Paulding
History House

A registered California Historic Resource built in 1889 and inhabited by only two families since then, it was the home of Arroyo Grande's first medical doctor, Edward Paulding. His missionary parents and his daughter, Ruth, filled the house with artifacts from around the world. The museum is currently closed. Please phone regarding special tours.

Address: 551 Crown Hill Road, Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420

Phone: 805.489.8282

The first resident Medical Doctor in Arroyo Grande was Dr. Edwin Paulding. He came to Arroyo Grande in 1882, married Clara Edwards and together they bought the house at 551 Crown Hill Road in 1891. (The house was built in 1889). A beautiful Oak Tree believed to be 250 years old dominates the front yard.

In 1892 a blessed event occurred in the home. They gave birth to a daughter, Ruth. Ruth became a teacher and taught for many years in Arroyo Grande. She passed away in 1985 at the age of 93 in the same house.

The Paulding Middle School across the street from the house is named for her. She generously left the house and its contents to the San Luis Obispo Historical Society and in 1998 the property was passed on to the South County Historical Society.

Dr. Paulding, also a talented wood worker spent many hours working on carvings which can be seen in the house along with countless other artifacts, among them the only authentic Cumash Indian basket in the County.