User:WashTownHistory/James Shinn

Vallejo's Mills
Sim Cottage

Niles era
The Transcontinental Railroad came through the Vallejo's Mills area in 1869. From that time the new Niles station became the new focus of the area. The "Big House" was finished in 1876 and the family moved here. In 1893, the farm of James Shinn was described. From the 1870's to 1890 Shinn's Nurseries sold fruit trees, roses, and ornamentals. . Two rail lines pass through the property. A railroad station was located along one of these lines.

Nursery
A Shinn's Nursery Catalog for 1878 offers apples, pears, persimmons, roses, Shinn's Nurseries ran at least until 1890

Obituary
James Shinn Obit

Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum
The last 4 acres of the Shinn properties are now the Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum in Fremont, California. On the property are the "Big House", Shinn Bungalow, Sim Cottage, and various farm buildings. The Mission Peak Heritage Foundation runs tours of the Shinn House. The garden club, Friends of Heirloom Flowers, takes care of the gardens.