HomeMy WebLinkAboutFRUITVALE AVENUE 14625HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #•28)
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name: Saso Herb Gardens
2. Historic name:
3. Street or rural address: 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara
4. Parcel number: 397 -17 -12
5. Present Owner: Louis & Virginia Saso Address: 14625 Fruitvale Ave.
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070
Ownership is: Public: Private: X
6. Present Use: Residence, herb garden Original Use: Fruit dryer,
Summer residence
DESCRIPTION
7a. Architectural style: Craftsman
7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or
structure and describe any major alterations from its original
condition:
This is a rectangular, two -story Craftsman house on a concrete
foundation with a basement underneath. The house stands alone amid
three outbuildings and extensive herb garden landscaping. It features
new clapboard siding (1988), a gabled wood shingle roof, one brick
chimney, with roof trim of a plain boxed cornice. Double hung windows
are flat with plain siding and lugsills; several windows have 12 small
panes. The main entrance is off an open porch, center fixed with
columns set off - center at the gable end; it is approached by a set of
steps. The front door is plain, built of wood with six rectangular
glass panes on the upper portion. The wood outbuildings are used for
herb garden activities.
8. Construction date: 1906 -1910
Estimated: X
Factual:
9. Architect: Unknown
10. Builder: Davenport
11. Approx. prop. size (ft)
Frontage: 200 ft.
Depth: 200 ft.
approx. acreage.
12. Date(s) of enclosed
photographs)
11
/ #28
Page 2
13. Condition: Excellent: Good: X Fair: Deteriorated:
No longer in existence:
14. Alterations: New siding, windows on front porch, second story addition
15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary)
Open land: Scattered buildings: 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: Herb garden, large oak tree, some original
landscaping.
SIGNIFICANCE
19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates,
events, and persons associated with the site).
This property was originally a dry yard for fruit, with a dryer
building on site. The first dry yard owner, A.N V.an,,Fleet, sold it to
another dryer, and it became known as Adair "s Dry Yard. The next owner
was Mr. Davenport, a retired minister and carpenter, who dismantled the
dryer, using the lumber to build the present house. It was
subsequently owned by the Atkinsons, then the Millers. Mr. Miller was
a professor at San Jose State University. The Saso's purchased the
property in 1962, then added the second story to the house. Since
their purchase, they have cultivated over 1,000 varieties of herbs,
fruits and trees on the property, and are well -known throughout
California for their specimen exotic plants, classes on herbs, tours,
and herb sales.
20. Main theme of the historic resource:
(If more than one is checked, number
in order of importance.)
Architecture: 1 Arts /Leisure:
Economic /Industrial: 2
Exploration /Settlement:
Government: Military:
Religion: Social /Ed.:
21. Sources (List books, documents,
surveys, personal interviews and
their dates). Interviews with
Arch Brolly and Myrtle Cox, 1986;
with Louis & Virginia Saso, 1989.
San Jose Mercury News, 8/17/88.
22. Date form prepared: 8/89
By (name): L. Davis
Organization: SHPC
Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
City: Saratoga Zip: 95070
Phone: 867 -3438
47
� 04
(91 U4 04
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE . SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
(408) 867 -3438
December 19, 1991
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Saso
14625 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Saso:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Karen Anderson
Martha Clevenger
Willem Kohler
Victor Monia
Francis Stutzman
The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission has recently updated
the Inventory of historic resources in our community. We are
pleased to notify you that your residence at 14625 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 demolition of your property. As an Inventory
property, however, you will be able to make use of the State
Historical 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 Historic 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 yet fully documented. If you know
of any that are not on the list, please let us know.
Printed on recycled paper.
If you have any questions, please direct them to Tsvia Adar, the
secretary to the Commission, 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
Linda Davis
Norm Koepernik
Willys Peck
Peter Sabin
Robert Peepari
By W-
orm Koepernik, thairman
TA:cw
San
S Ir'� fv�cl�a,
Extra
17. 1988 • Extra 3 9
Life in a wholesome, organic way
Judy Griesedretk — Extra
Virginia and Louis Saso offer workshops and classes at their Saratoga home, including wreath decorating in the shed above
Garden setting
shows Saratogans
natural way of life
By Andrea Louie
Mercury News Staff Writer
UCKED INTO A one -acre lot in Saratoga
is one couple's own little Garden of Eden,
a patch of fertile land laden with pungent
herbs and succulent fruits.
Rosemary, thyme and sweet bay flourish here.
One tree bears four different varieties of avoca-
dos, another bears two kinds of pears — the
fruits of tree grafts. Hummingbirds and bees
hover from blossom to blossom, suspended in air
and time.
The Saso Herb Garden on Fruitvale Avenue
has been lovingly cultivated for 26 years by Lou-
is and Virginia Saso. On this land, the couple
have raised eight children and more than 1,000
varieties of herbs, fruits and trees.
They have also tried to raise the consciousness
of countless visitors to their garden, teaching
them about a natural and wholesome way of life.
Year-round lectures and workshops held at the
garden concentrate on growing and using herbs
for cooking, medicine or decoration.
"We've set up a lifestyle for people to live in
an organic way," Louis Saso said. "We teach
them to use natural methods."
And learning is done best through example,
they said. The Sasos don't use chemical insecti-
cides or fertilizers, but juxtapose certain plants
in the garden to serve as natural aids. Garlic and
chives, for instance, give off a strong odor that
insects dislike-, planted next to rases, they ward
off aphids.
The Sasos mulch their own compost, a mix of
sawdust, plant clippings and chicken manure.
The compost works as a natural fertilizer and
helps insulate the soil so it doesn't lose as much
moisture, especially during the last few dry sea-
sons.
Healthy living is an integral part of the cou-
ple's lives as well, said Louis Saso, who looks and
moves as well as a man three decades younger
than his 72 years. His wife is 64. They avoid junk
food, take peppermint tea for headaches instead
of aspirin and drink water they distill them-
selves. "The food we get is life's food," he said.
"If you're teaching, you have to be an example of
what you teach."
The winding paths of the garden lead visitors
through the Saws' entire `living laboratory." Fif-
ty varieties of sage bloom, each giving off its
own distinct odor when its leaves are crushed.
One pathway leads to an enormous oak tree
that spreads its boughs over a courtyard with
benches where the Sasos hold their lectures and
workshops. Near the tree is the cross- shaped Bib-
lical garden planted with such things as passion
vine, crown of thorns, aloe and bit of heaven.
Down another walkway is an Indian medicine
Judy Griesedieck — Extra
Louis Saso finds time for a quick break at his Saratoga home, while Virginia Saso continues to weed
wheel, a garden planted with herbs such as fever-
few, which when eaten is said to prevent mi-
graines and when rubbed on the skin is said to re-
pel mosquitoes. A chamomile lawn lies invitingly
around another bend. The patch is for resting,
and the cool leaves and soothing scent is sup-
posed to be a relaxing spot to meditate.
"We never get to lay down in it, though," Louis
Saso said of the patch.
Indeed, much needs to be done in the garden —
new cuttings potted, trees pruned, fruit picked
and customers attended.
"It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of pleasure,
too," Virginia Saso said. "It's a pleasure to work
in the outside environment."
She grew up on a ranch in Sunnyvale and has
always enjoyed the outdoors. She and Louis mar-
ried 46 years ago, and he worked in the whole-
sale produce business. But even then, he always
wanted a little place for an herb garden and a
few citrus trees.
i The food we get is life's food. If you're teaching,
you have to be an example of what you teach. 9
In 1962, the Sasos bought the property and
have gradually turned it into a labyrinth of herb-
al wonders. City folks who visit the garden al-
ways find the relaxing grounds a refuge from the
scurry of their own lives, Virginia Saso said
"People who come find it very peaceful," she
said. "People need to be outside where things are
growing," she said.
One visitor, Rebecca Mayeno, drove all the
way from Berkeley where she is an elementary
school teacher. She came looking for herbs for
her classroom. "You can find things here that
— Louis Saso
you can't find anywhere else," she said.
Besides, the atmosphere is better at the Saso
gardens, she said. "I don't know what it is," May -
eno said, "but they're just more personable
here."
The Saso Herb Garden at 14625 Fruitvale Ave. in
Saratoga is open to the public Mondays through
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2.•30 p.m. On Saturday and
Sunday, workshops will be led by Rolling Thunder,
an American Indian healer and spiritual guide. Fee
is $55 each day. For more information, call the
garden at 867 -0307.
t
f Y
Administrative Draft
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL EVALUATION
of the Single Family Residence
Located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California
Prepared for:
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Prepared by:
DILL PESIGN GKUUF
110 NC)KT l SANTA CRUZ AVENUE
LOS 6AT03. CALIFORNIA 195050
(405) .')54 -4015
(405) S41q -4715 FAX
Written by:
Leslie A. G. Dill
Amber Engle Grady
April Halberstadt
October 3, 2001
OCT 0 3 2001
CITY OF SARATOGA
COR�It�IIAn'ry nF \r�t,ODj,eFr!'i'
Y
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ ..............................3
Qualifications....................................................................................... ............................... 3
Methodology....................................................................... ............................... I................ 3
HistoricStatus ...................................................................................... ............................... 3
LocationMap ....................................................................................... ............................... 4
Historical and Pre - historical Archeology ............................................. ...............................
5
HISTORICALOVERVIEW .............................................................................. ..............................5
TheQuito Rancho ................................................................................. ...............................
5
TheFarwell Family ................................................................ ...............................
FruitvaleAvenue .................................................................................... ..............................6
FarwellAvenue ..................................................................................... ...............................
7
Orchardsin Saratoga ............................................................................. ...............................
7
PROPERTYHISTORY ..................................................................................... ..............................7
SasoHerb Garden ................................................................................. ...............................
8
PROPERTYDESCRIPTION ........................................................................... .............................10
EVALUATION FOR SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................... .............................12
National Register of Historic Places ..................................................... .............................13
California Register of Historic Resources ............................................. .............................13
Cityof Saratoga .................................................................................... .............................13
Evaluation............................................................................................ .............................14
PotentialImpacts .................................................................................. .............................15
LITERATURE AND SOURCES CITED AND CONSULTED ...................... .............................16
APPENDIX
Assessor's Parcel Map — Book 397 Page 17 ........................................ .............................18
CountyMap, after 1897 ....................................................................... .............................19
BrainardMap 1888 ............................................................................... .............................20
AdditionalPhotos ................................................................................. .............................21
State Recordation Forms (DPR523)
DILL PfL16N GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
Historical and architectural research and evaluation of the property located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, was conducted in August and September of 2001 by the firm of Dill Design Group. John F.
Livingstone, Associate Planner for the City of Saratoga, requested this report to accompany a permit for
demolition. The property, located on the northwest corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues, is identified
as 14625 Fruitvale Avenue. The Assessor's Parcel Number is 397- 17 -12.
Qualifications
Leslie A. G. Dill, Principal of the firm of Dill Design Group, has a Master of Architecture with a
certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia. She is licensed in California as an
architect. Amber Engle Grady, Preservation Specialist with Dill Design Group, has a Master of Arts with
an area of concentration, in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design. April
Halberstadt, a Historian with the firm, has a Bachelor degree in Geography and History from California
State University at Hayward. Ms. Halberstadt specializes in Santa Clara Vtilley history and historical
architecture. Leslie A. G. Dill is listed with the Northwest Information Center as meeting the
requirements to perform identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment activities within the
profession of Historic Architect and Architectural Historian in compliance with state and federal
environmental laws.
Methodology
Leslie A. G. Dill, Amber Engle Grady and April Halberstadt conducted a field survey of the subject
property in early September 2001. The building and site were examined. Notes on the architecture,
characteristic features of the building, and the neighborhood context were made. Photographs were taken
of the interior and exterior. Architectural descriptions within this report were written based on these notes
and photographs. Additional research was undertaken that included visits to major repositories of local
historic source material. These repositories included the California Room of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Main Library, the archives at San Jose History Park, and the Offices of the Santa Clara County Recorder
and Surveyor.
This report was prepared utilizing the methodology recommended by the National Park Service, as
outlined in Preservation Briefs #17 (Architectural Character: Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic
Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character), and #35 (Understanding Old Buildings: The Process
of Architectural Investigation).
Historic Status
L. Davis of SHPC completed a previous Historical Evaluation for the property in August 1989. The site
was subsequently placed on the City of Saratoga's Heritage Resources Inventory in 1991. The site is not
currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic
Resources.
DILL PF316N 6KOUF
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 4
Location Map
DILL DESIGN GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 5
Historical and Pre - historic Archeology
While the first inhabitants of this region were Native Americans of the Ohlone or Costanoan language
group, this report is not intended to nor should be used to address pre- historic issues. Pre - historic
investigation, if required, should be undertaken by a qualified archeologist.
The historic overview involving the Spanish and Mexican periods of Alta California, as well as the early
American site history, is provided to determine the potential for historical resources related to these eras.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The Quito Rancho
The first settlement by non- indigenous people in the vicinity of the property at 14625 .Fruitvale Avenue
occurred in the 1840's. A rancho of three square leagues, over 13,000 acres, known as the Quito Rancho,
was granted to Jose Zenon Fernandez and Jose Noriega in 1841. The rancho was located in the western
foothills of the Santa Clara Valley and currently includes much of the city of Saratoga as well as property
in what are now Cupertino and Campbell. Fernandez and Noriega were related by marriage; Femandez
was Noriega's father -in -law. Both men had come to California in 1834 as members of the Hijar- Padres
expedition, originating from Mexico City.
The rancho was granted to Fernandez and Noriega by Mexican governor Juan B. Alvarado. Spain's rule
over Mexico had ended in 1822. The Mexican government granted most of California's ranchos between
1822 and 1846. In 1844, three years after the Quito Rancho was first granted to Fernandez and Noriega,
Jose Noriega ceded all of his interest in his rancho to Ignacio Alviso for 200 head of cattle and 100 sheep.
Noriega later died in the wreck of the Natalie, which sank in Monterey. Fernandez became an official of
the Mexican government in Monterey and died in 1843.
In 1848 Ignacio Alviso died, and his portion of the Quito grant was willed to his minor grandson, Manuel
Alviso. After years of litigation with other Alviso heirs, Manuel's ownership was confirmed. In 1858,
Jose Ramon Arguello, his mother, Soledad Arguello, and his business partner S. M. Mezes became
possessors of a large portion of the rancho along the northeast boundaries, including the subject property.
The Arguello family is noted for their pioneering establishment of a commercial olive orchard of 81 acres
on the Quito Rancho not far from the subject property. Jose Ramon Arguello established this orchard
around 1865. Over the years, the Arguello family, who retained only a small portion of their original
holdings, sold off much of the Quito Rancho.
The Quito Rancho was the subject of extended litigation over its patent (verification). There were two
major points of dispute regarding the Quito Rancho. The northeastern boundary had not been clearly
specified or surveyed due to the rugged nature of the terrain. Secondly, a substantial portion of the land
had been mistakenly thought to be United States Government property, open to claimants who were
willing to farm 160 -acre sections of land, and many people settled in the area under that assumption.
The claim for title to the Quito Rancho was filed in the United States District Court in October of 1860.
Because the northeastern boundary of the Quito Rancho was greatly disputed, American settlers and
DILL DESIGN GKDUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 6
ranchers who had bought farm property from the Arguello heirs fought the claim.
In August of 1865, Judge Ogden Hoffman approved an official survey, and settlers living in the area.
between the old and newly established northern boundary were notified. They had the choice of re-
purchasing their homes or releasing them. A portion of Saratoga, then known as McCartysville and
thought to be outside the limits of the Quito Rancho, was affected by the boundary change. (Cunningham:
1967)
The Farwell Family
During the early years of American settlement, many American settlers claimed 160 acres of
"government land," staking their claims and improving the property as required by law in order to have
their claims properly verified at a later time. John and Nancy Farwell and their four children were among
the early settlers, arriving in San Francisco in 1849 and taking up a claim in Saratoga in 1855. A year later
they moved to their Saratoga claim permanently and began farming. John died in 1866; his wife Nancy
passed away in 1885. Fruitvale Avenue formed the eastern boundary of the Farwell acreage.
While the two older sons were helping on the family farm, the third son, Franklin Farwell, went to the
California mines about 1856 and mined for five or six years. He returned to Saratoga in the early 1860's.
His brother Charles drowned in 1864, and his father passed away two years later. Franklin remained to
help with the farm until 1871 when he moved to San Francisco to engage in business. After his second
brother, William, died in 1877, Franklin once again returned to Saratoga and took charge of the orchard
operation. (Foote: 1881)
Neither of the two remaining Farwell children married. Franklin Farwell and his sister Jennie Farwell
continued to live on their ranch until their deaths. The family engaged in raising prunes on their property.
Both of the Farwells were very active in local and civic affairs in the Saratoga and Los Gatos area.
Franklin Farwell kept a diary of life in Saratoga that is in the collection in the Saratoga Historical
Museum. The Farwell home was known as "Bella Vista" and it was one of the most noted estates in the
West Valley area at that time. (Saratoga Historical Foundation collection)
Over the years, Jennie and Franklin Farwell sold portions of their family's original 160 acres, including
the subject property, until less than half (about 70 acres) of their original ranch remained at the time of
Franklin Farwell's death. Farwell died in 1905 and his sister Jennie Farwell sold the family estate, "Bella
Vista," to Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Blaney who had moved to California from Chicago.
Fruitvale Avenue (McCall Road, Fruit Vale, Odd Fellows Road)
Currently known as Fruitvale Avenue, this two -mile stretch of road connects two major county
thoroughfares leading to Saratoga. Property owners in the area petitioned the Santa Clara County Board
of Supervisors for the road in 1860, and a public roadway 40 feet in width was accepted and approved by
the Supervisors in 1861. The major property owners who are listed on the petition include the McCalls, S.
Sykes, P. Langford, Thomas Gallagher, S. Nordgreen, T. O'Tools and the Farwells. The early road was
known as McCall Road and Public Road 115. It was also called the Odd Fellows Home Road because of
the retirement home, known as the Home for the Aged, established by the International Organization of
Odd Fellows (IOOF) in 1912. Because of the public access provided by Fruitvale Avenue, property in this
area was subdivided and sold earlier than land in many other areas of Saratoga.
DILL PF316N GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 7
Farwell Avenue
Farwell Avenue, which forms the southern boundary of the subject property, had opened in 1888.
Looking for easier access to the post office in Saratoga, residents along Fruitvale asked the Santa Clara
Board of Supervisors for a shorter road between Fruitvale and the Los Gatos - Saratoga Road.
Local residents pointed out that the hill to the top of Fruitvale was very steep and hard on their horses and
that it would be better to have a road into town that was not only shorter but was on a level grade. Frank
and Jennie Farwell contributed the 40 -foot right -of -way now known as Farwell Avenue, asking only for
the construction of a new fence as compensation. The Supervisors approved Farwell Avenue in 1889.
When Farwell Avenue was opened as a public road, the subject parcel, which was then four acres, became
a corner lot. Franklin Farwell had sold this parcel to real estate investor William G. Hawley who
specialized in orchard acreage and lived in Willow Glen. Just after Farwell Road was opened, Hawley
sold this four -acre orchard in 1889 to J. D. (Daniel) Sutherland (Deeds -Bk 111:Pg391). Sutherland is
listed in the City Directory as a fruit grower, living four miles west of Santa Clara.
Orchards in Saratoga
Around the turn of the century, the owners of this property are not listed as living in the immediate area.
The four -acre parcel was apparently used as part of a fruit drying operation until about 1914, first by A.N.
Van Fleet, then by Adair's Dry Yard. (Davis: 1989)
The Santa Clara Valley has a long history of small family orchards. Early settlers discovered that fruit
growing in Santa Clara Valley was so productive that it was possible to provide handsomely for a family
with an orchard property of only four or five acres. With that in mind, the San Jose Board of Trade, later
the Chamber of Commerce published many pamphlets for distribution to citizens throughout the eastern
United States, encouraging them to come west. The Southern Pacific Railroad was just one organization
that advertised the benefits of living in Santa Clara Valley. The San Jose Mercury published a substantial
book in 1896 titled Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers which detailed the many virtues of growing fruit in the
area.
Opening the South Pacific Coast Railroad across the valley through Los Gatos in 1878 was also an
impetus to fruit production. Fruit could then move to eastern markets in just a few days. This was the era
when co- operative growers' associations were first formed. Several of the largest fruit canning and fruit
drying establishments in the county were located in Saratoga. Glen Una / Hume Ranch, one of the largest
packing operations in the area, was located just above Saratoga -Los Gatos Road about one - quarter mile
from the subject property.
Property History
14625 Fruitvale Avenue
APN 323 -43 -029
The earliest owners who occupied the property were the Reverend Merriam B. Davenport and his wife,
Mary, who reportedly built the extant house. They acquired the four acres in 1914 (Records - Bk 420:Pg
340) from Robert and Clara L. Lovick, when Mr. Davenport was about 63 years of age, and sold their
acreage eight years later. According to the 1989 recordation form, Mr. Davenport was a retired minister
DILL DESIGN GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 8
and carpenter who built the house using lumber salvaged from the earlier structures on the property
In 1922, the four -acre parcel was sold to Charles H. and Pearl Atkinson. Charles's occupation is listed as
"rancher" in the City Directory. In 1936, the Atkinsons divided the four -acre parcel, and sold the subject
property, then a one -acre corner lot, to Charles and Lily Wreden. (Records - Bk 777:Pg 510) The
Wredens sold it to Harold and Ethel Miller in 1940. (Records - Bk 993:Pg 488)
Dr. Harold Miller was Dean of the Department of English at San Jose State University. The Millers
developed a garden at the site, focused around a large oak tree. The landscaping consisted primarily of
ivy, oleander and some junipers. The Millers were especially fond of tuberous begonias and hung many
pots of them from the branches of the oak tree. Neighbors recall that the Millers held a party in their
garden every fall when their begonias were in bloom. Dr. Miller was noted in the neighborhood for
carrying on a running battle with the Public Works Department of the City of Saratoga. The oleander
hedge that lined his property along Farwell Avenue was so tall that approaching traffic along Fruitvale
was obscured. Dr. Miller refused to trim this safety hazard so the City was forced to prune the hedge for
him. Harold and Ethel Miller owned the corner parcel at Farwell and Fruitvale from 1940 until 1962,
when it was sold to Louis and Virginia Saso for $31,500. (Records — Bk 5511:pg 606).
In a personal interview, Virginia Saso noted that there were a few garden elements within the property
from previous owners. At the front of the yard on the north side, there are remains of a rock wall
formation that appears to have been a decorative feature. The junipers that are planted nearby also predate
the Saso ownership. Since Farwell Avenue was dedicated in 1889, some landscaping may have been
introduced in this area to grace the entrance to "Bella Vista ".
The Saso Herb Garden
For nearly forty years the house and gardens at the corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues have been
known as the Saso Herb Garden. This important agriculturdl enterprise had a wide following due to the
pioneering nature of the owners in developing the market for herbs and specialized medicinal plants.
Hundreds of local residents attended classes and the Saso family offered workshops.
Louis and Virginia Saso both came from agricultural backgrounds. Louis Saso was born in Portland,
Oregon of immigrant Italian parents. His father and uncles were ranchers in the produce business. The
family relocated to the Santa Clara Valley when Louis was eleven years old. Virginia Saso was raised on
a farm near Hollenbeck Road in Sunnyvale. After their marriage, Louis and Virginia Saso lived in the
East Bay in order to be closer to their business, the Hayward Wholesale Produce Company. In the early
1960s, the Sasos acquired a campground in Felton, California, that was used as a park for recreational
vehicles. Looking toward their retirement years, they decided to buy a home halfway between their
coastal property and their business in Hayward. After purchasing the subject property, the Saso family
moved to Saratoga with their seven children in 1962.
A prominent landscape feature on the subject property is a native oak on the south side of the house,
estimated to be 300 to 500 years of age. The tree has a circumference of nearly fifteen feet and a canopy
that measures over a hundred feet. Over the years it has provided a site for horticultural classes, for
sunrise worship service, for the weddings of family and friends and for a memorial service for one of the
Saso sons.
DILL P SIGN 6KOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 9
Louis Saso became interested in herb production in the early 1970's. The switch from the produce
business to a different type of agricultural production was prompted by a desire to change to a less
stressful occupation. Having observed that the production of fresh herbs was an expanding market in the
Bay Area, the Sasos began production by offering small potted herb plants at local food cooperatives and
farmers' markets. Louis Saso's experience in herb gardening led to a career as a teacher. At the
encouragement of a friend, Saso began offering classes in herb gardening through the local community
college extension program. The first workshop was held at West Valley Junior College in 1975. The
program quickly grew so large that the Sasos began an apprentice program in 1984.
Louis and Virginia Saso added some unique plants of their own to their garden. There i's an avocado
grafted to bear fruit during all four seasons and another tree grafted to bear peaches, plums and apricots.
There are pomegranates, Japanese maples, grapevines and berries. There are reportedly 30 varieties of
oregano. An article in the Saratoga News from 5/1/1996 stated there were 1,000 different plants in the
garden at that time.
The front yard features garden beds planted with herbs that are laid out in a large circle with twelve
sections named for astrological signs. Each sectional bed contains the plants appropriate to that particular
sign. The astrological garden was laid out following a pattern that was designed by an English physician -
astrologer named Nicholas Culpepper in the early Seventeenth Century. The side yard has an herb bed
planted with Chinese herbs, ame d with
a "moon" trellis. The rear yard contains
several potting sheds and greenhouses,
built over the years to serve the retail
business that the Saso family developed.
Both Louis and Virginia Saso have
herbal plants that have been named in
their honor. There is a variety of salvia,
a member of the sage family, named for
Louis Saso. Virginia cultivated oregano
and discovered a new strain of this plant
that is now known as "Origanum
Virginia Saso ". The Saso Herb Garden
is noted throughout the West and is
often referenced as an authority by other
knowledgeable gardening resources. A book featuring the Saso Herb Garden was published in 2001,
entitled The Herbalist's Garden: A Guided Tour of 10 Exceptional Herb Gardens, written by Shatoiya
and Richard de la Tour.
DILL PF316N GKOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 10
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Front Porch, September 2001. (above)
Oak Tree, September 2001. (below)
The Craftsman style residence was built in the
early Twentieth Century. There are no original
building permits or other public records that
establish a definitive date of construction;
however, previous documentation indicates that
the house was built in 1914 by the Davenports.
The first listed occupants at this address in the
City Directories, as well as the style and
materials of the structure, corroborate a
construction date of 1914. Similar structures of
this style were built in the Santa Clara Valley as
early as 1904. The barn/garage appears from its
construction materials and method of
construction to have been built more than fifty
years ago. The other ancillary structures on the
property are more recent.
The two -story residence is centrally sited on an
approximately one -acre lot on the northwest
corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues and is
within the city limits of Saratoga. A driveway
runs from Fruitvale Avenue along the north side
of the house and wraps behind the west side of
the house. The majority of the ancillary
buildings are located on the northwest portion of
the lot. Several Sheds, greenhouses, a
Guesthouse, and a garage surround the house on
DILL DESIGN M-DUF
the north, west and south sides. The
ancillary buildings on the north and west
sides are separated from the house by
the driveway while the guesthouse on
the south side is separated by a
walkway. A large oak with a
circumference of approximately 15 feet
and a canopy of over 100 feet is located
south of the house. Other mature trees
are located throughout the lot. Gardens
of various designs surround the house.
An.astrological garden is located
directly in front of the house, between
the house and Fruitvale Avenue.
The Craftsman bungalow is one story at
the front and rear, two stories at the
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 11
center, and has a partial basement towards the rear and center. The first floor is above grade. The house
has a generally rectangular in plan, and its roof is moderately pitched and currently roofed with wood
shakes. The house was originally sheathed in horizontal shingle courses that alternated 9" and 3" reveals.
The shingles are still visible within an addition on the south wall and above the porch roof. The house is
currently sided with horizontal lap siding. The two -story, center portion of the north side wall projects out
from the footprint of the house, and creates a bay window form at the dining room. At the southern side of
the house, a small, fairly recent, addition encloses a half - bathroom; it opens from the garden and contains
only a toilet and sink that sit at grade. The first
floor portion of the roof, which is gabled front
and rear, has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails.
Plain brackets support the front and rear gables.
The second floor roof, which is hipped, also has
wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Two
unadorned, square columns support the gabled
front porch roof. An arbor extends the full width
of the rear facade and covers the back porch.
Interior, Front Door, September 2001.
The majority of the doors and windows appear to
be original. Fenestration consists of a mixture of
one - over -one double -hung and multi -lite fixed
wood sash along with some two -lite, wooden
vertical sliders on the upstairs sleeping porch.
The upper sashes of the double -hung windows, at
both the one -story and two -story portions of the
house, have sash -ears. At the front of the house
on three sides, one - over -one windows flank a
fixed picture window that has a twelve -lite
transom. The second story is situated over the
middle portion of the house. It is rectangular and
is flush with the north and south faeades, and
flanked by attics to the front and back.
The living room is entered directly from the front door. The living room features coved ceilings, a brick
fireplace and plaster walls. The dining room opens from the living room on the north side of the house. It
has exposed wood beams at the ceiling. The stairway to the second floor is located off of the living room
on the southern side of the room. One bedroom and a bathroom are located behind the stairs and can be
accessed from the dining room. The kitchen, the rear foyer /laundry, and an enclosed porch are to the rear
of the dining room and bedroom. The stairs to the basement are located in the northwest corner of the
house off of the rear foyer /mud room and have a landing at an exterior entrance on grade. It appears from
the cabinetry that a Murphy bed opening once connected the bedroom to the sleeping porch. The kitchen
has been remodeled, possibly in the 1960's, including sheet vinyl flooring, a drop ceiling, and modern
cabinetry. The bathroom has also been remodeled in recent years.
DILL DESIGN 6KOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 12
North fagade, 2 "d Floor,
September 2001.
The second floor
consists of one
bedroom, a sleeping
porch, and two attics.
The front attic is
finished as a room
with plywood on the
ceiling and walls and
a window on the front
wall. The central
bedroom is carpeted
and has knotty-pine
vertical beaded v-
groove paneling on
the walls and
homosote ceiling. The
sleeping porch, off the
north side of the
bedroom, is also carpeted and has a continuous ribbon of windows on all three exterior walls, as well as
small windows that flank the door into the bedroom. The windows on the exterior are four -lite, wood -sash
vertical sliders. All of these windows appear to be original to the construction of the second floor —
reportedly added by the Saso family. The rear attic is not finished as a room; the studs and rafters are
exposed, as are the backing for the wall paneling and the skip sheathing and shingles of the roof. Vertical
v- groove redwood paneling encloses the stairway and is divided by a beveled horizontal watercourse and
beveled corner boards. The house is of conventional wood frame construction. Knob and tube wiring was
found throughout the house.
The original garage building is of vertical board construction with a moderately sloped roof gabled front
and rear. The v- groove doors have been refaced on the exterior. The doors are hinged. The other planting
sheds and ancillary buildings are more recent construction with shed roofs and concrete floors. The
guesthouse, set into the garden to the south of the house, is a large open room designed with shoji -type
screens and includes a shower.
EVALUATION FOR SIGNIFICANCE
Three sets of criteria are utilized in evaluating the potential historical and architectural significance of
structures and sites within the City of Saratoga. The first set of criteria used is defined by the National
Register of Historic Places, which was established by the National Park Service. The California State
Historic Resources Commission developed the second set of criteria used, for the California Register of
Historic Resources. Lastly, properties are evaluated according to City of Saratoga Selection Criteria for
structures of potential historical value.
DILL DE316N GKOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 13
National Register of Historic Places
To meet the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places, a building, site, or object must have
architectural and historical integrity, and satisfy at least one of the following. conditions:
Criteria A it is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our history; or
Criteria B it is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
Criteria C it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or
that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic values, or that
represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
distinction; or
Criteria D it has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
California Register of Historic Resources
In order for a resource to be eligible for the California Register of Historic'Resources, a building, site or
object must meet three standards of review:
1. A property must be significant at the local, state or national level, under one or more of the following
criteria:
• It is associated with events or patterns of events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of the history and cultural heritage of California and the United States.
• It is associated with the lives of persons important to the nation or California's past.
• It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction,
represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values.
• It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the
State or the Nation.
2. The resource must retain enough of its historic character or appearance to be recognizable as
a historic property, and to convey the reason for its significance; and
3. It is fifty years old or older (except for rare cases of structures of exceptional significance).
Resources already listed, or determined eligible for the National Register, or California Historic
Landmarks #770 or higher are also, by definition, eligible for the California Register. A property is
automatically eligible for the register if it has been listed under any state, national or local historic
resource criteria, unless the preponderance of evidence indicates otherwise.
City of Saratoga
Under the City of Saratoga Selection Criteria, structures of potential historical value are evaluated
according to the following:
DILL PES16N 6K-OUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 14
a. The property exemplifies or reflects special elements of the cultural, social, economic,
political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history of the City, the County, the State or the
nation; or
b. The property is identified with persons or events significant in local, county, state or national
history; or
c. The property embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of
construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or
d. The property is representative of the notable design or craft of a builder, designer, or
architect; or
e. The property embodies or contributes to unique physical characteristics representing an
established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or dist4rict within the City; or
f. The property represents a significant concentration or continuity of site, buildings,. structures
or objects, unified by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical or natural development; or
g. The property embodies or contributes to a unique natural setting or environment constituting
a distinct area or district within the City having special character or special historical,
architectural or aesthetic interest or value.
Evaluation
The building and site were evaluated for historical significance based on age, integrity, historical
association, and architectural value. The building meets the 50 year -old threshold of both the National and
California Registers.
Buildings and sites associated with the lives of persons that provided value to their community where the
remembrances of those personages and their contributions to society, important to local, state or national
history are potentially eligible for the National, California and/or local registers. The property is originally
associated with the Farwells and the Arguellos, both important families in the West Valley; however,
neither family developed this property or is associated with the buildings or site. This association alone
does not lend historical significance to the property on a National level.
The site is associated with patterns of the community's agricultural past, but the current building and site
improvements are not directly associated with this history. Because the City of Saratoga does not have a
50 -year threshold for significance, the long -time association of the property with the Saso family and the
Saso Herb Garden, as well as the design of the garden setting of the property, seem to confirm the
property's listing on the Heritage Resource Inventory under items a., b. and g. The mature trees on the site
demand special note, but are outside the scope of this evaluation.
The building is a Craftsman Bungalow style residential structure that was built c1914. It has been altered
with new roofing and siding, but the original form is clear, and the original windows are extant. The
house is more than ninety years old and is a fine example of a Craftsman bungalow; however, there are
more distinctive examples that better represent the style of architecture throughout Saratoga and the local
DILL PFL16N 6KOUF
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 15
region. Therefore, it would not qualify for. either the National or California Registers based on its
architecture alone. The garden and site embodies a distinctive design, but fails to meet the age threshold
necessary for listing.
The subject property is currently listed on the City of Saratoga's Heritage Resources Inventory under
Criteria a. and g. The building and site, as previously noted however, would not appear to qualify for the
National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic Resources based on the current
level of information.
Potential Impacts
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a "project that may cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a historic resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the
environment." In this context, a historic resource is one that is listed in or determined to be eligible for
listing in the California Register of Historic Resources.
The California Environmental Quality Act identifies demolition of historic structures as a significant
impact on the environment, and modification of historic resources as potentially having significant
impacts on the environment. In defining historic, the structure must be on or be eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places, a California State Landmark above #770, a California Point of Historic
Interest or be listed or eligible for listing on a local register. The threshold for significance, for listing on a
local register to be eligible for the California Register, must be established through a public process and
can be quantitative or qualitative.
Because the building at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue does not currently appear to qualify for the California
Register of Historic Resources, demolition of the structure would not cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a historic resource that would result in a significant effect on the environment.
DILL PEL16N GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 16
LITERATURE AND SOURCES CITED AND CONSULTED
Arbuckle, Clyde
1968 Santa Clara County Ranchos. San Jose: Rosicrucian Press
1986 Clyde Arbuckle's History of San Jose. San Jose: Memorabilia of San Jose
Baker, John
1994 American House Styles. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Brainard, H. A.
1888 Map of Saratoga
City Directories
1870 - 1968, City of San Jose (Saratoga included)
County of Santa Clara
Deeds and Official Records
School Tax Assessment Records c 1930's
Great Register of Voters, 1890
Cunningham, Florence R.
1967 Saratoga's First Hundred Years. Fresno, CA, Panorama West Book.
De la Tour, Shatoiya and Richard
2001 The Herbalist's garden: A Guided Tour of 10 Exceptional Herb Gardens. Pownal, VT, Storey
Books.
Garrod, R. V.
1962 Saratoga Story. Published by the author, Saratoga, CA.
Munro - Fraser
1881 History of Santa Clara County, California. San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Co.
San Jose Mercury
1896 Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers. Alfred Eaton, San Jose.
Saso, Virginia
Personal interview September 20, 2001.
Sawyer, Eugene
1922 History of Santa Clara County, California. Los Angeles, Historic Record Company.
Saratoga News - Various articles and photographs featuring Louis and Virginia Saso and their garden. See
www.metroactive .com/papers /saratoga.news.
Quito Rancho
DILL PnIGN GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 17
Plat, filed in the County Recorder's Office Book A of Patents: Page 112.
The Herbalist's Garden - 10 Exceptional Gardens - 2000 (Saso Herb Garden is included.
www.saso.com/herbgardens
DILL PFSIGN GRDUP
• Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 18
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DILL PnIGN GROUP
Current Assessor's Parcel Map
LAWRENCE E. STONE – ASSESSOR
Cadatrd map for OSSessnent purpm Wd
Cornpdad under R. k T. Code, Sec. 327.
Ettectfn6 Rog Year 2001 -2002
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 19
County Map, after 1897
DILL DFSIGN 6R )UF
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 20
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Page 1 of 5 'Resource Name or M (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
P1. Other Identifier: Saso Herb Garden
•P2. Location: ❑ Not for Publication ® Unrestricted •a. County Santa Clara
and (132b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
'b. USGS 7.5' Quad San Jose West Date 1980 photo. revised T SS; R 1W; B.M. ML Diablo
c. Address 14625 Fruitvale Avenue City Saratoga Zip 95070
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and /or linear resources) Zone 10S; 587445mE/ 4123686mN
e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
Assessor's Parcel Number: 397- 17 -12, northwest corner of Fruitvale and Farwell Avenues
'P3a Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The two -story residence is centrally sited on an approximately one -acre lot on the northwest corner of
Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues and is within the city limits of Saratoga. A driveway runs from Fruitvale
Avenue along the north side of the house and wraps behind the west side of the house. The majority of the
ancillary buildings are located on the northwest portion of the lot. Several sheds, greenhouses, a
guesthouse, and a garage surround the house on the north, west and south sides. The ancillary buildings on
the north and west sides are separated from the house by the driveway while the guesthouse on the south
side is separated by a walkway. A large oak with a circumference of approximately 15 feet and a canopy of
over 100 feet is located south of the house. Other mature trees are located throughout the lot. Gardens of
various designs surround the house.
The Craftsman bungalow is one story at the front and rear, two stories at the center, and hap a partial
basement towards the rear and center. The first floor is above grade. The house has a generally
rectangular in plan, and its roof is moderately pitched and currently roofed with wood shakes. The house
was originally sheathed in horizontal shingle courses that alternated 9" and 3" reveals. The shingles are
still visible within an addition on the south wall and above the porch roof. The house is currently sided
with horizontal lap siding. The two - story, center portion of the north side wall projects out from the
footprint of the house, and creates a bay window form at the dining room. At the southern side of the
house, a small, fairly recent, addition encloses a half- bathroom; it opens from the garden and contains
(Continued on Page 3)
•133b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP 2 Single family property, HP 33 Farm /ranch
'P4 Resources Present: ® Building ❑ Structure ❑ Object ® Site ❑ District ❑ Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.)
135b. Description of Photo: (View, date,
accession #)
View from northeast
September 2001
•P6. Date Constructed /Age and Sources:
® Historic ❑ Prehistoric ❑ Both
c1906 -1910, 1989 DPR
•P7. Owner and Address:
Venkat and Anjana Kalkunte
P.O. Box 3114
Saratoga, CA 95070
'P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, and address)
Dill Design Group
110 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos CA 95030
`P9. Date Recorded: 9 / 2 8 / 01
•P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Intensive
'P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none ".)
Historical and Architectural Evaluation of the Single Family Residence Located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga,'CA, Dill Design Group, October 3, 2001.
*Attachments: NONE ❑ Location ❑ Map ❑ Sketch Map ® Continuation Sheet ® Building, Structure and Object Record ❑ Archaeological Recor(
❑ District Record ❑ Linear Feature Record ❑ Milling State Record ❑ Rock Art Record ❑ Artifact Record ❑ Photograph Record ❑ Other (List)
DPR 523 (1/95) 'Required information
F' 9, R
State 461iforrita The Resources Agency' ,
DEPARTMENTfOF PARKS�AND RECREATION ,., n;
IWILDING,WRUCTURE,AND OBJECT
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Page 2 of ~ 5 *NRHP Status Code 7
*Resource Name or# (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
B1. Historic Name: Saso Herb Garden
B2. Common Name: Saso Herb Garden
B3.Original use: Single family residential B4. Present Use: vacant
*B5. Architectural Style: Craftsman Bungalow
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)
Built c. 1906 -1910. Second story.
*B7. Moved? ® No ❑ Yes ❑Unknown Date: N/A Original Location: N/A ,
*B8. Related Features: `
Garage, various sheds and greenhouses.
B9a Architect: Unknown b. Builder: Davenport, owner
*B10. Significance: Theme Architecture and Shelter, Agriculture Area Saratoga
Period of Significance 1940 -1962 Property Type Residential /Agricultural Applicable Criteria None
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The subject property was part of the Farwell Homestead grant, a 160 -acre quarter section claimed by John and
Nancy Farwell in 1855. Farwell Avenue, which forms the southern boundary of the property, was once an
entrance to the Farwell estate known locally as "Bella Vista ".
The four -acre parcel was probably leased as part of a fruit operation until about 1914. The property owners
at the turn of the century are not listed as living in the area. The earliest owners who appear to have
occupied the property were the Reverend Merriam B. Davenport and his wife Mary, who appear to have built the
extant house (DPR, 1989). They acquired the four -acres in 1914 when Mr. Davenport was about 63 years of age
and sold their acreage eight years later.
In 1922, the four -acre parcel was sold to Charles H. and Pearl Atkinson who owned the farm for 14 years.
Charles Atkinson's occupation was listed as rancher in the City Directory. In 1936, the Atkinsons divided
the four -acre parcel, and sold the subject property, then a corner lot of one -acre, to Charles and Lily
Wreden (Records - Bk 777:Pg 510). The Wredens held the property for only four years, and then sold it to
Harold and Ethel Miller in 1940.
Harold Miller was a professor at San Josh State University and Dean of the Department of English. Harold and
Ethel Miller owned the corner parcel at Farwell and Fruitvale for 22 years, from 1940 until 1962.
In 1962, this one -acre parcel passed into the hands of the Louis and Virginia.Saso, who purchased it for
$31,500.
(Continued on Page 3)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP 30 Trees /vegetation
*B12. References:
Arbuckle, Clyde, 1968 Santa Clara County Ranchos. San
Josh: Rosicrucian Press
City Directories, 1870 - 1968, City of San Josh
Cunningham, Florence R., 1967 Saratoga's First Hundred
Years. Fresno, CA, Panorama West Book.
San JOHC Mercury, 1896 Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers.
Alfred Eaton, San Josh.
(See Report for full listing of References)
B13. Remarks: House and associated buildings
proposed to be demolished.
*B14. Evaluator: Amber Engle Grady
*Date of Evaluation: September 28, 2001
(This space reserved for official comments.)
DPR 523 (1/95)
Voff fto
SITE
'pfd►, .,
*Required information
Page 3 of 5 *Resource Name of # (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
`Recorded by Amber Grady Tate 9/27/01 ® Continuation ❑ Update
Continued from *133a Description:
only a toilet and sink that sit at grade. The first floor portion of the roof, which is gabled front and
rear, has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Plain brackets support the front and rear gables. The
second floor roof, which is hipped, also has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Two unadorned, square
columns support the gabled front porch roof. An arbor extends the full width of the.rear facade and
covers the back porch.
The majority of the doors and windows appear to be original. Fenestration consists of a mixture of one -
over -one double -hung and multi -lite fixed wood sash along with some two -lite, wooden vertical sliders on
the upstairs sleeping porch. The upper sashes of the double -hung windows, at both the one -story and two -
story portions of the house, have sash -ears. At the front of the house on three sides, one - over -one
windows flank a fixed picture window that has a twelve -lite transom. The second story is situated over
the middle portion of the house. It is rectangular and is flush with the north and south fagades, and
flanked by attics to the front and back.
The original garage building is of vertical board construction with a moderately sloped roof gabled front
and rear. The v- groove doors have been refaced on the exterior. The doors are hinged. The other
planting sheds and ancillary buildings are more recent construction with shed roofs and concrete floors.
The guesthouse, set into the garden to the south of the house, is a large..open room designed with shoji -
type screens and includes a shower.
Continued from `1310. Significance
Louis Saso was born in Portland, Oregon of immigrant Italian parents. The family relocated to the Santa
Clara Valley when Louis was eleven years old. Virginia Saso was raised on a farm near Hollenbeck Road in
Sunnyvale. After their marriage, Louis and Virginia Saso lived in the East Bay in order to be closer to
their wholesale produce business, the Hayward wholesale Produce Company.
In the early 1960's the Sasos acquired a campground in Felton, California, that was used as a park for
recreational vehicles. Looking toward their retirement years, they decided to buy a home halfway between
their coastal property and their Hayward business. The Saso family moved to Saratoga with their seven
children in 1962; the youngest child, Chris was born in 1965.
Although the property is locally listed and the house retains most of its design integrity, the
associated persons and events do not convey the required age and significance to make the property
eligible for the National or California Registers. Nor are the design and details of the house
distinctive enough to make the property eligible on the basis of architectural significance.
DPR 523 (1/95) "Required information
r d' 0
rage 4 or 5 Resource Name of # (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
'Recorded by Amber Grady 'Date 9/27/01 ® Continuation ❑ Update
DPR 523 (1/95) `Required information
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• Om 11
raga n or 5 -Resource Name of # (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
*Recorded by Amber Grady *Date 9/27/01 ® Continuation ❑ Update
South Shed, September 2001. (above)
Guesthouse, September 2001. (below)
DPR 523 (1/95) *Required information
a
Administrative Draft
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL EVALUATION
of the Single Family Residence
Located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California
Prepared for:
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Prepared by:
DILL PES16N GKOUP
110 NOK M SANTA CKUZ AVENUE
LOS GATOS. CALITOKNIA 1150D0
(408) 554 -4015
(408) �qq -4715 TAX
Written by:
Leslie A. G. Dill
Amber Engle Grady
April Halberstadt
October 3, 2001
�� T 2001 �;
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ ..............................3
Qualifications....................................................................................... ............................... 3
Methodology........................................................................................ ............................... 3
HistoricStatus ....................................................................................... ..............................3
LocationMap ....................................................................................... ............................... 4
Historical and Pre - historical Archeology ............................................. ............................... 5
HISTORICALOVERVIEW .............................................................................. ..............................5
TheQuito Rancho ................................................................................. ............................... 5
TheFarwell Family ............................................................................... ............................... 6
FruitvaleAvenue .................................................................................... ..............................6
FarwellAvenue ..................................................................................... ............................... 7
Orchardsin Saratoga .............................................................................. ..............................7
PROPERTYHISTORY .................................................................................... ............................... 7
SasoHerb Garden ................................................................................. ............................... 8
PROPERTYDESCRIPTION ........................................................................... .............................10
EVALUATION FOR SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................... .............................12
National Register of Historic Places ..................................................... .............................13
California Register of Historic Resources ............................................. .............................13
Cityof Saratoga .................................................................................... .............................13
Evaluation.......................:.................................................................... .............................14
PotentialImpacts .................................................................................. .............................15
LITERATURE AND SOURCES CITED AND CONSULTED ...................... .............................16
APPENDIX
Assessor's Parcel Map — Book 397 Page 17 ........................................ .............................18
CountyMap, after 1897 ....................................................................... .............................19
BrainardMap 1888 ............................................................................... .............................20
AdditionalPhotos ................................................................................. .............................21
State Recordation Forms (DPR523)
DILL PESIGN 6FOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
Historical and architectural research and evaluation of the property located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, was conducted in August and September of 2001 by the firm of Dill Design Group. John F.
Livingstone, Associate Planner for the City of Saratoga, requested this report to accompany a permit for
demolition. The property, located on the northwest corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues, is identified
as 14625 Fruitvale Avenue. The Assessor's Parcel Number is 397- 17 -12.
Qualifications
Leslie A. G. Dill, Principal of the firm of Dill Design Group, has a Master of Architecture with a
certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia. She is licensed in California as an
architect. Amber Engle Grady, Preservation Specialist with Dill Design Group, has a Master of Arts with
an area of concentration in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design. April
Halberstadt, a Historian with the firm, has a Bachelor degree in Geography and History from California
State University at Hayward. Ms. Halberstadt specializes in Santa Clara V.11ey history and historical
architecture. Leslie A. G. Dill is listed with the Northwest Information Center as meeting the
requirements to p&form identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment activities within the
profession of Historic Architect and Architectural Historian in compliance with state and federal
environmental laws.
Methodology
Leslie A. G. Dill, Amber Engle Grady and April Halberstadt conducted a field survey of the subject
property in early September 2001. The building and site were examined. Notes on the architecture,
characteristic features of the building, and the neighborhood context were made. Photographs were taken
of the interior and exterior. Architectural descriptions within this report were written based on these notes
and photographs. Additional research was undertaken that included visits to major repositories of local
historic source material. These repositories included the California Room of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Main Library, the archives at San Jose History Park, and the Offices of the Santa Clara County Recorder
and Surveyor.
This report was prepared utilizing the methodology recommended by the National Park Service, as
outlined in Preservation Briefs #17 (Architectural Character: Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic
Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character), and #35 (Understanding Old Buildings: The Process
of Architectural Investigation).
Historic Status
L. Davis of SHPC completed a previous Historical Evaluation for the property in August 1989. The site
was subsequently placed on the City of Saratoga's Heritage Resources Inventory in 1991. The site is not
currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic
Resources.
DILL PF316N 6K01JP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 4
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Location Map
DILL DESIGN GKUUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 5
Historical and Pre - historic Archeology
While the first inhabitants of this region were Native Americans of the Ohlone or Costanoan language
group, this report is not intended to nor should be used to address pre- historic issues. Pre - historic
investigation, if required, should be undertaken by a qualified archeologist.
The historic overview involving the Spanish and Mexican periods of Alta California, as well as the early
American site history, is provided to determine the potential for historical resources related to these eras.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The Quito Rancho
The first settlement by rion- indigenous people in the vicinity of the property at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
occurred in the 1840's. A rancho of three square leagues, over 13,000 acres, known as the Quito Rancho,
was granted to Jose Zenon Fernandez and Jose Noriega in 1841. The rancho was located in the western
foothills of the Santa Clara Valley and currently includes much of the city of Saratoga as well as property
in what are now Cupertino and Campbell. Fernandez and Noriega were related by marriage; Fernandez
was Noriega's father -in -law. Both men had come to California in 1834 as members of the Hijar- Padres
expedition, originating from Mexico City.
The rancho was granted to Fernandez and Noriega by Mexican governor Juan B. Alvarado. Spain's rule
over Mexico had ended in 1822. The Mexican government granted most of California's ranchos between
1822 and 1846. In 1844, three years after the Quito Rancho was first granted to Fernandez and Noriega,
Jose Noriega ceded all of his interest in his rancho to Ignacio Alviso for 200 head of cattle and 100 sheep.
Noriega later died in the wreck of the Natalie, which sank in Monterey. Fernandez became an official of
the Mexican government in Monterey and died in 1843.
In 1848 Ignacio Alviso died, and his portion of the Quito grant was willed to his minor grandson, Manuel
Alviso. After years of litigation with other Alviso heirs, Manuel's ownership was confirmed. In 1858,
lose Ramon Arguello, his mother, Soledad Arguello, and his business partner S. M. Mezes became
possessors of a large portion of the rancho along the northeast boundaries, including the subject property.
The Arguello family is noted for their pioneering establishment of a commercial olive orchard of 81 acres
on the Quito Rancho not far from the subject property. Jose Ramon Arguello established this orchard
around 1865. Over the years, the Arguello family, who retained only a small portion of their original
holdings, sold off much of the Quito Rancho.
The Quito Rancho was the subject of extended litigation over its patent (verification). There were two
major points of dispute regarding the Quito Rancho. The northeastern boundary had not been clearly
specified or surveyed due to the rugged nature of the terrain. Secondly, a substantial portion of the land
had been mistakenly thought to be United States Government property, open to claimants who were
willing to farm 160 -acre sections of land, and many people settled in the area under that assumption.
The claim for title to the Quito Rancho was filed in the United States District Court in October of 1860.
Because the northeastern boundary of the Quito Rancho was greatly disputed, American settlers and
DILL DESIGN 6K0UP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 6
ranchers who had bought farm property from the Arguello heirs fought the claim.
In August of 1865, Judge Ogden Hoffman approved an official survey, and settlers living in the area
between the old and newly established northern boundary were notified. They had the choice of re-
purchasing their homes or releasing them. A portion of Saratoga, then known as McCartysville and
thought to be outside the limits of the Quito Rancho, was affected by the boundary change. (Cunningham:
1967)
The Farwell Family
During the early years of American settlement, many American settlers claimed 160 acres of
"government land," staking their claims and improving the property as required by law in order to have
their claims properly verified at a later time. John and Nancy Farwell and their four children were among
the early settlers, arriving in San Francisco in 1849 and taking up a claim in Saratoga in 1855. A year later
they moved to their Saratoga claim permanently and began farming. John died in 1866; his wife Nancy
passed away in 1885. Fruitvale Avenue formed the eastern boundary of the Farwell acreage.
While the two older sons were helping on the family farm, the third son, FVianklin Farwell, went to the
California mines about 1856 and mined for five or six years. He returned to Saratoga in the early 1860's.
His brother Charles drowned in 1864, and his father passed away two years later. Franklin remained to
help with the farm until 1871 when he moved to San Francisco to engage in business. After his second
brother, William, died in 1877, Franklin once again returned to Saratoga and took charge of the orchard
operation. (Foote: 1881)
Neither of the two remaining. Farwell children married. Franklin Farwell and his sister Jennie Farwell
continued to live on their ranch until their deaths. The family engaged in raising prunes on their property.
Both of the Farwells were very active in local and civic affairs in the Saratoga and Los Gatos area.
Franklin Farwell kept a diary of life in Saratoga that is in the collection in the Saratoga Historical
Museum. The Farwell home was known as "Bella Vista" and it was one of the most noted estates in the
West Valley area at that time. (Saratoga Historical Foundation collection)
Over the years, Jennie and Franklin Farwell sold portions of their family's original 160 acres, including
the subject property, until less than half (about 70 acres) of their original ranch remained at the time of
Franklin Farwell's death. Farwell died in 1905 and his sister Jennie Farwell sold the family estate, "Bella
Vista," to Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Blaney who had moved to California from Chicago.
Fruitvale Avenue (McCall Road, Fruit Vale, Odd Fellows Road)
Currently known as Fruitvale Avenue, this two -mile stretch of road connects two major county
thoroughfares leading to Saratoga. Property owners in the area petitioned the Santa Clara County Board
of Supervisors for the road in 1860, and a public roadway 40 feet in width was accepted and approved by
the Supervisors in 1861. The major property owners who are listed on the petition include the McCalls, S.
Sykes, P. Langford, Thomas Gallagher, S. Nordgreen, T. O'Tools and the Farwells. The early road was
known as McCall Road and Public Road 115. It was also called the Odd Fellows Home Road because of
the retirement home, known as the Home for the Aged, established by the International Organization of
Odd Fellows (IOOF) in 1912. Because of the public access provided by Fruitvale Avenue, property in this
area was subdivided and sold earlier than land in many other areas of Saratoga.
DILL DLSIGN 6KOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 7
Farwell Avenue
Farwell Avenue, which forms the southern boundary of the subject property, had opened in 1888.
Looking for easier access to the post office in Saratoga, residents along Fruitvale asked the Santa Clara
Board of Supervisors for a shorter road between Fruitvale and the Los Gatos - Saratoga Road.
Local residents pointed out that the hill to the top of Fruitvale was very steep and hard on their horses and
that it would be better to have a road into town that was not only shorter but was on a level grade. Frank
and Jennie Farwell contributed the 40 -foot right -of -way now known as Farwell Avenue, asking only for
the construction of a new fence as compensation. The Supervisors approved Farwell Avenue in 1889.
When Farwell Avenue was opened as a public road, the subject parcel, which was then four acres, became
a corner lot. Franklin Farwell had sold this parcel to real estate investor William G. Hawley who
specialized in orchard acreage and lived in Willow Glen. Just after Farwell Road was opened, Hawley
sold this four -acre orchard in 1889 to J. D: (Daniel) Sutherland (Deeds -Bk 111:Pg391). Sutherland is
listed in the City Directory as a fruit grower, living four miles west of Santa Clara.
Orchards in Saratoga
Around the turn of the century, the owners of this property are not listed as living in the immediate area.
The four -acre parcel was apparently used as part of a fruit drying operation until about 1914, first by A.N.
Van Fleet, then by Adair's Dry Yard. (Davis: 1989)
The Santa Clara Valley has a long history of small family orchards. Early settlers discovered that fruit
growing in Santa Clara Valley was so productive that it was possible to provide handsomely for a family
with an orchard property of only four or five acres. With that in mind, the San Jose Board of Trade, later
the Chamber of Commerce published many pamphlets for distribution to citizens throughout the eastern
United States, encouraging them to come west. The Southern Pacific Railroad was just one organization
that advertised the benefits of living in Santa Clara Valley. The San Jose Mercury published a substantial
book in 1896 titled Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers which detailed the many virtues of growing fruit in the
area.
Opening the South Pacific Coast Railroad across the valley through Los Gatos in 1878 was also an
impetus to fruit production. Fruit could then move to eastern markets in just a few days. This was the era
when co- operative growers' associations were first formed. Several of the largest fruit canning and fruit
drying establishments in the county were located in Saratoga. Glen Una / Hume Ranch, one of the largest
packing operations in the area, was located just above Saratoga -Los Gatos Road about one - quarter mile
from the subject property.
Property History
14625 Fruitvale Avenue
APN 323 -43 -029
The earliest owners who occupied the property were the Reverend Merriam B. Davenport and his wife,
Mary, who reportedly built the extant house. They acquired the four acres in 1914 (Records - Bk 420:Pg
340) from Robert and Clara L. Lovick, when Mr. Davenport was about 63 years of age, and sold their
acreage eight years later. According to the 1989 recordation form, Mr. Davenport was a retired minister
DILL DESIGN 46. )UP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 8
and carpenter who built the house using lumber salvaged from the earlier structures on the property
In 1922, the four -acre parcel was sold to Charles H. and Pearl Atkinson. Charles's occupation is listed as
"rancher" in the City Directory. In 1936, the Atkinsons divided the four -acre parcel, and sold the subject
property, then a one -acre comer lot, to Charles and Lily Wreden. (Records - Bk 777:Pg 510) The
Wredens sold it to Harold and Ethel Miller in 1940. (Records - Bk 993:Pg 488)
Dr. Harold Miller was Dean of the Department of English at San Jose State University. The Millers
developed a garden at the site, focused around a large oak tree. The landscaping consisted primarily of
ivy, oleander and some junipers. The Millers were especially fond of tuberous begonias and hung many
pots of them from the branches of the oak tree. Neighbors recall that the Millers held a party in their
garden every fall when their begonias were in bloom. Dr. Miller was noted in the neighborhood for
carrying on a running battle with the Public Works Department of the City of Saratoga. The oleander
hedge that lined his property along Farwell Avenue was so tall that approaching traffic along Fruitvale
was obscured. Dr. Miller refused to trim this safety hazard so the City was forced to prune the hedge for
him. Harold and Ethel Miller owned the corner parcel at Farwell and Fruitvale from 1940 until 1962,
when it was sold to Louis and Virginia Saso for $31,500. (Records — Bk 5511:pg 606).
In a personal interview, Virginia Saso noted that there were a few garden elements within the property
from previous owners. At the front of the yard on the north side, there are remains of a rock wall
formation that appears to have been a decorative feature. The junipers that are planted nearby also predate
the Saso ownership. Since Farwell Avenue was dedicated in 1889, some landscaping may have been
introduced in this area to grace the entrance to "Bella Vista ".
The Saso Herb Garden
For nearly forty years the house and gardens at the corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues have been
known as the Saso Herb Garden. This important agricultural enterprise had a wide following due to the
pioneering nature of the owners in developing the market for herbs and specialized medicinal plants.
Hundreds of local residents attended classes and the Saso family offered workshops.
Louis and Virginia Saso both came from agricultural backgrounds. Louis Saso was bom in Portland,
Oregon of immigrant Italian parents. His father and uncles were ranchers in the produce business. The
family relocated to the Santa Clara Valley when Louis was eleven years old. Virginia Saso was raised on
a farm near Hollenbeck Road in Sunnyvale. After their marriage, Louis and Virginia Saso lived in the
East Bay in order to be closer to their business, the Hayward Wholesale Produce Company. In the early
1960s, the Sasos acquired a campground in Felton, California, that was used as a park for recreational
vehicles. Looking toward their retirement years, they decided to buy a home halfway between their
coastal property and their business in Hayward. After purchasing the subject property, the Saso family
moved to Saratoga with their seven children in 1962.
A prominent landscape feature on the subject property is a native oak on the south side of the house,
estimated to be 300 to 500 years of age. The tree has a circumference of nearly fifteen feet and a canopy
that measures over a hundred feet. Over the years it has provided a site for horticultural classes, for
sunrise worship service, for the weddings of family and friends and for a memorial service for one of the
Saso sons.
DILL PE.SIGN GKOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 9
Louis Saso became interested in herb production in the early 1970's. The switch from the produce
business to a different type of agricultural production was prompted by a desire to change to a less
stressful occupation. Having observed that the production of fresh herbs was an expanding market in the
Bay Area, the Sasos began production by offering small potted herb plants at local food cooperatives and
farmers' markets. Louis Saso's experience in herb gardening led to a career as a teacher. At the
encouragement of a friend, Saso began offering classes in herb gardening through the local community
college extension program. The first workshop was held at West Valley Junior College in 1975. The
program quickly grew so large that the Sasos began an apprentice program in 1984.
Louis and Virginia Saso added some unique plants of their own to their garden. There is an avocado
grafted to bear fruit during all four seasons and another tree grafted to bear peaches, plums and apricots.
There are pomegranates, Japanese maples, grapevines and berries. There are reportedly 30 varieties of
oregano. An article in the Saratoga News from 5/1/1996 stated there were 1,000 different plants in the
garden at that time.
The front yard features garden beds planted with herbs that are laid out in a large circle with twelve
sections named for astrological signs. Each sectional bed contains the plants appropriate to that particular
sign. The astrological garden was laid out following a pattern that was designed by an English physician -
astrologer named Nicholas Culpepper in the early Seventeenth Century. The side yard has an herb bed
planted with Chinese herbs, framed with
a "moon" trellis. The rear yard contains
several potting sheds and greenhouses,
built over the years to serve the retail
business that the Saso family developed.
Both Louis and Virginia Saso have
herbal plants that have been named in
their honor. There is a variety of salvia,
a member of the sage family, named for
Louis Saso. Virginia cultivated oregano
and discovered a new strain of this plant
that is now known as "Origanum
Virginia Saso ". The Saso Herb Garden
is noted throughout the West and is
often referenced as an authority by other
knowledgeable gardening resources. A book featuring the Saso Herb Garden was published in 2001,
entitled The Herbalist's Garden: A Guided Tour of 10 Exceptional Herb Gardens, written by Shatoiya
and Richard de la Tour.
DILL DESIGN GRUUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 10
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Front Porch, September 2001. (above)
Oak Tree, September 2001. (below)
The Craftsman style residence was built in the
early Twentieth Century. There are no original
building permits or other public records that
establish a definitive date of construction;
however, previous documentation indicates that
the house was built in 1914 by the Davenports.
The first listed occupants at this address in the
City Directories, as well as the style and
materials of the structure, corroborate a
construction date of 1914. Similar structures of
this style were built in the Santa Clara Valley as
early as 1904. The barn/garage appears from its
construction materials and method of
construction to have been built more than fifty
years ago. The other ancillary structures on the
property are more recent.
The two -story residence is centrally sited on an
approximately one -acre lot on the northwest
corner of Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues and is
within the city limits of Saratoga. A driveway
runs from Fruitvale Avenue along the north side
of the house and wraps behind the west side of
the house. The majority of the ancillary
buildings are located on the northwest portion of
the lot. Several Sheds, greenhouses, a
Guesthouse, and a garage surround the house on
DILL DES16N 6FDUF
the north, west and south sides. The
ancillary buildings on the north and west
sides are separated from the house by
the driveway while the guesthouse on
the south side is separated by a
walkway. A large oak with a
circumference of approximately 15 feet
and a canopy of over 100 feet is located
south of the house. Other mature trees
are located throughout the lot. Gardens
of various designs surround the house.
An astrological garden is located
directly in front of the house, between
the house and Fruitvale Avenue.
The Craftsman bungalow is one story at
the front and rear, two stories at the
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 11
center, and has a partial basement towards the rear and center. The first floor is above grade. The house
has a generally rectangular in plan, and its roof is moderately pitched and currently roofed with wood
shakes. The house was originally sheathed in horizontal shingle courses that alternated 9" and 3" reveals.
The shingles are still visible within an addition on the south wall and above the porch roof. The house is
currently sided with horizontal lap siding. The two -story, center portion of the north side wall projects out
from the footprint of the house, and creates a bay window form at the dining room. At the southern side of
the house, a small, fairly recent, addition encloses a half - bathroom; it opens from the garden and contains
only a toilet and sink that sit at grade. The first
floor portion of the roof, which is gabled front
and rear, has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails.
Plain brackets support the front and rear gables.
The second floor roof, which is hipped, also has
wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Two
unadorned, square columns support the gabled
front porch roof. An arbor extends the full width
of the rear facade and covers the back porch.
Interior, Front Door, September 2001.
The majority of the doors and windows appear to
be original. Fenestration consists of a mixture of
one - over -one double -hung and multi -lite fixed
wood sash along with some two -lite, wooden
vertical sliders on the upstairs sleeping porch.
The upper sashes of the double -hung windows, at
both the one -story and two -story portions of the
house, have sash -ears. At the front of the house
on three sides, one - over -one windows flank a
fixed picture window that has a twelve -lite
transom. The second story is situated over the
middle portion of the house. It is rectangular and
is flush with the north and south fagades, and
flanked by attics to the front and back.
The living room is entered directly from the front door. The living room features coved ceilings, a brick
fireplace and plaster walls. The dining room opens from the living room on the north side of the house. It
has exposed wood beams at the ceiling. The stairway to the second floor is located off of the living room
on the southern side of the room. One bedroom and a bathroom are located behind the stairs and can be
accessed from the dining room. The kitchen, the rear foyer/laundry, and an enclosed porch are to the rear
of the dining room and bedroom. The stairs to the basement are located in the northwest corner of the
house off of the rear foyer /mud room and have a landing at an exterior entrance on grade. It appears from
the cabinetry that a Murphy bed opening once connected the bedroom to the sleeping porch. The kitchen
has been remodeled, possibly in the 1960's, including sheet vinyl flooring, a drop ceiling, and modern
cabinetry. The bathroom has also been remodeled in recent years.
DILL DULIGN GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 12
North fagade, 2 "d Floor,
September 2001.
The second floor
consists of one
bedroom, a sleeping
porch, and two attics.
The front attic is
finished as a room
with plywood on the
ceiling and walls and
a window on the front
1-00 wall. The central
bedroom is carpeted
and has knotty -pine
vertical beaded v-
groove paneling on
the walls and
homosote ceiling. The
sleeping porch, off the
north side of the
bedroom, is also carpeted and has a continuous ribbon of windows on all three exterior walls, as well as
small windows that flank the door into the bedroom. The windows on the exterior are four -lite, wood -sash
vertical sliders. All of these windows appear to be original to the construction of the second floor —
reportedly added by the Saso family. The rear attic is not finished as a room; the studs and rafters are
exposed, as are the backing for the wall paneling and the skip sheathing and shingles of the roof. Vertical
v- groove redwood paneling encloses the stairway and is divided by a beveled horizontal watercourse and
beveled corner boards. The house is of conventional wood frame construction. Knob and tube wiring was
found throughout the house.
The original garage building is of vertical board construction with a moderately sloped roof gabled front
and rear. The v- groove doors have been refaced on the exterior. The doors are hinged. The other planting
sheds and ancillary buildings are more recent construction with shed roofs and concrete floors. The
guesthouse, set into the garden to the south of the house, is a large open room designed with shoji -type
screens and includes a shower.
EVALUATION FOR SIGNIFICANCE
Three sets of criteria are utilized in evaluating the potential historical and architectural significance of
structures and sites within the City of Saratoga. The first set of criteria used is defined by the National
Register of Historic Places, which was established by the National Park Service. The California State
Historic Resources Commission developed the second set of criteria used, for the California Register of
Historic Resources. Lastly, properties are evaluated according to City of Saratoga Selection Criteria for
structures of potential historical value.
DILL DESIGN 6FOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 13
National Register of Historic Places
To meet the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places, a building, site, or object must have
architectural and historical integrity, and satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
Criteria A it is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our history; or
Criteria B it is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
Criteria C it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or
that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic values, or that
represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
distinction; or
Criteria D it has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
California Register of Historic Resources
In order for a resource to be eligible for the California Register of Historic'Resources, a building, site or
object must meet three standards of review:
1. A property must be significant at the local, state or national level, under one or more of the following
criteria:
• It is associated with events or patterns of events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of the history and cultural heritage of California and the United States.
• It is associated with the lives of persons important to the nation or California's past.
• It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction,
represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values.
• It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the
State or the Nation.
2. The resource must retain enough of its historic character or appearance to be recognizable as
a historic property, and to convey the reason for its significance; and
3. It is fifty years old or older (except for rare cases of structures of exceptional significance).
Resources already listed, or determined eligible for the National Register, or California Historic
Landmarks #770 or higher are also, by definition, eligible for the California Register. A property is
automatically eligible for the register if it has been listed under any state, national or local historic
resource criteria, unless the preponderance of evidence indicates otherwise.
City of Saratoga
Under the City of Saratoga Selection Criteria, structures of potential historical value are evaluated
according to the following:
DILL DESIGN GKOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 14
a. The property exemplifies or reflects special elements of the cultural, social, economic,
political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history of the City, the County, the State or the
nation; or
b. The property is identified with persons or events significant in local, county, state or national
history; or
c. The property embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of
construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or
d. The property is representative of the notable design or craft of a builder, designer, or
architect; or
e. The property embodies or contributes to unique physical characteristics representing an
established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or dist4rict within the City; or
f. The property represents a significant concentration or continuity of site, buildings, structures
or objects, unified by past events or aesthetically by plan or physicral or natural development; or
g. The property embodies or contributes to a unique natural setting or environment constituting
a distinct area or district within the City having special character or special historical,
architectural or aesthetic interest or value.
Evaluation
The building and site were evaluated for historical significance based on age, integrity, historical
association, and architectural value. The building meets the 50 year -old threshold of both the National and
California Registers.
Buildings and sites associated with the lives of persons that provided value to their community where the
remembrances of those personages and their contributions to society, important to local, state or national
history are potentially eligible for the National, California and/or local registers. The property is originally
associated with the Farwells and the Arguellos, both important families in the West Valley; however,
neither family developed this property or is associated with the buildings or site. This association alone
does not lend historical significance to the property on a National level.
The site is associated with patterns of the community's agricultural past, but the current building and site
improvements are not directly associated with this history. Because the City of Saratoga does not have a
50 -year threshold for significance, the long -time association of the property with the Saso family and the
Saso Herb Garden, as well as the design of the garden setting of the property, seem to confirm the
property's listing on the Heritage Resource Inventory under items a., b. and g. The mature trees on the site
demand special note, but are outside the scope of this evaluation.
The building is a Craftsman Bungalow style residential structure that was built c 1914. It has been altered
with new roofing and siding, but the original form is clear, and the original windows are extant. The
house is more than ninety years old and is a fine example of a Craftsman bungalow; however, there are
more distinctive examples that better represent the style of architecture throughout Saratoga and the local
DILL PESIGN GRDO
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 15
region. Therefore, it would not qualify for. either the National or California Registers based on its
architecture alone. The garden and site embodies a distinctive design, but fails to meet the age threshold
necessary for listing.
The subject property is currently listed on the City of Saratoga's Heritage Resources Inventory under
Criteria a. and g. The building and site, as previously noted however, would not appear to qualify for the
National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic Resources based on the current
level of information.
Potential Impacts
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a "project that may cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a historic resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the
environment." In this context, a historic resource is one that is listed in or determined to be eligible for
listing in the California Register of Historic Resources.
The California Environmental Quality Act identifies demolition of historic structures as a significant
impact on the environment, and modification of historic resources as potentially having significant
impacts on the environment. In defining historic, the structure must be on or be eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places, a California State Landmark above #770, a California Point of Historic
Interest or be listed or eligible for listing on a local register. The threshold for significance, for listing on a
local register to be eligible for the California Register, must be established through a public process and
can be quantitative or qualitative.
Because the building at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue does not currently appear to qualify for the California
Register of Historic Resources, demolition of the structure would not cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a historic resource that would result in a significant effect on the environment.
DILL DESIGN 6FOUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 16
LITERATURE AND SOURCES CITED AND CONSULTED
Arbuckle, Clyde
1968 Santa Clara County Ranchos. San Jose: Rosicrucian Press
1986 Clyde Arbuckle's History of San Jose. San Jose: Memorabilia of San Jose
Baker, John
1994 American House Styles. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Brainard, H. A.
1888 Map of Saratoga
City Directories
1870 - 1968, City of San Jose (Saratoga included)
County of Santa Clara
Deeds and Official Records
School Tax Assessment Records c 1930's
Great Register of Voters, 1890
Cunningham, Florence R.
1967 Saratoga's First Hundred Years. Fresno, CA, Panorama West Book.
De la Tour, Shatoiya and Richard
2001 The Herbalist's garden: A Guided Tour of 10 Exceptional Herb Gardens. Pownal, VT, Storey
Books.
Garrod, R. V.
1962 Saratoga Story. Published by the author, Saratoga, CA.
Munro - Fraser
1881 History of Santa Clara County, California. San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Co.
San Jose Mercury
1896 Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers. Alfred Eaton, San Jose.
Saso; Virginia
Personal interview September 20, 2001.
Sawyer, Eugene
1922 History of Santa Clara County, California. Los Angeles, Historic Record Company.
Saratoga News - Various articles and photographs featuring Louis and Virginia Saso and their garden. See
www.metroactive .com/papers /saratoga.news.
Quito Rancho
DILL P SIGN 6Ff)UF
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 17
Plat, filed in the County Recorder's Office Book A of Patents: Page 112.
The Herbalist's Garden - 10 Exceptional Gardens - 2000 (Saso Herb Garden is included.
www.saso.com/herbgardens
DILL DF316N GROUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 18
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DILL DFSIGN 6KOUP
Current Assessor's Parcel Map
LAWRENCE E. STONE — ASSESSOR
owntrd mop for mwmml mp— anly.
Compiled under R. & T. Code. Sec. 327.
EH.ofM Pad Yew 2OM -2002
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 19
County Map, after 1897
DILL DESIGN GP.UUP
Historical and Architectural Evaluation
14625 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Page 20
Brainard Map 1888
DILL DESIGN GROUP
41
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State of California The Resources Elgency �" t yPrtmary#
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
h ci
PRIMARY, ;X
YtECORD�'�'
omt
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Page 1 of 5 *Resource Name or #: (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
P1. Other Identifier: Saso Herb Garden
*P2. Location: ❑ Not for Publication ® Unrestricted *a. County Santa Clara
and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.)
*b. USGS 7.5' Quad San Jose West Date 1980 photo revised T 8S; R 1W; B.M. Mt. Diablo
c. Address 14625 Fruitvale Avenue City Saratoga Zip 95070
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and /or linear resources) Zone 10S; 587445mE/ 4123686mN
e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
Assessor's Parcel Number: 397- 17 -12, northwest corner of Fruitvale and Farwell Avenues
*P3a Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The two -story residence is centrally sited on an approximately one -acre lot on the northwest corner of
Farwell and Fruitvale Avenues and is within the city limits of Saratoga. A driveway runs from Fruitvale
Avenue along the north side of the house and.wraps behind the west side of the house. The majority of the
ancillary buildings are located on the northwest portion of the lot. Several sheds, greenhouses, a
guesthouse, and a garage surround the house on the north, west and south sides. The ancillary buildings on
the north and west sides are separated from the house by the driveway while the guesthouse on the south
side is separated by a walkway. A large oak with a circumference of approximately 15 feet and a canopy of
over 100 feet is located south of the house. Other mature trees are located throughout the lot. Gardens of
various designs surround the house.
The Craftsman bungalow is one story at the front and rear, two stories at the center, and has a partial
basement towards the rear and center. The first floor is above grade. The house has a generally
rectangular in plan, and its roof is moderately pitched and currently roofed with wood shakes. The house
was originally sheathed in horizontal shingle courses that alternated 9" and 3" reveals. The shingles are
still visible within an addition on the south wall and above the porch roof. The house is currently sided
with horizontal lap sidigg. The two - story, center portion of the north side wall projects out from the
footprint of the house, and creates a bay window form at the dining room. At the southern side of the
house, a small, fairly recent, addition encloses a half- bathroom; it opens from the garden and contains
(Continued on Page 3)
*133b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP 2 Single family property, HP 33 Farm /ranch
*P4 Resources Present: ® Building ❑ Structure ❑ Object ® Site ❑ District ❑ Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date,
accession #)
View from northeast
September 200.1
*P6. Date Constructed /Age and Sources:
® Historic ❑ Prehistoric ❑ Both
c1906 -1910, 1989 DPR
*P7. Owner and Address:
Venkat and Anjana Kalkunte
P.O. Box 3114
Saratoga, CA 95070
*138. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, and address)
Dill Design Group
110 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos CA 95030
*P9. Date Recorded: 9 / 2 8 / 01
*P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Intensive
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none ".)
Historical and Architectural Evaluation of the Single Family Residence Located at 14625 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, CA, Dill Design Group, October 3, 2001.
*Attachments: NONE ❑ Location ❑ Map ❑ Sketch Map ® Continuation Sheet ® Building, Structure and Object Record ❑ Archaeological Reconc
❑ District Record ❑ Linear Feature Record ❑ Milling State Record ❑ Rock Art Record ❑ Artifact Record ❑ Photograph Record ❑ Other (List)
DPR 523 (1195) *Required information
State of California The Resources gency " F pNn�y�
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION `
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND.,' �DB,IECT itECORDyf
:;�1 ,yt'^C� ■ � i Ov. . � _
Page 2 of 5 •NRHP Status Code 7
61. Historic Name: Saso Herb Garden *Resource Name or# (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
B2. Common Name: Saso Herb Garden
B3. Original use: Single family residential 64. Present Use: vacant
•B5. Architectural Style: Craftsman Bungalow
•B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)
Built c. 1906 -1910. Second story.
'B7. Moved? ® No ❑ Yes ❑Unknown Date: N/A Original Location: N/A
•B8. Related Features:
Garage, various sheds and greenhouses.
B9aArchitect: Unknown b. Builder: Davenport, owner
•B10. Significance: Theme Architecture and Shelter, Agriculture Area Saratoga
Period of Significance 1940 -1962 Property Type Residential /Agricultural Applicable Criteria None
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The subject property was part of the Farwell Homestead grant, a 160 -acre quarter section claimed by John and
Nancy Farwell in 1855. Farwell Avenue, which forms the southern boundary of the property, was once an
entrance to the Farwell estate known locally as "Bella Vista ".
The four -acre parcel was probably leased as part of a fruit operation until about 1914. The property owners
at the turn of the century are not listed as living in the area. The earliest owners who appear to have
occupied the property were the Reverend Merriam B. Davenport and his wife Mary, who appear to have built the
extant house (DPR, 1989). They acquired the four -acres in 1914 when Mr. Davenport was about 63 years of age
and sold their acreage eight years later.
In 1922, the four -acre parcel was sold to Charles H. and Pearl Atkinson who owned the farm for 14 years.
Charles Atkinson's occupation was listed as rancher in the City Directory. In 1936, the Atkinsons divided
the four -acre parcel, and sold the subject property, then a corner lot of one -acre, to Charles and Lily
Wreden (Records - Bk 777:Pg 510). The Wredens held the property for only four years, and then sold it to
Harold and Ethel Miller in 1940.
Harold Miller was a professor at San Jos€ State University and Dean of the Department of English. Harold and
Ethel Miller owned the corner parcel at Farwell and Fruitvale for 22 years, from 1940 until 1962.
In 1962, this one -acre parcel passed into the hands of the Louis and Virginia Saso, who purchased it for
$31,500.
(Continued on Page 3)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP 30 Trees /vegetation
•B12. References:
Arbuckle, Clyde, 1968 Santa Clara County Ranchos. San
Josh: Rosicrucian Press
City Directories, 1870 - 1968, City of San Josh
Cunningham, Florence R., 1967 Saratoga's First Hundred
Years. Fresno, CA, Panorama West Book.
San Josh Mercury, 1896 Sunshine, Fruit and Flowers.
Alfred Eaton, San Jos €.
(See Report for full listing of References)
B13. Remarks: House and associated buildings
proposed to be demolished.
•B14. Evaluator: Amber Engle Grady
`Date of Evaluation: September 28, 2001
(This space reserved for official comments.)
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Page 3 of 5 *Resource Name of # (Assigned by recorder) 14625 Fruitvale Avenue
*Recorded by Amber Grady *Date 9/27/01 ® Continuation []Update
Continued from *P3a Description:
only a toilet and sink that sit at grade. The first floor portion of the roof, which is gabled front and
rear, has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Plain brackets support the front and rear gables. The
second floor roof, which is hipped, also has wide eaves with exposed rafter tails. Two unadorned, square
columns support the gabled front porch roof. An arbor extends the full width of the.rear facade and
covers the back porch.
The majority of the doors and windows appear to be original. Fenestration consists of a mixture of one-
over -one double -hung and multi -lite fixed wood sash along with some two -lite, wooden vertical sliders on
the upstairs sleeping porch. The upper sashes of the double -hung windows, at both the one -story and two -
story portions of the house, have sash -ears. At the front of the house on three sides, one - over -one
windows flank a fixed picture window that has a twelve -lite transom. The second story is situated over
the middle portion of the house. It is rectangular and is flush with the north and south fagades, and
flanked by attics to the front and back.
The original garage building is of vertical board construction with a moderately sloped roof gabled front
and rear. The v- groove doors have been refaced on the exterior. The doors are hinged. The other
planting sheds and ancillary buildings are more recent construction with shed roofs and concrete floors.
The guesthouse, set into the garden to the south of the house, is a large_open room designed with shoji -
type screens and includes a shower.
Continued from *B10. Significance
Louis Saso was born in Portland, Oregon of immigrant Italian parents. The family relocated to the Santa
Clara Valley when Louis was eleven years old. Virginia Saso was raised on a farm near Hollenbeck Road in
Sunnyvale. After their marriage, Louis and Virginia Saso lived in the East Bay in order to be closer to
their wholesale produce business, the Hayward Wholesale Produce Company.
In the early 1960's the Sasos acquired a campground in Felton, California, that was used as a park for
recreational vehicles. Looking toward their retirement years, they decided to buy a home halfway between
their coastal property and their Hayward business. The Saso family moved to Saratoga with their seven
children in 1962; the youngest child, Chris was born in 1965.
Although the property is locally listed and the house retains most of its design integrity, the
associated persons and events do not convey the required age and significance to make the property
eligible for the National or California Registers. Nor are the design and details of the house
distinctive enough to make the property eligible on the basis of architectural significance.
nPR 52.111195) *Required information
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*Recorded by Amber Grady *Date 9/27/01 ® Continuation ❑ Update
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