1922

December 15, 1922: The auction sale of Llanada Villa and it’s surrounding acreage is finalized. This property is further divided and sold

1923

April 1923 – John and Mayme Brown lease Llanda Villa and its remaining grounds and move their family onto the estate. They plan to create a park featuring “Backety-Back Railway,” one of the earliest known wooden Roller-Coasters, designed and initially built by John at an amusement park in Canada. Due to local restrictions, and overwhelming public interest in the house, they shift their focus to opening the house to the public and the roller coaster is never built.

1923

The Mansion is opened for public tours. Mayme Brown is the first tour guide. Sarah Winchester’s old gardens become “Winchester Park” where families can come and picnic and enjoy themselves.

1924

Famed magician Harry Houdini visits the mansion on Halloween night, seeking to debunk the paranormal stories. He leaves with more questions than answers, and famously referred to it as “The Mystery House.”

1930’s

House is officially marketed as the Winchester Mystery House. Postcards are created by Frasher Fotos.

1940’s

The original water tank on top of the tank house burns, damages the tank house as well.

1945

John H. Brown dies in June 1945. His wife and two daughters continue to run daily tours and operations of the house.

1951

Mayme Brown dies in December 1951.

1960’s

In honor of Sarah Winchester and her home, Santa Clara-Los Gatos Road is renamed “Winchester Boulevard.” “Winchester Park” closes and Century Theatres are built. Winchester Wax Museum Opens.

1963