Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California
Nestled in the heart of Simi Valley, California, lies a whimsical and captivating testament to one woman’s boundless creativity and resourcefulness: Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California. This enchanting assemblage of structures, built primarily from discarded bottles and found objects, stands as a unique example of folk art, architectural ingenuity, and the enduring power of the human spirit. More than just a collection of buildings, the Bottle Village is a vibrant narrative of Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey’s life, her passions, and her indomitable spirit.
The genesis of this extraordinary landmark began in 1956, when Tressa Prisbrey, affectionately known as Grandma, embarked on her ambitious project at the age of sixty. After settling into a 1/3-acre plot in Simi Valley with her husband and their trailer, Grandma Prisbrey needed a creative solution for a rather unique problem: housing her burgeoning pencil collection. With a collection already boasting approximately 4,000 pencils, and a limited budget for construction materials, Grandma Prisbrey turned to the local town dump for inspiration.
Driven by necessity and a keen eye for potential, she began hauling discarded bottles back to her property in her trusty Studebaker pickup truck. These bottles, once destined for the landfill, became the fundamental building blocks of her vision. Utilizing the bottles as unconventional bricks, Grandma Prisbrey constructed a dedicated space to house her beloved pencil collection. This initial structure, born from a practical need, sparked a creative fire that would continue to burn for decades, transforming her small plot of land into the enchanting Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California.
What began as a simple solution to a storage problem quickly evolved into a sprawling and imaginative landscape. Over time, Grandma Prisbrey constructed approximately 23 distinct buildings and structures, each meticulously crafted from glass bottles and an eclectic array of other discarded materials. The Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California became a testament to her resourcefulness, showcasing the potential beauty hidden within the discarded objects of everyday life. The mosaic sidewalk, winding through the village, added another layer of artistic complexity and charm to the site. Furthermore, Grandma Prisbrey’s pencil collection grew exponentially, eventually reaching an impressive 17,000 pieces, a reflection of her continued passion and dedication to her unique hobby.
Among the many remarkable structures within Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California, several stand out as particularly iconic and memorable. The Leaning Tower of Bottle Village, a whimsical take on the famous Italian landmark, immediately captures the eye with its precarious tilt and shimmering glass façade. The Dolls Head Shrine, a more enigmatic and perhaps slightly unsettling creation, showcases a collection of doll heads arranged in a symbolic and thought-provoking manner. Cleopatra’s Bedroom, a fanciful and elaborately decorated space, evokes a sense of exotic luxury and intrigue, highlighting Grandma Prisbrey’s imaginative storytelling through architecture. The Round House, another notable structure, demonstrates her innovative use of circular design and bottle construction. Each building, with its unique character and construction, contributed to the overall charm and eccentricity of the Bottle Village.
Beyond its architectural significance, Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California was also a testament to Grandma Prisbrey’s vibrant personality and her love for sharing her creation with others. She thoroughly enjoyed her unique hobby, and she welcomed visitors with open arms, offering guided walking tours for a modest fee of 25 cents. These tours were far more than just simple walkthroughs; they were immersive experiences filled with anecdotal stories, historical information, and Grandma Prisbrey’s infectious enthusiasm.
The mosaic walkway, lined with picture tubes to guide visitors along the designated path, served as the stage for her engaging narratives. Grandma Prisbrey would regale her guests with tales of her life, her inspirations, and the stories behind each building and object within the Bottle Village. Often, the tours would culminate in the Meditation Room, where Grandma Prisbrey would showcase her musical talents by playing the piano and singing risqué songs from the 1920s, adding a touch of playful irreverence to the experience.
The Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California eventually garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, both within the artistic community and from the state government. Its unique architectural style, its embodiment of folk art principles, and its reflection of one woman’s remarkable vision all contributed to its growing reputation as a cultural treasure. In February 1981, the Bottle Village was officially declared a California State Historical Landmark, a testament to its significance and its enduring value as a piece of California history.
Despite the recognition and the continued flow of visitors, time eventually took its toll on both Grandma Prisbrey and her beloved Bottle Village. In May 1982, Tressa’s health began to decline, and she was forced to leave her creation for the last time. On October 5, 1988, at the age of 92, Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey passed away in a nursing home outside of San Francisco. According to a reporter who spoke with her just the day before her death, Grandma Prisbrey’s final words were a poignant declaration of her enduring connection to her life’s work: "I’m going home to my Bottle Village."
The passage of time has presented numerous challenges to the preservation of Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California. In 1994, the Northridge earthquake, which struck approximately eight miles away, caused significant damage to many of the structures, further accelerating the deterioration of the site. Despite these setbacks, dedicated individuals and organizations have stepped forward to ensure the legacy of Grandma Prisbrey and her Bottle Village endures.
The Preserve Bottle Village Committee, a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in leading the efforts to repair the damage, stabilize the remaining structures, and maintain the overall integrity of the site. Their tireless work, however, requires ongoing support and resources. Donations, volunteer efforts, and increased public awareness are all essential to ensure the preservation of this unique and irreplaceable cultural landmark.
Today, Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, California stands as a testament to the power of imagination, the beauty of resourcefulness, and the enduring legacy of a truly remarkable woman. Located in Simi Valley, California, the Bottle Village is open for tours by appointment only, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the whimsical world that Grandma Prisbrey created.
The Bottle Village holds numerous prestigious designations, including recognition as a California Historical Landmark, a Ventura County Cultural Landmark, and a City of Simi Valley Cultural Landmark. Furthermore, it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its significance as a national treasure.
For those interested in learning more about the Bottle Village, scheduling a tour, or contributing to its preservation, the Preserve Bottle Village Committee can be contacted at:
Preserve Bottle Village Committee
PO Box 1412
Simi Valley, California 93062
(805) 584-0572
The legacy of Grandma Prisbrey and her Bottle Village continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. It serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that with creativity, determination, and a little bit of imagination, anything is possible.