Burnham Store

Built in the early 1890's from fired Temecula bricks. First owner, Philip Pohlman, sold this general store around 1902 to George A. Burnham who ran it until the mid 1920's when Paul Ware took over the operation, eventually marrying Burnham's daughter, Ethel. Family members continued to run the store until 1953. The building has also held an auto repair shop, and much later, an antique business. In 1969 it became the Temecula Mercantile. This reconstructed building is now a small art gallery and theatre.

HISTORIC NAME: Burnham Store

NOTE: There are two plaques on this building.

FIRST PLAQUE: # 1

FIRST PLAQUE SIZE: 14”w x 18”h

FIRST PLAQUE LOCATION: On right front corner of building.

FIRST PLAQUE GPS COORDINATES: 33.493136, -117.149321 or N 33° 29' 35.28", W 117° 8' 57.55"

FIRST PLAQUE CONDITION: Very poor

SECOND PLAQUE: No number and no info on who put it up.

SECOND PLAQUE SIZE: 14”w x 12”h

SECOND PLAQUE LOCATION: On rear of building in courtyard.

SECOND PLAQUE GPS COORDINATES: 33.493252, -117.149549 or N 33° 29' 35.70", W 117° 8' 58.37"

SECOND PLAQUE CONDITION: Very Good

LOCATION ADDRESS: 42051 Main Street – Temecula CA 92590

DESCRIPTION: Brick building

CURRENT NAME OR OCCUPANT: The Merc

CURRENT OWNER: Old Town Temecula Community Theater

FIRST PLAQUE TEXT:

Built in 1891 from bricks locally made in Wolf Valley, it was a complete shopping center. Besides supplying the town, it was also a terminal for jerk-line freighters whose wagons moved cargo to isolated ranches and settlements in mountain valleys to the east and south.

This original four-brick thick landmark building stands as a remembrance of Old Town Temecula. For over 100 years, these sturdy walls have had many owners, employees and patrons. Mr. Phillip Pohlman, and then Mr. George Burnham, founded and operated this building as the Mercantile from 1891-1953, as a true General Store, providing everything to nourish and clothe the citizens of Temecula.

In commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the Old Town Temecula Community Theater

October 4, 2009