1985 HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT
The Redlands Area Historical Society, Inc.
Thomas Eaton Home
628 Alvarado Street
(1910)
If Thomas Eaton or his daughter Grace were alive today, they would be proud of their former home at 628 Alvarado. Built by Eaton in 1910, this fine home has been painstakingly restored by today’s owners, Ian and Dorothea Dinmore. Known to many as the proprietors of Julius’ Deli on Citrus, the Dinmores purchased the home shortly after arriving in Redlands, six years ago.
“Eaton House” ranks among the finest of Redlands’ Craftsman style homes. Built with broad eaves and gables, this structure is particularly significant for the use of poured concrete, stone-look siding on the first floor, the porch columns, and the chimney. In lieu of conventional wood railings, heavy iron chains, secured to the columns, grace the porch. It is said that Eaton poured the concrete himself and was responsible for many other details.
Eaton, who arrived in Redlands in 1891, was occupied in horticulture, growing citrus and eucalyptus. His love of plants was reflected in the extensive gardens and orchards surrounding his home. A reminder of this is the enormous Bunya-Bunya tree dominating the front yard today. Eaton’s daughter Grace was so enraptured with this tree she wrote and published a children’s story, telling of the imaginary birds and spirits which were said to inhabit its thick branches. Eaton’s horticultural legacy is carried on by the Dinmores, as evidenced in the immaculately landscaped grounds surrounding the house.
A few words from Mrs. Dinmore says it all: “I feel we owed it to Professor Eaton to fully restore this home. He obviously cared so much about it.” As we look at the house today, it is evident the Dinmores have more than met their obligation.
The Redlands Area Historical Society is proud to honor this unique example of Redlands’ heritage and to commend the stewardship of its present owners.
