Hill House: Unique piece of history

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Bedecked in intricate woodwork and Victorian motifs, the Hill House stands apart from modern dwellings surrounding it on South Church Street in Lodi.

The white Victorian house is unique, like its history in the city.

The 1901-circa home — and its entire contents — were given to the people of Lodi when its owner Maurice Hill died in 1984.

Filled with family mementos and items from the past, the Hill House is the city’s only history museum.

The home was built for George Washington Hill, a prominent Lodi jeweler and watchmaker, and his family in 1901.

It was originally located on School Street, across from where Lodi’s current post office stands.

George Hill, along with wife, Mary Lewis, daughter, Nellie, and son, Maurice, moved into the home in 1902.

The Queen Anne Victorian house was constructed by the Cary brothers, the two builders of the Lodi arch and the first elementary school in town.

Maurice Hill later had the house split into two sections and moved 10 blocks to its present location.

The move was prompted after city officials decided to change the business district in the late 1940s. Several homeowners were forced to move their homes or face demolition.

The house had some renovations over the years, including adding plumbing and heating. A dishwasher was also added to the kitchen and a second-floor studio was created so Maurice Hill could paint and practice music.

Hill played piano on several radio programs and taught music. He also wrote poetry and studied the history of Lodi.

Some of Hill’s work was published in Lodi Historical Society newsletters after his death.

Hill lived in the home until his death in March 1984. His aunt Daisy Pleas also was resided in the home for many years.

He never married and had no heirs. Neither did his sister Nellie, who died at 29 of pneumonia.

Hill decided he wanted the home to be a tribute to his family, said Ralph Lea, a Lodi historian.

“He thought a lot of his mother and sister and he wanted to do it for them,” he said.

So upon his death, Hill had the house put into a trust, Lea said. He hoped it would become a San Joaquin County museum. But officials were more interested in selling the contents and property, Lea said.

The Lodi Historical Society lobbied to keep it for the city, he said. The trust eventually leased the house to the society.

“It’s probably the only historical house in the Central Valley that has its original contents in it,” Lea said.

The house is unique because it was occupied by the Hill family for most of the 20th century, he said.

Hill treasures are now set in glass cases and “Please do not touch” signs are scattered throughout the home.

The museum is filled with artifacts such as a curling iron heated by an oil lamp, a handmade grandfather clock, hand-sewn Indian costumes, and beaded dresses.

Lea said some furniture dates back to the 1880s.

The historical society has rearranged some furniture since Maurice Hill lived in the home and added other pieces of interest.

Some new acquisitions in the last year include an organ and a grand piano, said Bev Hoag, historical society president.

Thousands of visitors tour the nine-room home each year.

Christmas and spring events also draw several hundred of people.

The Hill House is open 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays at 826 S. Church St. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, call (209) 369-6073.