The Casa del Oro (Joseph Boston store) was one of the Monterey area’s first general stores, built around 1845 by Thomas Larkin. Soon after, Joseph Boston leased the building and opened a general store. The store contained the first safe in Monterey. There were no banks in Monterey, and Mr. Boston had to provide his own security for the proceeds of his store. It is thought that the nickname "Casa del Oro" (House of Gold) was given to the store because miners returning from the gold fields would arrange to store their gold in the safe. Monterey was an important seaport and the store traded with many countries of the world for merchandise.

Created with gouache paint on 140 lb. Legion hot pressed Stonehenge Black watercolor paper, this painting measures 2×3" and comes in a signed mat and frame that brings the overall size of the piece to 3.75x4.75”. It ships free.

Colors of original painting may be slightly different than what you see on your monitor screen. Artist signature, year of creation, and artwork title are included on back of painting. Copyrights remain with artist.