Eleanor L Shumway

Halcyon Eleanor L Shumway

The glistening white pillars of the Blue Star Memorial Temple lead to the federally recognized historic district of Halcyon, founded in 1903 as an intentionally formed community by the Temple of the People. This theosophical group came west from New York to establish a community dedicated to living the principles of unity and brotherhood on the coast of Central California. More than 100 years later, this community continues to thrive. The town was constructed on the principle of form follows function, and some of the homes from the early 1900s still shelter families. Currently, Halcyon covers 130 acres and has 60 buildings. These include the Halcyon Store and Halcyon Post Office, the temple, two meeting halls, and the W. Q. Judge Library. Growth has been limited, and Halcyon has always been protective of its open space, particularly the Builder's Grove Park in the center of town.