#45. The Breen House

This adobe house was built in 1877.  A. G. Newgent, who purchased many of the developing Del Norte Corporation deeds, originally purchased the lots.  By August 19, 1876, he sold the lot 10 in block 51 to Maria J. Breen.  She was the wife of Michael Breen who was one of the first businessmen in Del Norte.  She was also the daughter of Thomas Tobin, and had one sister who was married to one of Kit Carson’s sons.  The Breens are most likely the builders of this home.  Michael Breen also purchased and owned lot 11 in block 51.

Michael Breen left for Silverton to run a mercantile business in June of 1877, but Maria and the children stayed here in this area.  Breen would visit his family during the winters, but would return to Silverton during the warm weather months.  Maria did move to Silverton after the death of her husband.  Maria spoke only Spanish.

By July 7, 1882, Maria J. Breen had given a quitclaim deed to George B. Kessler.  On the abstract, there are many names of people who were well known in the years of Del Norte.  Peter Barclay and Asa Middaugh gave mortgages as the property changed owners.

June 16, 1931, Catherine Falk purchased the property, and evidently her children Lester, Fred, and Lillian owned it.  Over the years it has been owned by Daniel Turnbull, Todd and Christine Wright, Frank and Betty Stanford, Sally Allee, and  Steve and Judy Nicolais.