Historic Site

Woodside Store

Visit the Woodside Store Historic Site and discover the rich history of the Peninsula’s original country store that supported the area’s lumber industry.

Archival photo of Woodside Store being used as a post office

Dr. Tripp’s store was an important community hub.

In 1940, the County of San Mateo purchased the Woodside Store. It was listed as a State Registered Landmark in 1949. A county park, the San Mateo County Historical Association operates the site. Restoration to its 1880s appearance was completed in 1994.

Old Woodside Store Day

In May, take a trip to the 1880s during Old Woodside Store Day. Saw wood, twine rope, make rag dolls and participate in old-time contests.

The Methuselah Redwood tree

History of Woodside Store

Forests of Gold

Loggers in the redwoods working for Woodruff Creek Mill

Loggers in the woods.

With the discovery of gold in 1848, adventureres flocked to California. While they did not find gold on the Peninsula, they discovered they could make money exploiting the giant redwoods. Among the Forty-Niners were Robert O. Tripp, Mathias Parkhurst and Mr. Ellis, who left San Francisco with the intention of making redwood shingles.

Supplying the Workers

Men with supplies on horse and carriage outside the Woodside Store

By 1851, Ellis left the area, but other shingle makers, sawmill men and lumberjacks were hard at work supplying the building boom in San Francisco. Parkhurst purchased a 127-acre parcel of Rancho Canada Raymundo. On the land, Parkhurst and Tripp built the first Woodside Store to supply the woodsmen. In 1854, after the original structure burned down, they built the existing building. Parkhurst died in 1863. Tripp and his family continued to operate the store, supplying the settlers of the area, until his death in 1909.

Portrait of Dr. Robert Tripp

Community Center

Archival photo of Woodside Family Groceries with family posing in front on horse drawn wagon 1854

Berry picking party, c. 1890s. Photo by James Van Court.

Over the years, the Woodside Store became a community gathering spot, a stagecoach stop, a “bank” with the only armored safe in the area, a lending library and a United States Post Office. Dr. Tripp also provided dental services at the Woodside Store. During a visit to the Woodside Store, see artifacts on display that reflect the varied activities that occurred.

Explore our Sites

Exterior of the San Mateo County History Museum

San Mateo County History Museum

Located in the 1910 County Courthouse, the San Mateo County History Museum explores local history from prehistoric times to modern day.

Sanchez Adobe in the background with docents dressed in early California period costume

Sanchez Adobe

The historic site reflects the early eras of California history.