "Uncle Jonathan." His wife was Rebecca Bailey. The first Quaker meeting in the area—comprising about ten people—was held on the home's front porch on May 15, 1887. The house served for a time as the center of Whittier's early business, social, and religious activity, and in 1892, the Baileys' Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration drew the entire community.
Evidence of the home's history remains visible in its structure. A line visible in the plaster on the north wall of the Master Bedroom marks where rooms were enlarged in approximately 1887. The interior is furnished with period pieces from 1865–1904, including original Bailey family items. Jonathan Bailey lived until 1904, and his wife until 1898.
Preservation and Public Access
The Jonathan Bailey House and grounds were deeded to the City of Whittier on January 7, 1975. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1977. The house is operated as a museum by the Whittier Historical Society, with the grounds maintained by the City of Whittier Parks Department with volunteer help. Admission is free, with donations accepted to support the house's upkeep through "Friends of the Bailey House," a committee of the Historical Society.
The house is currently open to the public for docent-led tours lasting about one hour. Visits are closed on rainy days and holiday weekends. Group tours of 10 or more people can be scheduled by appointment. The house is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors should note this when planning a visit.
Insurance connection: Historic Home Insurance
Historic homes like the Jonathan Bailey House pose unique insurance challenges for their owners and custodians. A homeowners policy has two main sections: Section I covers the dwelling and other structures, personal property, and loss of use; Section II covers liability. Owners of older homes must choose between actual cash value policies, which deduct depreciation, and replacement cost policies. Personal property coverage carries sub-limits within the overall contents limit rather than as additional amounts on top of it. Perils like flood, earthquake, and termites are typically excluded and require separate coverage. Eligibility and specific coverage limits depend on the individual policy. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: Wikipedia article on Jonathan Bailey House and Whittier Historical Society Bailey family page.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.