August Langenberger was Anaheim's first merchant, establishing a general store in 1858 when the first vineyards were being
planted. Langenberger was the son-in-law of Juan Pacifico Ontiveros - the rancher who sold the original Anaheim townsite to
German colonists.
planted. Langenberger was the son-in-law of Juan Pacifico Ontiveros - the rancher who sold the original Anaheim townsite to
German colonists.
The two story adobe general store built in 1858 - on Lincoln Avenue between Lemon Street and Anaheim Boulevard - also served as
a post office, Wells Fargo depot, hotel, restaurant, bar and home for the Langenberger family. After having built a home for his
family to live in, the adobe building was demolished in 1875 and replaced with a brick structure.
a post office, Wells Fargo depot, hotel, restaurant, bar and home for the Langenberger family. After having built a home for his
family to live in, the adobe building was demolished in 1875 and replaced with a brick structure.
A German native, Langenberger emigrated to the United States in 1846. He joined the California gold rush two years later before
heading south to Anaheim in 1850.
heading south to Anaheim in 1850.
Langenberger remarried after his wife died, naming a city street - Clementine - after his new bride, Clementina.
| August Langenberger's first store and residence, c. 1858 |
| Wells Fargo & Co. Building, southwest corner of Center and Lemon Streets, built by August Langenberger in 1875, demolished 1925. |
| Langenberger Residence, c. 1885 August and Clemntina Langenberger are seated on the bench. |