I found the following article in the Salinas-Index Journal, dated 31 March 1942, and thought it might be of interest. "Aged Couple Narrowly Escape Death in Fire" One of Monterey county's oldest landmarks, the Berryessa home at Santa Rita, was destroyed by fire of unknown origin about 11:30 o'clock Monday night. The 10-room structure was burned to the ground, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Berryessa narrowly escaped with their lives, fleeing in their nightclothes. The house is believed to be about 80 years old, and stood as one of the oldest structures in the Salinas valley. Mr. Berryessa, 66, had lived in the house for 63 years, and told firemen it had been there several years before his time. The fire was discovered by Gus Lafakis, operator of the Shamrock club across 101 highway, when he noticed a reflection in the mirror over the bar. He went outside and found the Berryessa home practically enveloped in flames. Lafakis broke inside and awakened Mr. and Mrs. Berryessa, and they escaped without an opportunity to obtain any clothing or other articles. Rural firemen concentrated their efforts on preventing the fire from spreading to an adjoining motor court. The fire is believed to have started in the sitting room in the front part of the house. The destroyed home formerly was the home of Mrs. Catarina Berryesa, mother of Fred, who died several years ago when more than 100 years old. --Sheila P.