Yancey Building Move

Newman’s Historic Yancey Building Begins New Chapter

Early on the morning of November 3rd, 2012, the Yancey Lumber Building, an iconic piece of Newman’s history, was rolled out of town, bound for a new home and restoration at the Double T Ranch in Stevinson, CA.

This wasn’t the Yancey Building’s first move. Originally transported from Hills Ferry to Newman in 1892, it had stood for over a century at the Highway 33 location of Yancey Lumber. In 2005, when Yancey built a new home center, the city acquired the structure and moved it again to a spot behind the Newman Museum. There, it sat unused and in a state of decay, as local historians and city officials debated its future and how it could be preserved. Unfortunately, funds for its restoration were never secured.

Eventually, a decision was made to sell the building for just $1 to Tony Azevedo, who had developed an agricultural museum at his rural Stevinson ranch, the "Double T".

On the day of the big move, a convoy consisting of moving trucks, utility crews, and highway patrol escorts carefully transported the building on its four-hour journey to Stevinson. Along the way, the crew skillfully navigated around utility lines and obstacles. Several local historians accompanied the procession, reflecting on how challenging the first move—120 years earlier—must have been when the building was hauled by horse-drawn skids.

Historians Mary Moore, Tom Powell, and Barbara Powell all shared their thoughts on the move. While they would have preferred to see the building remain in Newman, they agreed that restoring it at the Double T Ranch was a much better option than allowing it to deteriorate further. “We are so happy that Tony stepped in and saved it,” said Moore, president of the Newman Historical Society. She noted that, once restored, the building would be accessible to the public, allowing future generations to enjoy its historical significance.

The Yancey Building now resides near both of the communities tied to its past—the once-thriving river town of Hills Ferry, which faded as the railroad shifted commerce to the rapidly growing community of Newman over a century ago. This marks the next chapter in the life of a historic building that has survived through time, moving and evolving, while preserving the rich heritage of the area.

 Below you will find a collection of images from the Museum's archives - Click on the thumbnail pictures to enlarge to full size

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