Is Romaggi Adobe Worth Saving?

The deteriorated stone structure still stands, lonely, three miles south of Angels Camp. But Adrian Nestor is determined to save the building and turn it into a museum and possible wine tasting bar.

Nestor was Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

The “Romaggi Adobe Association” would like local residents to be aware of the history associated with the building and they believe that it will become a future tourist attraction in Calaveras County.

Nestor is both the founder and president of the Association. He began this project in 2002.

According to Nestor, James Romaggi was a twenty-four year old stone mason from Italy. He found gold quite shortly after arriving in the one-time boomtown of Albany Flat (where the building stands) and may have had a quartz claim near Melones. Romaggi’s wealth rapidly increased to $4,000. In today’s money, that would be equivalent of $770,000.

Romaggi built the two-story stone building for his family in 1852. The structure doubled as Romaggi’s home and at various points in history, also served as a general store, a bar, a gambling room and a winery.

It is the only gold rush era stone building left standing between Sonora and Jackson.

The endeavor to save the building is an expensive one. Full restoration will cost over an estimated half million dollars. However, Nestor is optimistic that the project will be done.

To help raise funds, Nestor is bringing the Reunion (formally known as the Letterman), with songs that include “Put Your Head On My Shoulders” to the Bret Harte High School Theater in Angels Camp on Friday April 22nd.

Concert tickets are $50 and are available at Middletons Appliance or by calling (209) 736-9522.

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.

Written by mark@mlode.com