A.R. Loomis built the original two-room house in 1869, and successive occupants added other rooms. It was identified as the oldest house in Compton in 1955, purchased by the city on June 11, 1957, and moved that year from 209 South Acacia Street to its present site. Restored, refurnished, and renamed by the citizens of Compton as a tribute to the community's early settlers, it was presented to the public on April 14, 1958.