The McCoy Hare House is one of Westminster’s most treasured historic landmarks and home to a fascinating piece of local history. In the 1870s, Dr. James McCoy and his brother Josiah traveled to California from Illinois with their sister, Martha McCoy. Dr. McCoy built a small structure on Almond Avenue (now Westminster Boulevard) near Olive Street, where Martha established one of the area’s earliest drug stores.

While medicines of the era relied largely on herbal remedies, Martha’s shop also provided essential goods for pioneer families and farmers who otherwise faced long trips to Anaheim or Santa Ana for supplies. As one of the few women business operators in the growing community, she likely stocked sewing notions and household items that were especially valued by local families.

Over time, the building expanded into the home of the Hare family. After Marie Hare’s passing, she expressed her wish that the Westminster Historical Society preserve the home for future generations. The building was relocated in 1978 to a park near Hazard Avenue and Beach Boulevard, and later moved again in the 1990s to Blakey Historical Park, where it remains today.

Inside the home, one room recreates the historic pharmacy and features an extensive collection of medical artifacts assembled by pharmacist Terry Grant. At the time, Grant noted that the McCoy Hare House was one of only 20 historical pharmacies in the country—and the only one in Southern California. Another room honors Marie and Orel Hare, who lived in the home from 1913 until their deaths and raised their two children there. Marie’s work as a teacher is reflected through displays of school memorabilia and family life.

Today, the McCoy Hare House proudly stands as Orange County Historical Landmark #9 and continues to preserve Westminster’s pioneer spirit and community history.