Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia

Photo courtesy of Benicia Historical Museum

Pictured: The Commandant's Residence was built in 1860 on the grounds of the Benicia Arsenal. It was designed in the Greek-Revival style as a 20 room mansion, complete with Greek inspired columns, hipped roof, 14 foot high ceilings and thick double walls. Many of the interior artistic features were of imported Philippine mahogany. Original construction cost was $35,000. This photo was taken circa 1912. In 1964 the Arsenal closed and the building was no longer government property. For several years it served as a restaurant (called "Commandant's Residence Restaurant" of course). The building still stands across the parking lot from the Clock Tower.

Home

About Us

Become a Member!

Members Only

Surname Research

Genealogy Tips

Events Page

Gallery Page

Links Page

Bessie Wallis Warfield Spencer Simpson

When Wallis (1896 - 1986) was married to her first husband, career Navy officer Earl Winfield “Win” Spencer Jr., they had a brief stay of approximately six weeks in Vallejo during the summer of 1920. Spencer’s ship was docked at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard at the time. Wallis and Win stayed in the Collins Apartments, now called the Duchess of Windsor Apartments, at 524 Georgia Street. The apartment building was given this name because of Wallis' title after marrying her third husband, the Duke of Windsor. "David" (as he was called by friends and family) ruled the United Kingdom very briefly as King Edward VIII before giving up the crown for the woman he loved. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Welcome to the GSVB Members Login Page

Use Your Login Name / Password to Unlock Features

AVAILABLE ONLY to Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia MEMBERS

Login Problems?

Click on the Help Icon

icon to the right of the Login Name or Password field if you have misplaced your login name or password. The login name or password reset instructions will be sent to the email address entered in your profile from your membership application.