THE ROMANCE
OF MONTEREY 215
historic background. He will breathe the lingering air of old Spain as he observes about him surviving evidence of the old Spanish days. And he will also find here interesting reminders of the beginning of American occupation and the birth of a great American state.
The old Custom House and Colton Hall will, of course, claim first attention, but as the visitor wanders through the town and its quiet purlieus he will find many other objects of interest to engage his attention. Near Colton Hall still stands the old Larkin house, built by Thomas O. Larkin, an American, in 1834. Larkin was one of the few Americans who came thus early to Monterey, and he there became a notable figure. He established the first wholesale store in the town, cultivated friendly relations with the Californians, entertained with a generous hospitality, became the first, and only, American consul, and smoothed over many difficulties that arose
