Although often referred to as the Romaggi Adobe, the structure is
actually constructed of selected slabs of local schist, held together
by adobe. The building is huge, with two stories and a large basement.
At one time an additional wooden structure was added which was at least
as big as the main portion of the ruin. This wooden part is no longer
present.James Romaggi arrived from Genoa in 1850 and settled in Albany Flat
in 1851. He built this stone and adobe home for his wife Louisa and
their five children. It was located on a sloping hillside, and being a
rancher at heart, he planted orchards and vineyards all about his
surrounding land. James and his family lived in the upper story of the
stone building, and possibly in part of the wooden structure.
Downstairs on the main floor of the stone building, the Romaggis ran a
small store where they sold bread, bacon, spices, flour, and fruit and
vegetables in season. A portion of the room was used as a bar and card
room.Today this fantastic building stands gaping alongside of the
highway. At one time, the tarmac and its speeding denizens came within
a foot of the structure itself, inviting disaster. Thankfully, the
state has re-routed Hwy 49 away from the old ruin which will
undoubtedly prolong its existence. Stopping to look into this building
is a must; the five large rooms and huge basement, the exposed rafters
and intricate construction provide a fascinating look at classic Gold
Country architecture. Stone foundations of several outlying buildings
are scattered about the adjoining fields, testifying to the fact that
this was once a busy and important place during the Gold Rush.
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