Herman Fayal, a lifelong resident of Mendocino, became known for his intricate miniatures that captured the spirit and history of the town he loved. Born in 1893, just a year after his parents Manuel and Maria Costa immigrated to California, Herman grew up with deep ties to the Mendocino coast. (Herman later changed his last name to avoid confusion with other Costas.)
Herman Fayal in front of his workshop, 1986. Three of his water tower miniatures can be seen on the right. (Photographer: Bill Wagner)
Like many children from Portuguese families in the area, Herman left school after the sixth grade to help support his family. He went to work in the woods in Greenwood when he was 16 and later became a carpenter, a trade he learned while employed by the Mendocino Lumber Company.
Herman’s skills as a carpenter became central to his life’s work, but it was his passion for preserving Mendocino’s past through miniature models that cemented his legacy. In his later years, Herman began constructing tiny, detailed replicas of the buildings and landmarks of Mendocino as he remembered them from his boyhood. These miniatures, including water towers, homes, and old Main Street buildings, were displayed in his front yard at the corner of Calpella and Kelly streets, attracting the admiration of locals and tourists alike. His work was not just a tribute to the architecture and spirit of Mendocino but also a reflection of his dedication to preserving the town’s history.
Fayal’s miniatures were a featured stop on walking tours of Mendocino in 1976, led by newspaper columnist Compy Compomizzo. Visitors marveled at his detailed renditions of Mendocino’s historic buildings, and many were treated to a personal conversation with the craftsman himself. By 1979, Fayal had garnered such a reputation for his work that tourists began requesting custom-made pieces, particularly his water towers—once a common sight throughout Mendocino. Fayal was happy to oblige, creating replicas to sell while continuing to expand the collection of miniatures in his yard.
Herman Fayal passed away in 1988 at the age of 95, leaving behind not only a loving family but also a lasting tribute to Mendocino’s past. His workshop on Calpella and Kelly streets, where he lived for over 80 years, was a testament to his skill and his deep connection to the town. His miniatures offered a window into Mendocino’s history and served as a reminder of the town’s proud heritage.
Saturday and Sunday @ 11AM! Walking Tours of Historic Mendocino – Join our expert docents for a stroll and lively commentary. You’ll pass by early pioneer homes, historic meeting places, and buildings that make up the the Mendocino Historic District.