The historic plaque was returned to the current residents of the Brinkerhoff home, the Cornejos, who have spent decades restoring the structure.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Brinkerhoff Home on E. A St., occupied by Maria and David Cornejo, is a piece of Dixon’s history dating back hundreds of years.

On Jan. 28, the Dixon Historical Society at 125 W. A St. honored the Brinkherhoffs’ contributions to Dixon’s culture and the home itself by returning a plaque originally requested in 1930 by Ida B. Forward to commemorate her parents, John and Ruby Ann Brinkerhoff.

“Almost one-hundred years ago, this bronze plaque was installed in a drinking fountain in the newly-established Women’s Improvement Club Park in Dixon as a request for Mrs. John Brinkerhoff of her daughters,” said Pam Griffey, representing the Dixon Historical Society. “In 1930, Mrs. Emma Timm addressed the crowd gathered for the occasion and praised the early pioneer families, such as the Brinkerhoffs, for their patience, fortitude and determination in settling the west.”

Ida B. Forward, the daughter of John and Ruby Ann Brinkerhoff, requested the plaque in 1930 for a fountain in Women’s Improvement Club Park in honor of her late parents. 

According to records from the Dixon Public Library Historical Files, circa 1850, Isaac Brinkerhoff, originally from New York, was a farmer and early resident of Dixon when it was still referred to as ‘Silveyville.’ He and his wife, Mary Ann Geddes, raised several children in Dixon, including John Brinkerhoff and his brother, Stephen Brinkerhoff, who would construct the home in 1889. 

The Cornejo family purchased the house in 1967 and spent more than 56 years restoring it to its former glory.

David Cornejo, the son of Maria Cornejo, was raised in the house and appreciates the recognition it is getting.

The Brinkerhoff House, located on E. A St., was built in 1889 by Stephen Brinkerhoff. 

“It’s a surprise. I really appreciate the historical society's appreciation for this. I used to walk by the water fountain during the 1960s, so it’s very cool to have this presented,” said Cornejo.

Today, the Brinkerhoffs stand as a testament to Dixon’s significant past. Their descendants married into the Pollard, Marten, Harkinson and Trafton families.

Dixon Historical Society member Pam Griffey thanks the City of Dixon “for their hard work in returning the plaque to its rightful home.”