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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFRUITVALE AVENUE 14500HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #27) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Odd Fellows Home 2. Historic name: Odd Fellows Home 3. Street or rural address: 14500 Fruitvale Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -12 -012, 016, 017, 018 5. Present Owner: Grand Lodge of IOOF of Calif. Address: P.O.Box 2669 City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Convalescent home Original Use: Retirement home DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Mission Revival 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This building is two stories, features an "H" shaped floorplan, and is clad in stucco, typical of the style. The main entrance is approached by a broad staircase leading to an arched opening flanked by twin bell towers. Above the entrance is a triple window with classical trim and a triangular pediment above. The roof over the entrance is marked by a curved papapet in typical Mission style. The arched windows of the main floor are echoed by stucco trim above. The roof is red tile, in the Mission style. The main building is set in extensive, well- maintained grounds, which also include modern apartment buildings and several outbuildings from an earlier farm. J 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1912 9. Architect: John McLaren- landscape 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 88 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: Infirmary added in 1958 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: X Scattered buildings: X Densely built -up: Residential: X Industrial: . Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: Gardener's cottage, cook house and nursery, all built in 1915. Barn - predated main building (before 1912). SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This property was originally called Oakwood Farm. It was owned from 1880 -1906 by the Dexter family. It was purchased in 1906 by the Odd Fellows for $16,500. The property was originally located on McCall Road, now Fruitvale Avenue. The building was dedicated as a retirement home on May 15, 1912. Its formal gardens were designed by John McLaren, who was a member of the Odd Fellows. The property also contains a barn and other outbuildings, some supposedly from the original farm, which were used by the retirees to run a working farm, helping to make the home self- sufficient. The infirmary was built in 1958, and 78 new rooms were added in 1981. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: 1 Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 2 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Santa Clara County Heritage Resource Inventory, 1979; interview with R. Conklin of IOOF, 2/25/81; Letter to Saratoga HPC, 6/25/84. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH 11er.AQte. bless doAaJ Co 41e5 Q -.9 - �y I1 < °r �P� CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING DEPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY INVENTORY # PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN 31I�(date) Street Address � 450Q Fru�J\g6�e 1q\1e`)Ue APN 3q7- 1-4- 012, 016i _017, 01S Historic Name Odd Fellows �\Ome Present Owner Grand Lo &� e_ o-F +- e ZUoF off' Ca1� Address 1�Q. OX g S6- ra4naa . CA G 60'70 Present Use Lorne Gyecl Original .Use i ornc -Por o'Oye—a LJ v Other Past Uses DESCRIPTION Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major - alterations from its original condition ThcS lar an � -�OTNn e-,�,h reSe �l.�s a. c',1�L.L,eG1\.. 7h_eEl c�-,re rnckcl YCL-U-) mac.A ery)s w-e(k <ee4;, -ad v W- �o wary A. Y l' Approximate property size: Lot size (in feet) Frontage Depth or approximate acreage ke,. „ _, Condition (check one): F,,cellent ()�) Good ( ) Fair ( ) . .eriorated ( ) No longer in existence ( ) Is the feature: Altered ?,(.) Unaltered? ( *) Location sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and pro- minent landmarks) ftf �, DA LE _ ,� �P LY ss , 5C SI4��Tpd7l4- lC)S'U v Threats to site: None known ( ) Private Development ( ) Zoning ( ) Public Works Project ( ) Vandalism ( ) Other ( ) Primary exterior building material: Stone ( ) Brick ( ) Stucco Adobe ( ) Wood ( ) Other ( ) Is the structure: On its original site? ( *) Moved? ( ) Unknown ( ). Year of initial construction I Z This date is: Factual (x) Estimated ( ) u n�a PJ tam* -it 500" 00 0 Architect (if known) Burilldd(e�r- ( if known) U _ — TY ,C�1 n-� Related features: Barn ( ) Carriage House ( ) Outhouse ( ) Shed(s) ( ) Formal garden(s) ( ) Watertower /Tankhouse ( ) Other ( ) Windmill ( 1 None 1, SIGNIFICANCE Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site when known): This 1anaVor-' �c 5o�l ?Oakwood Fa.rrn� was owned �' Um ( 080- 190(o ib a Dex4 r f'am�1y � 6,nd +hen C} acts rC' a bv� c� YYlerr,��l 'car► ii' Iy Who Sold l�- _- )e Odd .I= ellor�s irk 1�Og ��c� Caa� off' f 1o,50C�. The si, voas o►-, f�1�C�1� Ccun iZoe�d (��o�khdvn -� as The. Iar e�Lrciey)s Can ere-- eL MY 5s(onc : R,evivcL.�- s� 12 wec5 cleclioc.Jed on Ma 16) jq►t. Z�s 4Rbr nc` wey-e desicJnecl b-� 3Xy� Mti Lo-re�I w110 w05 a �ernmaev ol;7 Z00F. Mojor occu,-red �- fg5b vgVven +he in�rmary wC,s bL(CLt, Today W6 �naer �vY,g�rru� -Moen +O adlel $1 clew Source (books,.documents, surveys, personal interviews, and their dates): rocs m S, S0-n-�Q Cara- Couv� 1�er��a��.spurce �.r,ver -�oY�, 1�1�5 �unnin�narn) e ,L1ri o )ey-� Cor, versa. iov� w��'� R, �onk``�IV Sint �a�' -ihe zC�OF� 3�1$�81 Form prepared by: 'tn(1u L 1.(.j Date: J ,p HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #27) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Odd Fellows Home 2. Historic name: Odd Fellows Home 3. Street or rural address: 14500 Fruitvale Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -12 -012, 016, 017, 018 5. Present Owner: Grand Lodge of IOOF of Calif. Address: P.O.Box 2669 City: Saratoga Ownership is: Public: 6. Present Use: Convalescent home Zip: 95070 Private: X Original Use: Retirement home DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Mission Revival 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This building is two stories, features an "H" shaped floorplan, and is clad in stucco, typical of the style. The main entrance is approached by a broad staircase leading to an arched opening flanked by twin bell towers. Above the entrance is a triple window with classical trim and a triangular pediment above. The roof over the entrance is marked by a curved papapet in typical Mission style. The arched windows of the main floor are echoed by stucco trim above. The roof is red tile, in the Mission style. The main building is set in extensive, well- maintained grounds, which also include modern apartment buildings and several outbuildings from an earlier farm. (photograph here) 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1912 9. Architect: John McLaren- landscape 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 88 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 .x.."16 13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: Infirmary added in 1958 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: X Scattered buildings: X Densely built -up: Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: Gardener's cottage, cook house and nursery, all built in 1915. Barn - predated main building (before 1912). SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This property was originally called Oakwood Farm. It was owned from 1880 -1906 by the Dexter family. It was purchased in 1906 by the Odd Fellows for $16,500. The property was originally located on McCall Road, now Fruitvale Avenue. The building was dedicated as a retirement home on May 15, 1912. Its formal gardens were designed by John McLaren, who was a member of the Odd Fellows. The property also contains a barn and other outbuildings, some supposedly from the original farm, which were used by the retirees to run a working farm, helping to make the home self- sufficient. The infirmary was built in 1958, and 78 new rooms were added in 1981. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: 1 Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 2 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Santa Clara County Heritage Resource Inventory, 1979; interview with R. Conklin of IOOF, 2/25/81; Letter to Saratoga HPC, 6/25/84. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH yPy\�9 OR ike rA a1 WeST Jalloy cc11e50 *51 a4 c41 04 �' r,jBht� off �°�'��0�''r� July 13, 1988 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE. • SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867 -3438 Grand Lodge of IOOF of California P.O. Box 2669 Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Gentlemen: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Karen Anderson Martha Clevenger Joyce Hlava David Moyles Donald Peterson The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission has recently completed a comprehensive Inventory of historic resources in our community. We are pleased to notify you that the Oddfellows Home at 14500 Fruitvale Avenue meets the criteria for being included on this list. The purpose of the Heritage Resource Inventory is to establish a list of documented historic properties in Saratoga. The Heritage Preservation Commission was assigned the responsibility for preparing the Inventory by the,City Council in 1982. Each property on the list has been identified as reflecting and being a part of the unique history of Saratoga. The Inventory has been prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the State Office of Historic Preservation, with data gathered from a variety of sources, including historic documents and books, interviews with local citizens, and existing county and state inventories that contain information on Saratoga properties. Being listed on the Inventory does not carry any form of special requirements or restrictions` affecting the use, improvement, alteration or even the demolition of your property. As an Inventory property, however, you will be able to make use of the State Historic Building Code, an alternative set of building regulations that are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings. In addition, your property may qualify for designation as a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, a special category of outstanding and exemplary historic properties that are identified in the community by a handsome bronze plaque. We have enclosed the entire Inventory list and the individual Inventory form for your property, which gives information about the building, the property and its history. We would appreciate your review of this form to let us know if there are any changes or additions to the form you wish to include. We also anticipate that there are additional historic resources in the community that we may have overlooked or have not fully documented yet; if you know of any that are not on the list, please let us know. If you have any questions, please direct them to the Commission through Valerie Young, our staff person.at City Hall (867- 3438). One of the Commissioners will be happy to meet with you to discuss the Inventory and answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elizabeth Ansnes Roy Cameron Norm Koepernik Shar n Landsness Bar a a Voest 7t Warren Heid, Chairman "I,%- HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #27) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Odd Fellows Home 2. Historic name: Odd Fellows Home 3. Street or rural address: 14500 Fruitvale Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -12 -012, 016, 017, 018 5. Present Owner: Grand Lodge of IOOF of Calif. Address: P.O.Box 2669 City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Convalescent home Original Use: Retirement home DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Mission Revival 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This building is two stories, features an "H" shaped floorplan, and is clad in stucco, typical of the style. The main entrance is approached by a broad staircase leading to an arched opening flanked by twin bell towers. Above the entrance is a triple window with classical trim and a triangular pediment above. The roof over the entrance is marked by a curved papapet in typical Mission style. The arched windows of the main floor are echoed by stucco trim above. The roof is red tile, in the Mission style. The main building is set in extensive, well- maintained grounds, which also include modern apartment buildings and several outbuildings from an earlier farm. (photograph here) 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1912 9. Architect: John McLaren- landscape 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 88 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: Infirmary added in 1958 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: X Scattered buildings: X Densely built -up: Residential: X. Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: Gardener's cottage, cook house and nursery, all built in 1915. Barn - predated main building (before 1912). SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site),. This property was originally called Oakwood Farm. It was owned from 1880 -1906 by the Dexter family. It was purchased in 1906 by the Odd Fellows for $16,500. The property was originally located on McCall Road, now Fruitvale Avenue. The building was dedicated as a retirement home on May 15, 1912. Its formal gardens were designed by John McLaren, who was a member of the Odd Fellows. The property also contains a barn and other outbuildings, some supposedly from the original farm, which were used by the retirees to run a working farm, helping to make the home self- sufficient. The infirmary was built in 1958, and 78 new rooms were added in 1981. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: 1 Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 2 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Santa Clara County Heritage Resource Inventory, 1979; interview with R. Conklin of IOOF, 2/25/81; Letter to Saratoga HPC, 6/25/84. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH lie rnA a1 e. vJess Ja1ley Colle6 Q Ir Cb R� Saratoga Community- _" arder, Newsletter,-- Scrr,uter, 1 y5; Page 16 �j /7 0 The following items are on the Garden's wish list- - paintbrushes (1 ",� and 3" sizes) - paint roller - latex paint, preferably color brown (used carts okay) or white, red and blue. - light bulbs (60 -70 watt) - linseed ail (boiled) for tools and benches - hose repair materials for 3/4" and 112" garden -hoses - ail can for holding lubrication ail The fallowing letter is from Jennifer )-ayiar, a plea to the Odd Fellows-:. f� �r coat i nuat iOn. 22701 Mt. Eden Road Saratoga, CA 95070 May 8, 1987 International Order of Odd Fellows 14500 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 1 International Order of Odd Fellows: This is a plea to save our beloved Saratoga Community Garden! I am aghast and mortified to learn that you are considering closing this jewel of our community! If you would consider how greatly valued our Garden is,-'by loyal friends, by school children, by their teachers who recognize the immense value a garden has for the education of youngsters, by visitors and gardeners who come to study and enjoy it, perhaps you would then sense the community love and support for the Garden. I first moved to Saratoga as an 8- year -old in 1952 and lived on 11 acres of prune orchard nearby the I.O.O.F. Home, until our ranch was condemned to build the West Valley College in 1965. From those early years on, I rode my horse every day over orchards and hay fields to visit the thriving farm behind your Home. I watched the dairy cows come in from the graveyard down the road, Saratoga Community Garden Newsletter-- Summer, 1957 1 Page 17 the extended family unit. A child needs consistency and inner discipline. A kindergartners need is that of belonging to the community, first the school and then the larger community. That's what the Saratoga Community Garden meant for my family. Through my involvement first with Vanessa's Kindergarten class, where I extended our family band into her first community experience, then the Gardens. Our entire family feels we are part of this community. There is a sense of belonging, a taking care of the community spirit. For me it is going back home a little. We all knew one another in our town and each other's families. The Garden itself is such a whole organism. Susan, the school program director can not do a dynamite program without a good looking garden site. She is dependent on David not only to provide a beautiful garden but also to keep her informed about the happenings in the Garden. Kids love to see spider webs, blue -earn that looks like jewels, peas in a pod that they can taste right from the vine, cucumbers that look like lemons. To demonstrate man's relationship with the earth and with nature, one has to demonstrate his relationship with one another. The staff and volunteers share a kitchen, which content also gets snared by the school program. Man's relationship at the Garden is so intense that if there is bad communication you can smell it right away. I have felt very much at home, which means David, Susan, Adam, Marie, Rusti and all the other people who have worked there this semester have worked very hard at communicating in a very positive way. There is another balance I want you to know about. A Garden is seasonai,like all life is. Each season with its awn strength and beauty. One fall I was gathering seed from the flowers with several kindergarten children and a mother was helping her son. She told him to look for all the very old and dead flowers and he would find the seed pod. "Morn ", he said with a very indignant voice," these flowers are not dead, they are full of new life ". Too bad we condition our children to thinK our way. Children are often so much closer to the truth. The Garden lets them experience the natural world through their senses. This helps them understand their own cycles in life later on. If we let this Garden go, a place of self, a place of belonging in this community will be gone. So let us continue to build and rebuild when there is still positive energy in the air. Marianne Swan " 6_i3 watched them drink at the beautiful cement and circular trough, watched the dairyman milk them and process the milk, watched the calves being born and then weaned, watched the chickens feeding and laying, peered into the little brooding house which is now the kitchen for the Garden, and most of all enjoyed the great huge sows and their tiny piglets, and the roisterous "teen -age" pigs, all in the beautiful old, cool barn. I used to ride or hike back to the old graveyard and read and muse over the pioneer headstones. All those vivid and happy memories of the lovely farm days are with me still, forever a part of my growing up, of my love and respect for self- sufficiency and of the wisdom of the aged residents whom I would wave to, passing by the old wings of the Home. Later, when I was grown, and the farm was abandonedi;'I was part of the effort to start a Community Garden. We planned thousands of dollars of multi- media: film strips, cassettes, film loops, learning kits, movies, and books to coordinate the'Mendelsohn Memorial Media Center at old Saratoga School with the programs to be conducted at the Garden. Soon I was a volunteer docent, and almost immediately a paid teacher and guide for year -found school tours as well as four summer sessions. This love of learning has continued now for 16 years, with thousands of visitors, school tours, summer school, adult and children's classes, workshops, May Day Festivals, Harvests, seasonal celebra- tions, and so much more! I cannot stress to you strongly enough how much we all use our Garden, and how much a part of our Community, aesthetic and educa- tional lives it has become. In the past seven years alone, I have traveled every Monday with Betty Peck's Kindergarten from Saratoga School to enjoy a morning of singing, baking and gardening, all sheer delight. The involvement of parents, community leaders, and youngsters has been more than gratifying. It is a moving force in the life of Saratoga! At a time when other communities are struggling to retain the flavor and spirit, if not the fact, of "village," Saratoga continues to thrive. At a time when other communities attempt to found cohesive institutions and tradi- tions to perpetuate the values of our society, Saratoga remains calm and self - assured: our village already has Hakone Gardens, Montalvo, Sanborn Park and historical Youth Hostel, the Saratoga Community Garden, the I.O.O.F. Home, the Rotary Art Show, the Museum and McWilliam's home, the designated Historical homes and buildings of old Saratoga, the Foothill Club, the Historical Park at the corner orchard and Library, the old Federated Church, Our Lady of Fatima, Notre .Dame, Madronia Cemetery and Sarah Brown's grave, the Old Saratoga Library, VITA, old Oak Street School, the lovely but tiny remnants of once - flourishing orchards, Paul Masson's old mountain Winery and now Music in the Vineyards, Saratoga Springs, Congress Springs Winery, Garrod Farms Stables, all our community parades and festivals, all our very unique and binding opportunities that hold this little City together in today's spirit and yesterday's historical perspective! If you insist on subtracting the Saratoga Community Garden from this list of valued and cherished traditions, you will have wantonly reduced Saratoga's vigor, and you may have willingly helped to begin the depreciation of the very traditions and values our new citizens have come here for. We used to come for the orchards, to live and work in the countryside. Now they count among the aesthetic qualities of our village the active sense of community that thrives here. Prevent, somehow, this abominable error! Do not cut yourselves off from the past and from your community! Do not cut your Fellows and Rebeccas off from their own old cemetery! Do not cut to the quick our Community Spirit by selling off one of our first traditions! Very sincerely yours and with deep concern, Jennifer Young Taylor 4th Generation Native of Calif. and the Santa Clara Valley Mother and Teacher 22701 Mt. Eden Road Saratoga, CA 95070 867 -1125 - yl- Y� V�v C San Jose Mercury News ■ Wednesday, June 10, 1987 • Extra 3 3; Community News Odd Fellows. retirement home marks 75th year in Saratoga By Jose Stell Mercury News Staff Writer More than 200 residents of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home of California will commem- orate the 75th anniversary of its 1912 settlement in Saratoga at an open -air celebration Saturday af- ternoon. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal and benevo- lent secret society which traces its origins to 18th century England. Its symbol features three chain links, representing friendship, love and truth, said Sally Abbott, home as- sistant administrator. "I'm told the name 'Odd Fel- lows' was given back in the 1700s," Abbott said. "In those days few people showed any concern for their fellow man. Some, though, would befriend the less fortunate, sometimes leaving groceries on a needy person's stoop. "The story goes that persons showing that caring concern were called 'odd people,' " she said, "and that's where we got our name." The order also is known for car- ing for its own poor and needy aged members, Abbott said. The Saratoga retirement facility is home for 210 elderly Odd Fellows men and women, including 58 in its infirmary. The facility is state li- censed for maximum occupancy of 199 residents and 68 infirmary pa- tients. If any occasion calls for ringing the old ship's bell that hangs in the main building's tower, the diamond anniversary is that occasion. It commemorates the 1912 relocation of an estimated 150 residents from the former Odd Fellows California home in Thermalito near Oroville to brand -new quarters in Saratoga. SOUTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY The Saratoga property was known as Oakwood Farm before the IOOF purchased it on March 20, 1908, from John W. and Bessie Harden Stetson. The Odd Fellows acquired the original 85 acres for $16,000 during those flinty econom- ic times when American currency was referred to as "hard dollars." The farm property was located amid a sea of orchards. Fruitvale Avenue at that time was a rutted dirt wagon track, traveled by an occasional horseless carriage. Research by Max Holloway, Odd Fellows' California grand secre- tary, revealed that the deed "of sale reserved to the sellers "spring wa- ter, not to exceed 60 gallons in any one calendar day, for a cow or other domestic animal." The Odd Fellows acquired mis- cellaneous personal property items See HOME, Page 4 Richard Wisdom —Extra Jim Thornton, 91, waters plants in front of IOOF retirement home in Saratoga 1,� Fk4k Ace&, ffat GEFOfCir ,i 111,afo 444 1czjAau— '�W 1b. 4 Extra 3 • San Jose Mercury News ■ Wednesday, June 10, 1987 ; Community News Odd Fellows have always been known for compassion HOME, from Page 3 in the transaction, including "wag- ons, harnesses, saws and squares," and livestock — specifically "12 chickens, two guinea hens, one dog, four horses, a cow and a heifer." The Odd Fellows set about con- structing the new home in Mission Revival style, and laid the corner- stone of the main building on Oct. 11, 1911. When ready for occupancy late in 1912, it provided the back- drop for the mass relocation. The move got under way at 5 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1912, when the elderly residents of the Thermalito home packed up their belongings in preparation for the 200 -mile train ride to Congress Junction. According to Odd Fellows ar- chives, a journal entry titled-"The Great Move" relates that the resi- dents were transported "by home conveyances and in autos" three miles to the Western Pacific Rail- road depot in Oroville. "From the windows of the coaches a last parting glimpse of their old home ... quickly faded from view. A new life was about to be spread before them." In Sacramento, the assemblage transferred to the Southern Pacific Railroad. Passage on both lines was free, the journal entry notes, and adds editorially, "This act ... touched a tender spot in the hearts of Odd Fellows throughout the state, and goes to show that rail- road officials are not all heartless and without soul." A midday stopover was in order at Stockton. "From the (rail: oad) cars to the horseless machines, the residents were conveyed to one of the churches where the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Stockton provided a bountiful and appetizing dinner of chicken." The sojourn continued, the three -coach section arriving at Congress Junction "as the shadows of evening were casting their shades of night over the range of the Santa Cruz Mountains." The road on both sides of the depot was lined by more than 50 autos, wait- ing to take the Odd Fellows to their new home. The journal entry goes on to re- late, "The (new) buildings were brilliant with myriads of incandes- cent lights, the rays of each seem- ing to extend a genial warmth and welcome to each new arrival." Sometime during the intervening years, the Odd Fellows acquired 16 more acres, bringing total holdings in Saratoga to 101 acres. The 1911 main building is the last original structure standing.' A new 79 -room residential adjunct called California Villa was built six years ago. Two years later, five of the original residential struc- tures were razed. In addition to residential quar- ters, the three - story, three -wing main building includes a dining room that seats 180, a comfortable living room with library in one nook, a multipurpose assembly room, a small sitting room with antiques, and administrative of- fices. The assembly room was named in honor of William H. Barnes, an early day officer of the Grand En- campment of California who fur- nished it. It is a spacious carpeted area with heavy oak chairs, slight- ly raised stage and a venerable old reed organ. Church services, plays and skits and monthly movies are featured there. The old ship's bell is rung by hand three times a day to an- nounce meals, as well as for occa- sional special social activities in- volving all residents. The living room is the focal point for group social programs, said Diane Cook, activities direc- tor. It is the scene for birthday parties, bingo games, therapeutic exercise classes, craft sessions and story hours, among other activi- ties. Cook's duties are rewarding. "It's like having 180 grandpar- ents," she said. One of the pleasant spinoffs of her job is the spontaneous mutual affection that develops between el- derly residents and visiting young L The children's rapport with elders is remarkable. 9 — Diane Cook, activities director children. Friendly visits by Brown- ies, Camp Fire Girls and dance studio youngsters quickly bloom into loving experiences. "The children's rapport with el- ders is remarkable," Cook said. The, elders also are visited by elders. The residents' spirits seem to soar, Cook said, when the Santa Clara Senior Center ukulele band pays a visit. A group of about 10 neighboring Saratogans, which goes by the un- pretentious title of Ladies' Guild, calls twice a year to take 60 Odd Fellows residents out for a Chinese or Mexican lunch. The women pro- vide private transportation to and from a restaurant, and pick up the tab. Saturday's diamond anniversary party will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the retirement home's oak -shad- ed picnic grounds off Fruitvale Av- enue. Key speeches will be given by Grand Master Doyle Childers of San Diego, chief officer of all Odd Fellows lodges in California; Jane Jensen, president of the Rebekah Assembly; and Arthur Cort of Shin- gle Springs, Odd Fellows board president. Saratoga City Councilman Don Peterson will extend official greet- ings, and read the proclamation adopted by the council on May 20 in honor of the anniversary. DADS & GRADS SALE Choose a Musical G for for Dad or for Th 1987 Grad. A GUITAR Is portable and easy to play. It's great for that college dorm. $69 REASONABLY PRICED FROM Stop by either location for special sale prices during our Dads and Grads Sale A KEYBOARD Is portable and easy to play. A great gift �� for Dad' to pass some time away. Pried From MUSIC _ ILLAGE f` May 15, 1985 Ms. Barbara Boester Heritage Preservation Commission 1377 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Boester: THE SARATOGA COMMUNITY GARDEN INC. I recently spoke to Mr. Mike Flores with regard to the enclosed letter, dated June 25, 1984. P.O. Box #756 • Saratoga, CA 95071 The Saratoga Community Garden is quite hopeful that the City of Saratoga will include the Cowbarns and miscellaneous buildings as part of Inventory No. 70, the Saratoga Odd Fellow's Home. Evidently the Heritage Commission is presently reviewing the inven- tory and hopefully this is an appropriate time to include these other building on the listing. If you should have any questions you may contact me at 867 -4969. Thank you for your consideration. I would appreciate notification with regard to the above request. Sincerely, Cynthia Rockwood President Phone (408) 354 -8648 e- To: Heritage Preservation CM- MissiOn 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, Ca. 95070 Attn.: Mike Flores, secretary Saratoga, June 25, 1984 Dear Mr. Flores, Pursuant to our recent telephone conversation I am sen- ding you the following information regarding the City of Saratoga's Ristorical Inventory Item no.70, the Saratoga 's Odd Fellows Hare. I suggest that Item no.70 be revised to include-the Cow- barn and several miscellaneous buildings currently referred to as Gardener's cottage, Cook house, Nursery and Educational building. The Cow barn dates prior to 1912 and the Chicken houses / currently named Nursery and Educational building were'. built in 1915 according to a Board of Trustees Report of the Grand Lodge . of the California I.O.O.F. These buildings should be included in the Inventory Item no.70 as they are the only remnants of an extensive subsistence farm, where capable residents of the California I.O.O.F.'s reti- rement home participated in various aspects of maintaining the ,. farm to provide their awn food. They remind us of an era of great industrioasness, self- reliance, good- Sanaritanship and perseverance.'' IIn my meeting with Mrs. Seonaid McArthur- Bielinski on June 19, 1984 it was agreed upon that she would put this request r.` for revision in her dame instead of mine. I would apreciate it if you see to that. Very truly yours: r � To: Heritage Preservation Ccannission 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, Ca. 95070 Attn.: Mike Flores, secretary Saratoga, June 25, 1984 Dear Mr. Flores, Pursuant to our recent telephone conversation I am sen- ding you the following information regarding the City of Saratoga's Ristorical Inventory Item no.70, the Saratoga's Odd Fellows Home. I suggest that Item no.70 be revised to include the Cow— barn and several miscellaneous buildings currently referred to as Gardener's cottage, Cook douse, Nursery and Educational building. The Cow barn dates prior to 1912 and the Chicken houses currently named Nursery and Educational building were built in 1915 according to a Board of Trustees Report of the Grand Lodge Of the California I.O.O.F. These buildings should be included in the Inventory Item no.70 as they are the only remnants of an extensive subsistence farm, where capable residents of the California I.O.O.F.'s reti- rement home participated in various aspects of maintaining the faun to provide their own food. They remind us of an era of great industriousness, self- reliance, good- Samaritanship and perseverance. In my meeting with Mrs. Seonaid Mc.Arthur- Bielinski on June 19, 1984 it was agreed upon that she would put this request for revision in her name instead of mine. I would apreciate it if you see to that. tfovr / r IG'HBORHOODS The Orde'r'of Odd Fellows home is a 75- year -old Members who have been Odd Fellows for more than 15 years can live at the house By Cindy Cooper LAST WEEKEND more than 200 residents of the Odd Fellows Home on Fruitvale Avenue gath- ered with friends and dignitaries to celebrate the 75th anniver- sary of the residence. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization that helps out its members and supports such organizations as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, said California Grand Secretary Max Holloway. The group began in 18th - century England. 79-room home The 101 -acre Saratoga site contains a 79 -room residential complex called California Villa, a main building, an infirmary, the. Odd Fellows Lodge and the California Odd Fellows organi- zational offices. "Residents are able to attend Lodge meetings right at the home," said Diane Cook, activi- ties director. "Odd Fellows in the city of Saratoga attend the Saratoga Lodge or are members of Cupertino or Sunnyvale." To become a resident of the. retirement home, people must be members of the Odd Fellows for 15 consecutive years, Hollo- way said. Members of the Rebekahs — the women's organization — may also be- come residents, as may wives of Odd Fellows. Paullus, Doris Peters and Gil Handley. One of the Odd Fellows residents' best friends is "SuperCat," who showed up one day on the retirement home's grounds and iMMgdiately.made himself at home. Saratoga News /June 17, 1997 /page 6 Currently, residents range in age from 60 to 105, Cook said. `Kentucky Fried' picnic There are a variety of activi- ties available to the residents, including a rhythm band, an exercise program, bingo, craft classes, craft workshops and, recently, a "Kentucky Fried Chicken Picnic." "The picnic was very suc- cessful," said Cook. "They want to do it again as soon as pos- sible." Members also take trips to Santa Cruz and Vasona Park, she said. Several groups, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and schools, visit the home. "The schools are very good to us," said Cook. "The different classrooms come over and bring homemade goodies." Luau planned Musical groups such as the Sweet Adelaines often entertain. "We also turn certain days into special days," she said. "We are going. to have a luau. The staff and the residents will dress up. The crafts group has been making Hawaiian leis out of napkins. They are very color- ful. " The Senior Citizens Trouba- dour Band will play Hawaiian The first residents moved into th home on Nov. 18 only Odd Fellows California. 1912. It remains t retirement home in music to add to the festivities. Residents also attend church services on Sundays — a differ- ent denomination each' Sunday of each month. Was once a farm The Saratoga property was known as Oakwood Farm before the Odd Fellows purchased it in 1908 from John and Bessie Har- den Stetson. The first residents moved into the home on Nov. 18, 1912. It remains the only Odd Fellows retirement home in California, Cook said. Before the Saratoga home was built, the Odd Fellows had a home in Thermalito (near Oro - ville). According to the Odd Fellows archives and a journal entry en- titled "The Great Move," the Fellows living at the Thermalito e he home had to travel by train from Oroville to Congress Junction, the nearest railroad station to the new home in Saratoga. Then -Grand Master Charles L. Snyder said, "The home stands as a monument to the la- bors and efforts of the member- ship in California for many years." According to the archives, it was between 10 and 11 o'clock before the last of the new resi- dents had been escorted to their respective rooms, with new furniture, comfortable fittings and snowy white coverlids ... to dream sweet dreams of the days to come, in this their new home -- the great white throne on the hill erected as a tribute to the aged wives, widows, sisters of Rebekah and veteran brothers, who compromise the bone and sinew of California Odd Fellow- ship." City - operated Saratoga Library still a possibility Continued from page 4 and county counsel services. Between 1980 and 1985, Saratoga pitched in $76,000 from city funds to help -pay weekday staffing costs at the Community Library. In 1985 -86 — the, last year such a figure is available — $132,000 in property tax revenue generated by Saratoga went toward overhead costs. The Library Commission's report essentially explores whether or not the city of Sara- toga can match the county's library services at a reduced cost to the city. Safety Commission recommends closing Bohlman Road July 4 .If the City Council OKs a recommendation from the Sara- toga Public Safety Commission, Gohlman Road in the Saratoga foothills will be closed the night of July 4 to prevent the possibil- ity of fires caused by illegal fire- works. At the Public Safety Commis- sion's last meeting on June 8, Sales to minors increasing Continued from page 2 spiracy" he said. "Sales to minors have in- creased over the past few years, but I don't know why," said Paul D'Andrea, state Alcohol Bev - erage Control Department divi- sion chief. To bring the numbers down, ABC has formed an education program, he said. Department employees go to liquor stores to answer questions merchants might have. They also talk about the legal drinking age and ways - to prevent sales to minors. The program is in place in South Lake Tahoe, D'Andrea said. San Francisco and Mil - pitas are considering it. D'Andrea said ABC has also conducted decoy programs in San Francisco, in which young - looking female ABC employees have gone into stores to try. to purchase liquor. They were able to buy alcohol in about one -third 'Responsibility. means selling only' to those of legal age.' Michael Fox, Anheuser Busch distributor of the stores, he said. ".(Retailers) would tell (their) help to check the identification of someone who wants to cash a $500 check. We are asking (them) to tell employees to check identifica- tion of people who want to buy alcohol," D'Andrea said. The penalty for minors who purchase alcohol varies with the jurisdiction, he said. Some may get a "slap on the wrist," some may get fined and some may get jailtime. Merchants, on the other hand, are fined $500 by ABC for selling alcohol to minors. If one knows of a store that is selling alcohol to minors, D'An- drea said, he or she should re- port it to law enforcement or to the local ABC office. Patti Froom, West Valley crime prevention officer for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, told attendees that the best thing store owners can do is call the Sheriff's Depart- ment if they see minors hanging around their stores. She said deputies will come out and talk to the youngsters. Froom added that deputies will confiscate fake IDs used by minors in attempts to buy Please turn to page 9 two hillside residents and Chief Ernie. Kraule of the Saratoga Fire District urged the commis- sioners to recommend that the road be closed a third consecu- tive year because of "extreme" fire danger in the foothills due to the dry, hot conditions in recent weeks. Community Services Direc- tor Todd Argow said there will also be one additional reserve sheriff's officer on duty on Bohlman both July 3 and July 4 to watch for violations of party and fireworks regulations. . Several garages burglarized The Santa Clara. County Sheriff's Department told com- missioners that 12 residential burglaries occurred in Saratoga during the month of May. Most of the burglaries occurred in garages. Among the items taken were alcohol and tools. The sheriff's office also re- ported six auto burglaries and three grand thefts (losses of $800 or more) during May. However, deputies made three felony burglary arrests last month, ac- cording to the department. Windows shot out Ten resideces and 18 vehicles were vandalized last month in Saratoga, the Sheriff's Depart- ment reported. Most of the dam- age consisted of broken windows caused by BBs and pellets. The department said three Saratoga parties required law enforcement attention during May. Deputies broke up large parties on Pierce Road, High- way 85 and Bucknall Road. DUI fines dropping The Sheriff's . Department also reported that the county's average fine for driving under the influence of drugs and al- cohol has dropped from $1,000 to $460. However, the department said the county district attor- ney's office has been running a 97.6 - percent conviction rate in DUI cases. On a related note, traffic ac- cidents in Saratoga have declin- ed from 388 in 1986 to a projected total for 1987 of 297. Injury acci- dents are showing a similar de- cline, with a projected 96 for 1987, compared to 130 in 1986. Argow credited the presence of sheriff's DUI officers for much of the drop -off in accidents. Unprecedented code enforcement Argow also reported that Saratoga community services officers spent a record 54 per- cent of -their time on code en- forcement activities during May. "That's the largest amount of time the CSOs have spent on code enforcement since the CSO program began in 1984," he said. G /zi /8-r .... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Saratoga News /June 17, 1987 /page 1 S. F�. 12378 Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. #8 F Saratoga, CA 95070 �%Qt: s' c e�Ti a I '; +t I�►JRT WAY, .:i "�, 14251. nUt1v S 95070 �. SARA'1'OG11; CA' i a ru ra Wednesday June 17, 1987 BULK RATE U.S. Postage Paid Donnelly Newspapers Vol. 35,, No.24 354 There's place like home F Calk a 3 NO Above: Two-year resident Louise Copeland envoys a Odd Fellows retirement villa quiet walk on the grounds of "'w celebrates. 75th anniversary Left: Marie Page plays the sax in the retirees' rhythm Page 6• r - z Calk a 3 NO Above: Two-year resident Louise Copeland envoys a Odd Fellows retirement villa quiet walk on the grounds of the Odd Fellows "California Villa" retirement .home. celebrates. 75th anniversary Left: Marie Page plays the sax in the retirees' rhythm Page 6• band. NEWS Supervisors to consider library budget tonight By Rob Vardon Mayor °selection tonight rotation versus discretion s Y` If the'Saratoga City ,Coun - "versial and3rapidly:changmgk cil tonight ,�a%iheres to the­ °policy . oil how _ •the city's ' same formula it used the last', `. mayor will be =chosen. two years i- choosing a new In 1985, Hlava introduced mayor, current, Vice Mayor', a policy to rotate the mayor -, Karen Anderson will get the _:ship at the.end of each one- J,0'6- year,term on ttie basis of sen lf, however, ahe � council iority: ,In th6 "event of a tie iii , does not follow;thle "rotation" "length of tim6, on the council; � method, in> whieh the mayor the mayor would be chosen_on is chosen automatically by, the basis of` ;which council seniority, any;>of the five,,:', 'member had : received the, .council members, including ° most votes inJhe- last elec -=, , incumbent Joyce Hlava, Lion could wind up in the mayor's By' 3 2 vote m8Jurie 1986, chair. = that policy became an ordin -' In a series,rof 3 -2 votes ° ance, again with the support since July,O9 -, the Saratoga ' r Council has shaped a contro ` Please turn to page 4 ' V servicva,o course, u a s not in the cards this year. We We're maintaining the basic and Although county and local of discuss ficials alike say they would level prefer more funding, both ex- current of services, Which is pressed satisfaction with a pro- posed $9.22 million budget for my main concern. the Santa Clara County library Marilyn Kanemura, system for fiscal year 1987 -88. chairwoman Of the Saratoga The budget proposal will be re- Arts Day at Foothill School. A group of art docents from San viewed by the county Board of Library Commission Supervisors, beginning with a After- school sports and other public hearing tonight. of the arts and crafts of the " "This is a `maintenance is not reflected in staffing or except in the case of Sunda g p Y budget," said County Librarian services but in capital im- hours, for which Saratoga pays Susan Fuller. "We're maintain- provements to the library $14,000 per year out of city ing existing services, plus a building. funds. The rest of the money small increase (in funding) for books. We'd like to expand a lot "We're maintaining the basic Please turn to page 4 and current level 'of services, IV f b t th t' which is my main concern" Mayor °selection tonight rotation versus discretion s Y` If the'Saratoga City ,Coun - "versial and3rapidly:changmgk cil tonight ,�a%iheres to the­ °policy . oil how _ •the city's ' same formula it used the last', `. mayor will be =chosen. two years i- choosing a new In 1985, Hlava introduced mayor, current, Vice Mayor', a policy to rotate the mayor -, Karen Anderson will get the _:ship at the.end of each one- J,0'6- year,term on ttie basis of sen lf, however, ahe � council iority: ,In th6 "event of a tie iii , does not follow;thle "rotation" "length of tim6, on the council; � method, in> whieh the mayor the mayor would be chosen_on is chosen automatically by, the basis of` ;which council seniority, any;>of the five,,:', 'member had : received the, .council members, including ° most votes inJhe- last elec -=, , incumbent Joyce Hlava, Lion could wind up in the mayor's By' 3 2 vote m8Jurie 1986, chair. = that policy became an ordin -' In a series,rof 3 -2 votes ° ance, again with the support since July,O9 -, the Saratoga ' r Council has shaped a contro ` Please turn to page 4 ' V servicva,o course, u a s not in the cards this year. We . said Marilyn Ka , chair `Merchants for Minors' discuss feel fortunate to maintain the woman of the Saratoga ratoga Library. Melissa Houston (left) and because of financial strains. services we have now." The Saratoga Community . Commission. `I would love to have a whole lot of money en- Ways to keep kids from drinking Library's share is $604,945, fused, but being part of the coun- Also inside Arts Day at Foothill School. A group of art docents from San about 6.5 percent of the total ty library system keeps us from amount budgeted for the nine -li- having to make major cuts in By Cindy Cooper brary system. Tha figure is 1 our library services." percent less than the 1986 -87 A big benefit of membership The best way to prevent Saratoga budget of $612,000, but in the county library system is youngsters from buying and Puller said the slight reduction that the city does not pay for it, drinking alcohol is for parents to Inside the News African Day field children's centers are School District Board of Trustees. (408) 252 -6661 negotiating a possible merger Page 14 Melissa Houston (left) and because of financial strains. Reporters and contributors Stephanie Sun at work on their Page 9 Bulletin Board Ads African masks during African (408) 252 -6661 Also inside Arts Day at Foothill School. A group of art docents from San Sports flap Public Meetings .. 4 g p Francisco presented students and teachers alike with samples After- school sports and other Public Safety report' . p. 5 People ............. P. 11 of the arts and crafts of the " activities — such as cheer- leading — may no longer count volunteerSaratOga . p• 13 "Dark Continent. Pa a 19 g for physical education credit if a Community Calendar p. 21 Merger talk proposal to that effect meets ........ Sports P. 26 Mailing and street address with approval of the. Los Gatos- • • • • • • • • • • • The Ming Quong and East- Saratoga Joint Un ion High Business ............. p.28 -Seretoga• News /dune.17; 1987/ page2 ------------------------------- give them guidance, says a local Anheuser Busch distributor. Michael Fox of M.E. Fox and Co., Inc. told attendees at a "Merchants for Minors" meeting last week that parents 'need to set examples for their children. "We need to show them they should live by the law," he said. Parents also need to more closely supervise the actions of their children, he said. "If the children weren't going to the li- quor stores, the liquor stores wouldn't have a problem." The meeting was sponsored by Community Against Sub- stance Abuse (CASA) and M.E. Fox and Co. Only five of the approximately 30 people in at- tendance were liquor retailers. . "But five people is a start," Fox said. "I encourage you (re- tailers) to tell others that you missed seeing them at the meet- ing." "Millions of Americans enjoy what we sell responsibly," Fox continued. "Responsibility means selling only to those of, legal age." One problem many retailers encounter is "shoulder -tap- ping," in which minors ask someone of legal age to buy alcohol for them, Fox said. "In my opinion, shoulder - tapping is a heinous crime. It is preying on others. I don't know if I could get a. conviction, but shoulder - tapping is a con - Please turn to page 5 - �#aratvga Nrwii Published every Wednesday at 12378 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, Suite 8, Saratoga CA 95070. Declared a legal newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Santa Clara County; Decree No. 328148, June 2, 1975. Publisher' News Iver Davidson (408) 252 -6661 Editor_ Display advertising Rob Vardon (408) 255 -7500 Reporters and contributors Cindy Cooper, Nicole D'Amore Bulletin Board Ads James Oberhauser, Terri Brown- Davidson (408) 252 -6661 r Photographer Circulation Jenna Calk (408) 255 -9570 Display advertising Claire Kaelin, retail sales manager; Jan Hellmann Yearly subscription rates by mail, payable in advance: Bulletin Board advertising In county: $15 Lois Hower Out of county: $24 Mailing and street address Out of state: $25 12378 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, Suite 8, Saratoga, CA 95070 Owner /manager Controller Terry Donnelly Mike Kelley Display advertising director Bulletin Board supervisor Henry Hustedt Elizabeth Miller Represented nationally by U.S. Suburban Press Inc. ,�� VERIFIED . ©Copyright Saratoga News, 1987. All rights reserved X �r�^�°•• - ,/ i , N