Its architect and builder hailed from South America. Made entirely of wood, it sits in a city made famous for a mission complex constructed of adobe. A sign below its roof’s pitch spells out in white letters the first family who occupied the building. Since its birth in 1856, it has remained an occupied residence. And this weekend, county residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the iconic structure that graces San Juan Bautista’s historic landscape.
On Sunday, Aug. 14, the public is invited to attend the 160th birthday celebration of the Rozas House. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is organized by the Rozas House Org., Inc., a nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting early California History and the preservation of historic structures.
In a phone interview with BenitoLink, San Juan resident and the nonprofit’s chair, Shawna Freels, shared a little about the Rozas House’s history, her connection to the building, and her hopes for Sunday and beyond.
Freels explained that a local merchant named Samit constructed the building. Essentially existing on a dirt foundation, the structure’s style is “of board on end construction, meaning that wood goes from the top to bottom,” according to Freels.
She added that Samit sold the home to Ambrosio Rozas, Sr. who purchased it for his son, Ambrosio, Jr., and his son’s bride, Emelda. The Rozas raised their children—all 12 of them—in the home. Emelda converted the residence into a make-shift boarding quarters following her husband’s death.
She remained in the home for 75 years before moving to San Francisco to live with a daughter, according to the June 21, 1957 issue of the San Juan Mission News. Emelda died in 1961 at the age of 104.
The Rozas family retained ownership of the home until 1976. In that year, Freels’ late father, James Gilsenan, bought the building. Freels’ stay in the family’s new home was short-lived, as her parents divorced within six months of arriving to San Juan.
In 1981, Gilsenan led a effort to have his property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Describing its significance on the registry’s nomination form, Gilsenan wrote, “The Rozas House is…a rare representative of wood frame structures….constructed in the early years of the American period and for its association with the settlement and continuing occupation of San Juan Bautista by old Hispanic California Families.” The building was placed on the registry in 1982.
Gilsenan lived in the Rozas House until his death in 2012. Freels and her younger brother, Bruce, now share joint ownership of the home.
Last year, the siblings, their mother, and two, local residents decided to form the Rozas House Org., Inc. The celebration this weekend coincides with the nonprofit’s first year anniversary.
Attendees to Sunday’s free event will be will be treated to early California music performed by Bruce Gilsenan’s band, a history of the home and its residents, a rare glimpse into the building, and cupcakes after signing “Happy 160th Birthday” to the Rozas House.
In her late 20s, Freels returned to San Juan after attending college. She and her young daughter moved in with her father.
During this time, Freels began developing a deeper appreciation for the historic home located at 31 Polk St.
“I absolutely adore the building. It’s funky, like me.” she said
She added that “opening the front door was invigorating” as her family’s home always drew the public’s interest, especially during the town’s busiest days, like its annual antiques and collectibles fair.
The 52nd annual fair occurs on Sunday, a day that Freels admitted played a role in shaping the Rozas House’s birthday bash.
Freels talked about the future, explaining that one the day the nonprofit would like to offer docent tours through the building or perhaps enhance the city’s walking tour experience—of which the Rozas House is part—by placing a QR code nearby with information about the home that could be scanned with smart phones.
Her birthday wish for Sunday is not quite so lofty.
“I want to give people a taste of San Juan Bautista’s history and encourage people to support our efforts,” said Freels.
Follow Rozas House Org., Inc. on Facebook.
To learn more about the non-profit send an email to, rozashouseorg@gmail.com.
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