Founders' Park
and the Woelke-Stoffel House is a two-story Queen Anne built in 1894 during Anaheim's citrus era. Visitors will enjoy expansive shade from the heritage Moreton Bay Fig tree while exploring park walkways and trails through a recreated
Recently added to the property are a large Carriage House with a style that compliments the architecture of the Queen Anne home, and a new Pump House and windmill reminiscent of the citrus era. The new outbuildings, typical in 19th century Anaheim, create additional space for exhibits and programs, while also providing meeting space and restroom facilities. Nearby, the windmill and orange grove demonstrate the vital relationship between water and agricultural prosperity. A vegetable garden, working water pump, clothesline and sundial supply opportunities for hands-on activities. Founders’ Park is the perfect setting for tea parties, themed fundraisers, intimate weddings
History of the Site:
Founders’ Park is located on the western boundary of the original Anaheim Colony, comprising approximately one acre, of the original 20-acre Vineyard Lot C-7. The Anaheim Colony was originally founded in 1857, with fifty 20-acre Vineyard Lots planted with primarily Mission grapes. Having built a successful viticulture industry, the colonists were devastated when an unknown blight (now called Pierce’s Disease) wiped out 400,000 grapevines between 1884 and 1888. By the 1890s citrus groves had replaced the original vineyards. Additional successful crops included walnuts, Anaheim chili peppers, sugar beets, lima beans, potatoes, cabbages, and strawberries.
The Mother Colony House, the oldest remaining wood-framed building in Orange County, still stands as a symbol of Anaheim’s viticulture era. George Hansen,
On September 26,
On December 18,
On March 31,
The Founders' Park plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 23, 2009, and approved by City Council on November 17, 2009. The name “Founders’ Park” was recommended by Anaheim residents involved in the community input process and approved by City Council on April 13, 2010.
On August 31,
Both the Mother Colony and Woelke-Stoffel houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 2013. Commemorative plaques for both homes were dedicated on June 7, 2014.
Founders' Park
not being offered at this time. However, you can still experience them by taking virtual tours.
Click the links below to view each building at the historic site.