In 1857, Lot No. 1, a quarter section of Rancho Laguna De Los Palos Colorados, was bought by squatter Jesse Williams from Jose de Jesus Moraga. In 1906, Manuel Lucas purchased the land, 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, adding stables, a racetrack, and a swimming pool complex, and it became known as the San Simeon of the area. In 1961, the Christian Brothers purchased the site for residential and administrative use. The Moraga Park and Recreation Authority acquired the building in 1973, and the Town of Moraga acquired it in 1977.