DOCENT TOURS

ABOUT THE TOUR
A guided tour of El Zaguán and the Edwin Brooks House offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the history of Canyon Road as told through two historic properties. Knowledgeable guides will narrate stories and share details about the architecture and the people associated with these homes. The tours typically last about 1 to 1.5 hours.

El Zaguán, 545 Canyon Road
James L. Johnson, a Santa Fe Trail merchant, bought two parcels of land, including a house, and corral on Canyon Road in the mid-1850s. By 1875 his business was thriving, his family had grown to seven children, and he had added on to his house. The Johnson home was described in the newspaper as "one of the finest villas on the edge of the city." The Johnson family was associated with the house for over 75 years. The property was purchased in 1928 by Margretta Dietrich, a wealthy widow who had recently resettled in Santa Fe from Nebraska where she had been a leading organizer of women's suffrage groups. Eventually Kate M. Chapman, one of the earliest practitioners of Spanish-Pueblo Revival style adobe architecture, directed El Zaguán's restoration and enlargement. In 1979 a private corporation formed by John Gaw Meem transferred the property to HSFF. Today El Zaguán houses the Foundation office, exhibit area, and private apartments.

The Edwin Brooks House, 553 Canyon Road
This house was the home of Edwin Brooks, a partner in the Pueblo Spanish Building Company, from 1928 to 1937. It was remodeled by his partner William Penhallow Henderson and includes much of his detailed craftwork like hand-adzed wood beams, corbels and lintels. In 1957, it became the home and studio of artist Fremont Ellis (1897-1985), who maintained his home and studio on the property until his death. Ellis came from Montana to paint in Santa Fe in 1919 and formed the celebrated artist group Los Cinco Pintores, with Willard Nash, Walter Mruk, Jozef Bakos and Will Shuster in 1921. At his death in 1985, he was the last of the original artists to live and work in Santa Fe. The Edwin Brooks House serves as Historic Santa Fe Foundation’s reading room and the Eugene and Clare Thaw Education and Research Center and in the summer houses the Foundation’s Faith and John Gaw Meem Preservation Trades Intern.

Attendees are encouraged to look at the beautiful features and listen to the words of the experienced docents guiding you through the historic buildings and gardens while watching the short doorways and uneven floors and sidewalks of our compound as with many of the other historic structures and charming locations in Santa Fe.

PARKING
Parking on Canyon Road, Camino Escondido, and Delgado Streets as available. Paid lots are located on Delgado Street and on Canyon Road across from El Farol.

CHECK-IN & GATHERING LOCATION
Check-in is located at the El Zaguán gift shop, 545 Canyon Road, Suite 2. The tour will gather in the adjoining history exhibit.

LENGTH OF TOUR
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

CANCELLATION POLICY
A full refund for the tour only will be given if canceled more than 7 days in advance of the scheduled tour date.

Interested in more Santa Fe history? Consider touring the Olive Rush House!

The Olive Rush House was the home and Studio of Olive Rush, a prolific artist and muralist Santa Fe in the mid 20th Century. The “Dean of Santa Fe women artists”, Olive was a pillar of the artist community and an influence on the artistic scene in Santa Fe. Learn more about Olive Rush and her work by visiting her studio - located at 630 Canyon Road.

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER?
Add a membership to your cart to get the discounted rate for this tour and other Member benefits.
Annual membership - Individuals $50, Household $90
Visit the Join & Give page, add to cart with the above links, email story@historicsantafe.org, or call 505.983.2567.
Checks for Membership can be mailed to Historic Santa Fe Foundation, 545 Canyon Rd, Ste 2, Santa Fe NM, 87501