The De Anza Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold a dedication ceremony to place a commemorative plaque at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmhouse on Saturday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. at 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. Restored to its period of historical significance, the adobe Farmhouse is a testimony to family farmers who settled and developed commercial agriculture in San Diego County during the late 19th century. Settlers Zenas Sikes and Eliza Burrell both came west during the Gold Rush, purchased acreage on the former Mexican land grant of Rancho San Bernardo, and became one of the founding families of the new community of Bernardo. The Sikeses built the original adobe Farmhouse in the early 1870’s, later adding additional wood-framed rooms. The family initially farmed wheat for the county’s expanding population and business markets, but economic changes led them to convert to dairy and fruit farming by the early 1890’s. The Farmhouse is architecturally significant as one of the county’s few remaining adobe structures from California’s Early American Period. The San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park Joint Powers Authority (River Park Authority) maintains the Farmhouse as a historic museum. The River Park Authority engaged a historical restoration team that completed its work in 2004. The restored Farmhouse was nearly destroyed in the 2007 wind-driven Witch Creek wildfire, though adobe walls of the original building were left standing. Extensive documentation from the original restoration allowed the team to reconstruct the structure again in 2010. The public is welcome. Period dress is encouraged. We look forward to presentation of the colors by a De Anza DAR member, along with the Sons of the American Revolution unit dressed in 1776 Continental Army uniform. Following the ceremony, light Victorian Era-inspired refreshments will be served and docent-led tours will be available. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. De Anza members hale from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, and other areas. Meetings are held at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. A woman 18 years or older who can prove direct lineage from a Revolutionary War Patriot is eligible for membership. De Anza’s active lineage committee helps prospective members with their applications. For more information, contact us at [email protected], or visit us at deanza.californiadar.org.