In 1857, Lot No. 1, a quarter section of Rancho Laguna De Los
Palos Colorados was bought by a squatter, Jesse Williams,
from Jose de Jesus Moraga. In 1906, the land was then
purchased by Manuel Lucas and 10 years later, 20 acres were
sold to Mesdames Alberta Higgins and Gertrude Malette
who built the first story of the present building as a proposed
residence for homeless children. In 1934, Donald Rheem
purchased and enlarged the house also adding stables,
racetrack and a wwimming pool complex. It was then known
as the San Simeon of the area. In 1961, the Christian
Brothers purchased the present site for their residential
and administrative use. The building was acquired by the
Moraga Park and Recreation Authority in 1973 and by the
Town of Moraga in 1977.
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