SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of CERES
Daniel Whitmore Home Restoration
Identifying Service Project

Sketch by Joanne Jorgensen Perra

Soroptimist International of Ceres is proud to have a part in the restoration of this beautiful landmark, located at 2928 Fifth Street. It was the first home in Ceres, built in 1870. It also housed the first post office. Daniel Whitmore served as postmaster for 19 years.

The Whitmore family came by wagon train from Michigan in 1854 and lived in the vicinity of Stockton before moving to Stanislaus County in 1867. Mrs. Whitmore described the area, later to become Ceres, as "open plain". Here, Whitmore acquired 9,000 acres, and in 1875, he filed his map for the layout of the town, which had been surveyed by his brother, R. K. Whitmore the year before.

To encourage residents, Whitmore gave away each alternate lot to anyone who would build on it and occupy it, with a temperance clause inserted in the deed.

Volunteers, including the City of Ceres Restoration Committee and Soroptimist International of Ceres began restoration in 1987.

After the purchase of the Whitmore Home by the City of Ceres, a group of citizens waged a successful campaign to have the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it secure as a museum.

Future plans include a History Center, which will replace the existing garage on the Whitmore Home grounds. It will provide a depository for historical records, photos, etc. It will also provide a display area which will include farm equipment. The Whitmore Home and History Center will offer students and the community a place to experience their Ceres heritage. The grounds will furnish a garden setting for weddings and other gatherings.

Tours of the home may be arranged by contacting Soroptimist International of Ceres.