Some Merced residents are already noticing the new Honorary Historic District markers that are going up on top of street signs in the Spaghetti Acres neighborhood of Merced.
Some 55 markers are being installed in the historic neighborhood surrounding Fremont Elementary School, roughly bounded by R Street, 18th Street and Bear Creek.
The installation project — more than a year in the making — was made possible by the Merced Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), as well as the neighborhood residents themselves. The Merced City Council approved the historic district naming in January of 2023 after it was proposed by DNA members.
Spaghetti Acres is the second neighborhood to receive such a designation in Merced. The Ragsdale neighborhood was the first, back in 2017. Cities bestow such honorary designations to recognize the historic character of neighborhoods, including the cultural and civic contributions of the founding inhabitants.
The Ragsdale neighborhood also features a stand-alone larger sign with historical information on a decorative pole in an entryway near 26th and G streets. DNA members say they are planning a fundraiser to create a similar entryway sign to the Spaghetti Acres neighborhood.
Spaghetti Acres was first settled by Italian-American immigrant families who proceeded to contribute greatly to Merced’s development. From the first settlement and farming by the Pregno family, to the establishment of the Italo-American Hall and beyond, Merced has benefited hugely from the accomplishments of local Italian-Americans. The neighborhood’s name, inspired by the tomatoes that were once grown there, was born from the settlers themselves and it was considered a tribute to their Italian heritage. In time, a significant concentration of the homes developed from the 1920s through the 1950s, reflecting the architecture of the era.
“I think we can all agree that certain urban neighborhoods, like ‘Little Italy’ in New York, or the ‘North Beach’ area of San Francisco carry a certain allure which will be nice to replicate here in Merced,” said Marc Medefind, the Spaghetti Acres Committee chair, when arguing the case for the historical district. “Spaghetti Acres is a hugely appropriate name for agricultural, historical, gastronomic, ethnic, and cultural reasons.”
DNA members also say the designation will help create a positive impact for the neighborhood, encourage preservation efforts, and possibly increase property values.
To bring the project to fruition, a fundraiser was sponsored by the DNA, former State Assembly member Adam Gray (who lives in the district), and the Italo-American Lodge. With support of local residents, the effort helped raise more than $5,000 for the Spaghetti Acres signage. The DNA added another $2,500.
Meanwhile, DNA members are said to be eyeing two more areas in Merced for additional honorary neighborhood designations, Old Town and Muir Wood. Old Town is the area bounded by G and M Streets and between the BNSF RR and the Downtown Business District. Muir Wood is the area around John Muir Elementary School, bounded by G Street, Bear Creek, M Street and the BNSF RR tracks.
According to Medefind, the benefits of creating such districts are much like those derived from any historic preservation effort. Districts help explain the history and development of a place, the source of inspiration, and technological advances. They preserve a record of the neighborhood and the residents who lived there, while accentuating the distinctiveness of areas within the city.