The house recently was recognized by the California Preservation Foundation with an award for restoration. The award was presented at the foundation's annual Preservation Design Awards event in Los Angeles in October. Longtime board members Frankie Rhodes and Elaine Oldham traveled to the Southland for the presentation.

"The CPF Award is a wonderful honor for Oakland," said Tom Frye, chief curator emeritus of history at the Oakland Museum of California. "It is a recognition of all of the truly dedicated individuals who have worked to save and preserve this jewel."

Frye recalled his early experiences with the house. In the early 1960s when the Oakland Museum collections were still housed there, awaiting completion of the new complex on nearby Oak Street, Frye's office was in the dining room.

"During that transition period, we used the old house for storage and for planning the new museum," Frye said. "From 1967 until 1969 when we opened the doors to the new facility, we were closed to the public."

Frye was instrumental in gathering support for forming a friends-nonprofit group to save the old house. The house was named for two of the families who occupied the home, starting in the 1870s, soon after San Antonio Slough was dammed at the 12th Street end to create what became known as "Merritt's Lake." The Italianate-style residence was slated for demolition until the volunteers, calling themselves the Camron-Stanford House Preservation Association, stepped in and assumed control.

In 1983 the association and the city entered into a 30-year lease, with an option to renew, to rehabilitate the house as accurately as possible, create public education programs and develop income-producing special events, as well as tenant rentals. In 2003, a new 20-year lease was signed, extending the association's role with the house for many years to come.

"The intention was to utilize the property for the public as an historical and educational example of the architecture and lifestyle of the Victorian era of California," Frye said.

The house is currently decorated for the holidays, says Frankie Rhodes.

"We traditionally place the holiday tree in the formal parlor, using ornaments belonging to the house, donated by members and friends over the years. Beneath the tree are authentic toys and dolls from the Victorian period, always popular with visitors," Rhodes said. One of the dolls belonged to Franklina Grey Bartlett, who grew up in the house. Later she would be married in the parlor, near the window where the holiday tree now stands.

Over the years, board members and volunteers have studied documents and newspaper clippings to gather as much information about the families as possible. Tours of the house are offered on a monthly basis.

"We base our decorating theme on an article from the 1860 Godey Ladies Book, 'Oh What a Beautiful Tree.'" Rhodes said.

This month, visitors can see the holiday decorations on the third Wednesday and the third Sunday in December.

"We will have the tree up in January too, so folks may come after Christmas as well," Rhodes said.

Groups of five or more may schedule special tours of the house by calling 874-7802.

"Frankie Rhodes and the other board members are to be especially commended for seeing this project through," Frye said. "They have done an outstanding job of overseeing 30 years of meticulous restoration so that we all can enjoy this unique Oakland treasure."

For more information on the awards, go to http://www.californiapreservation.org. Information about the Camron-Stanford House can be found at http://www.cshouse.org.

Also today, weather permitting, Bruce Loughridge and Solares House Movers will be moving a gorgeous two-story Stick style house from Seventh Street in Chinatown (between Webster and Harrison) to 14th and Peralta streets in West Oakland, said Betty Marvin. The project is being filmed for the Home & Garden TV show "Haulin' House."

"You will be thrilled and amazed to watch Solares at work," says Marvin. It should take all day and spectators are encouraged to come out.

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