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The 1878 Variel Home
The 1878 Variel Home was built by one of the first
emigrants to pass through American Valley. Joshua and Mary Variel made the
long, arduous journey from Indiana across the plains and over Beckwourth
Pass in 1852. Pausing long enough to refresh their animals, Joshua noted
in his diary, "Here we obtained some fine vegetables." The
family continued on to Camptonville, Yuba County, where Joshua practiced
law until 1878. In that year the family moved to Quincy where Joshua and
his son Will built this home on Coburn Street. Restoration work in 1990
uncovered a board with a message from the past: "Framed by Will
Variel Oct. 31st, 1878."
 The Variels sold the home in 1896 to Sheriff John
Bransford who then added a two-story porch and made other alterations.
Attorney Louis N. Peter, an Indian Valley native, purchased the home in
1899 and made major renovations, including an entire three story addition
that has since been razed. Mr. Peter died suddenly in the home in 1916.
Abe & Emily Bar bought the home in 1922 from the
widowed Mrs. Peter and remodeled it still more. For years they rented
rooms to high school students from remote parts of the county. Later,
their son Lewis ran an insurance business from the home. Following three
more owners, the Plumas County Museum Association, Inc. purchased the
property in 1989 and began the laborious process of restoring the home to
its late 19th century appearance.
 After more than seven years and countless volunteer
hours, the home was formally dedicated July 14th, 1996. It is owned and
operated by the Plumas County Museum Association, Inc., a non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation of Plumas County history.
Donations are welcomed and are tax deductible.
The 1878 Variel Home is a handicap accessible building
with a wheelchair entrance along the cement driveway. All ground floor
doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. For more information on
docent guided tours call (530) 283-6320 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Inside the 1878 Variel Home
  The Main Parlor was originally divided by a center
stairway. About 1945 the stairs were changed to their present location
along the wall. The replica tin ceiling typifies the ornate features so
prevalent during the Victorian era. The maple floors were added after
1900, as were the built-in cabinets in the Dining Room and Kitchen.
The Dining Room Pantry was built about 1880, with the
Kitchen Pantry added to that about 1890. A bathroom built in 1912 has been
entirely removed. Replastering of portions of the walls and stairway help
preserve the original feeling of this modest family style home.
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