Isaac J. Harvey built this house in 1868 before the railroad arrived and before the town was founded, when only twelve other structures stood. As Salinas City grew, the Harvey family helped lay its foundation. With his son Benton, Isaac opened a mercantile store on Main Street and became the town's first mayor. His daughter Sophronia became the first teacher, and her class had only 9 students, including her sister Mabel. Today the historic Harvey House, its grounds, and its original cookhouse are run by a small nonprofit agency whose mission is to serve as an anchor for educational and cultural programs dedicated to historical exploration and discovery of shared community. The home has been completely restored, and the family documents, photographs, clothes, and furniture have been saved and returned, giving a rare glimpse of early community life.