The Bank is seen circa 1917. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Rebecca Marshall FarnbachSpecial to Valley NewsWhen the railroad came to the Temecula Valley in 1882, it prompted many changes. In fact, it made the center of commerce, and literally the entire town, move 2.5 miles from its previous location around the Wolf Store to establish what was called “New Town,” which is now known as “Old Town.”Frederick Thomas Perris was the chief engineer for the construction of the California Southern Railroad through the area. He not only surveyed the train route, but he also surveyed lots and street lines for the new town site. These lots and streets are still closely maintained to his original measurements.Few buildings graced the landscape for the first few years of the new settlement. Early structures east of Murrieta Creek from the
