John Rains House
National Register of Historic Places 75-428
8810 Hemlock
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
909-989-4970
http://www.sbcounty.gov/museum/branches/rains.htm
Tues-Sat: 10a-3p
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
This National Register site is the restored 1860 ranch residence of John and Maria Merced Rains. The Rains House was built in 1860 by Ohio brick masons from bricks made by Joseph Mullaly from the red clay on the site. Its flat roof was waterproofed by tar from the brea pits in Los Angeles.
An open flume carried water from springs through the kitchen, into the patio, and under the house to the orchard, thereby providing cooling for the structure. The original house had an entry hall, a parlor, and three bedrooms in the front, with a patio area flanked by a dining room, a kitchen, a padré’s room, and two guest rooms. It is one of the oldest fired brick structures still standing in San Bernardino County.
John Rains planted 160 acres of vines in 1859. Wine and brandy made at Cucamonga gained wide popularity. An earlier small vineyard and winery is said to date back to 1839, thus establishing the claim that Cucamonga has the oldest commercial winery in the state.
The Casa de Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society was organized to assist in the restoration, maintenance, and furnishing of the John Rains House in keeping with its 1860 origin. Docents welcome guests when the house is open to the public.
A branch of the San Bernardino County Museum.
Contact the Historical Society for latest information.
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