VISIT OUR BUNGALOW

Murphy Smith Bungalow
Est ~1923

Visit the Laguna Beach Historical Society at our historic cottage and museum. Friendly volunteer docents* will be happy to show you the memorabilia on display.

The bungalow is listed in the City of Laguna Beach Historic Register. It is described as "a builder's bungalow with a box plan, multi-gabled roof, and clapboard siding. Wide wood posts support the porch gable.  The main door has side light windows and French doors that open onto the bedroom."

History of the Bungalow

The Vernon Murphy family were the first residents. In 1935, Lottie Evaline Clapp purchased the bungalow and later sold it to her daughter, Blanche Clapp. During WWII, Blanche rented out one of the bedrooms to service personnel and their wives.

In the early 1950s, Blanche married and became Blanche Clapp Smith. She and her husband moved to Los Angeles but returned to Laguna Beach in 1953 when Mr. Smith became ill. Mrs. Smith was a familiar local figure who often worked in her garden and swept the porch. She was known for her daily walks to Main Beach and lived in the house until her death in 1991 at age 89.

The bungalow is now owned by Wells Fargo Bank, which generously leases it to the Laguna Beach Historical Society.

Laguna Beach has a colorful and interesting history that we would love to share with you!