Turning a Page
the carmel cottage
A COZY RETREAT Story by Rachel Trigueiro | Photos by Dakota Jacobi
W
hen the 1930s Dust Bowl pushed them out, thousands
In one of Visalia’s prominent downtown neighborhoods
of Great Plains residents sought out a new place to call
with towering Valley oaks and lush Ginkgo biloba sits Stan
home. Visalia’s fertile soil became a landing place for many,
and Wendy Simpson’s Spanish-style home. The well-
bringing diversity and an abundance of experience to the
known Buckman house was built by Stan’s grandparents, C. T. “Buck” and Edna Buckman, in 1931. In 1995, the
Central Valley. When discussing their beloved history-filled
Simpsons bought the two-story home, expanding it to fit
neighborhood, Stan Simpson says much of Visalia’s storied
their grand visions of hosting guests and celebrities
past was shaped into what it is today because of the vision of
visiting the Valley while keeping its recognizable front.
the forefathers and the promise of opportunity for those
From politicians to musicians, well-known athletes to
migrating from the Great Plains—a phenomenon that created
actors, the Buckman home has held countless events and
a gem, here in the heart of California.
fundraisers for local organizations. 25
