Dorothy Bembridge: the mother of preservation
When the City of Long Beach planned to expand Drake Park in the 1960s, Dorothy Rankin Bembridge refused to let her beloved family home be erased from history. Standing firm against city pressure, she fought tirelessly to preserve the Queen Anne gem her family had cherished since 1910. Thanks to Dorothy’s determination, the home was spared from demolition—allowing future generations to experience the beauty and legacy of what we now know as the Historic Bembridge House.
Bembridge House Timeline
1904 – Groundbreaking Begins
Construction starts on a grand Queen Anne–style home for Stephen and Josephine Green on the west side of Long Beach at the time it was Willmore City. Craftsmen begin shaping the intricate woodwork and stained glass that still shine today.
1906 – A Victorian Showpiece Completed
The Green family moves in. Their elegant new home quickly becomes one of the city’s finest examples of turn-of-the-century design—complete with a wraparound porch for hosting teas and evening socials. The Aviary and carriage house are original to the build.
1910 – Loss and Transition
Stephen Green passes away only a few years after the home’s completion. Josephine remains for a time, maintaining the property and its social traditions until 1913. The house changes hands several times in the years that follow, but its beauty and craftsmanship endure. Unfortunately, little record was kept during this time.
1918 – The Rankin Family Arrives
Thomas and Hazel Rankin purchase the home. Thomas works in the dairy industry across Long Beach, while Hazel hosts gatherings filled with music. Their children grow up surrounded by the arts and become talented musicians. Dorothy married and moved away for some time.
1930s–1950s – Through Changing Times
The house weathers the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar boom—its porch light a steady glow for neighbors and friends who gather within its walls.
1969 – Dorothy Returns Home
Hazel’s daughter, Dorothy Rankin Bembridge, inherits the home. A devoted pianist and music teacher, she lovingly preserves its Victorian details and fills its rooms with her families instruments, art, and memories.
Early 1970s – The Bembridge Legacy Begins
Dorothy marries her second husband, Charles Bembridge, who helps her purchase her brother Neil’s share of the property—ensuring the home remains entirely in her care. Sadly, Charles passes away just a few years later, but his support cements the home’s name and legacy as The Bembridge House.
1970s–1980s – A Fight for Preservation
When the city proposed expanding Drake Park, Dorothy fought to protect her home from demolition. Her courage and advocacy helped ignite Long Beach’s modern preservation movement.
1999 – The Loss of Dorothy Bembridge
Dorothy is tragically killed in her beloved home at the age of 89. Her passing shocks the community, but her lifelong devotion to history and music leaves a lasting legacy.
1999 – Long Beach Heritage Steps In
After Dorothy’s passing, Long Beach Heritage intervenes to save the home from an uncertain future. Volunteers, donors, and preservationists rally to secure its restoration and legacy.
2000 through 2025 – 25 Years of Care and Community
For the past quarter century, Long Beach Heritage has maintained and celebrated the Bembridge House—hosting tours, events, and programs that keep its stories alive and its spirit shining.
“The Bembridge House holds a special place in the hearts of our community. It’s more than just a historic landmark—it’s a gathering place where memories are made, stories are shared, and the spirit of Long Beach continues to shine.”
— Sheila Gibbons, Vice President, Bembridge House
Sheila Gibbons
Vice President, Bembridge House