Casa del Oro, Monterey

The Joseph Boston Store, often referred to as Casa del Oro (House of Gold), was among the earliest general stores in the Monterey region. Constructed around 1845 using limestone and adobe, this two-story building was the work of Thomas O. Larkin, then the American Consul to Alta California. Around 1849, Joseph Boston took over the building, setting up a shop that sold a diverse range of items, from silverware and pans to walnuts and soap.

A notable feature of this store was Monterey's first safe, introduced by Boston. In the absence of banks, business owners like Boston had to secure their earnings, and his store's safe became a secure spot for miners to store their gold, likely leading to its nickname "Casa del Oro" or "House of Gold." Remarkably, the safe, as well as Boston's original desk, remain in the store to this day.

Monterey's status as a key seaport facilitated international trade, and Boston's store was a hub for this, dealing with various countries and attracting Russian sea captains, among others.

Presently, the store functions under the management of the Historic Garden League, a non-profit organization. It sells items reminiscent of the 1850s, including children’s toys, housewares, and candy, with a mix of replicas and authentic antiques. Adjacent to it is the Picket Fence Garden Store, also run by the League. Sales from these stores contribute to the enhancement of Monterey's historical gardens.