Carmel celebrating 100 years of history

Carmel-by-the-Sea is having a year-long, city wide 100 th birthday. Their unique history is at the forefront.

“A man named Santiago Duckworth purchased the land in the hopes of creating a catholic resort, however there was a recession so he was forced to sell the land,” said Carmel City Clerk and History Librarian Ashlee Wright.

Frank Powers and Frank Devendorf bought the land, which is where Carmel’s story really begins.

“You got a lot with a tree. They were very forgiving of the people that couldn’t pay up front. Lots of people didn’t build houses right away they lived in tents or small log cabins or things of that type,” said Wright.

They decided to market the area as an artist colony.

“We have four performing art centers in one square mile. It just speaks to how much we continue to value the arts as much as our founders,” said Carmel Mayor Jason Burnett.

From brick and cobblestone, to wood shingles and green spaces, you can find a little slice of history on every block.

“You can look at historic photographs and see homes, and houses and business that really have not changed,” said Wright.

There are still no addresses, meaning that the Carmel Post Office is a pretty popular spot.

“There’s that great sense of community. You stop by the post office, you chat with your neighbors and friends you get the latest news and gossip. Carmel has really stayed true to itself,” said Wright.

“Just this railing right here that I’m standing next to, we debated that at a city council meeting. You know there was a lot of attention to just every single detail. Because it’s those details that add up to the beautiful town where we live,” said Burnett.

www.carmelcentennial.com