Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOAK STREET 14592HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #41) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Saratoga School, Oak Street School 2. Historic name: Saratoga Grammar School 3. Street or rural address: 14592 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -10 -47 5. Present Owner: Saratoga Union School Dist. Address: 20460 Forest Hills City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: X Private: 6. Present Use: Elementary School(K -6) Original Use: Grammar School DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: The exterior of this original school, built in 1923, has changed very little over the years, except for classroom wings added at the rear and a cafeteria to the east. Additional changes were made to meet California earthquake safety standards in 1971 -72. The structure features simple lines, broad surfaces and arched portals along the front corridor, all typical of the style. Its most outstanding feature is the decorative main entrance with bas relief columns on either side, with stucco covered bracketing and handcrafted tiles inlaid across the top, forming an archway above which appears the word SARATOGA. The exterior surfaces are also stucco, painted the traditional off -white color. The wood window sash and roof trim are stained dark brown. The asphalt shingle roof has a red -brown tint, reminiscent of the terra 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1923 -24 9. Architect: Unknown 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: 616.82' Depth: 655' approx. acreage: 7.26 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: Terra cotta roofing tiles replaced by asphalt shingles, handicap ramp added 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: Scattered buildings: Densely built -up: X Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: Private development: Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: declining public school enrollment in the area. 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This school building has been in operation continuously since it was built, and is the third school building on this site. Its history began in 1854 when the Sons of Temperance Hall was erected and served as the first public school and community center. In 1923, the first unit of today's Saratoga School was erected. In front of the school stands the now silent bell of the 1897 school. Perhaps the most famous of its students were Olivia DeHavilland and Joan Fontaine. Olivia was the editor of the school's first newspaper, published in Feb., 1931. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: 2 Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 1 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First Hundred Years, 1967; Saratoga News, Jan 19, 1983. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING ,DEPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION Street Address 14.592 Oak Street Historic Name Saratoga School --- Oak Street School Present Owner Saratoga Union School District Address 11+675 Aloha Avenue Satatoga, CA. 95070 Present Use Gaammar School Original Use Other Past Uses CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY INVENTORY #_L PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN _ _ (date) / 41 APN 517-10 -P Grammar School Saratoga School, Oak Street: The area of the school site is.5.35 acres. It was built QDRIPTION in 1921-24, w.ith six additional rooms added in mid - thirties. The architect is_ unknown, and possibly W.F. Weeks of San Francisco. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: The exterior of the school has changed little over the years. It has been enlarged with wings being added. There are many internal changes, lastly-in the early 1970's when the entire school was renovated to make it safer inthe event of an earthquake. The roof tiles have been replaced and there is a handicap ramp added. Approximate property size: / r Lot size (in feet) Frontage (P 1 Depth t or approximate acreage Condition (check one): Excellent (X) Good ( ) Fair ( ) _ _)riorated ( )* No longer in existence ( ) Is the feature: Altered? (X) Unaltered? ( ) Location sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and pro- minent landmarks) i- � J Threats to site: I None known ( ) Private Development ( ) Zoning ( ) Public Works Project ' Vandalism ( ) Other (X) possibl school due o declining enrollment.s Primary exterior building material: Stone ( ) Brick-( ) Stucco (X) Adobe ( ) Wood ( ) Is the structure: On its original site? (X) Moved? ( ) Unknown ( ) Other ( ) Year of initial construction 1923-24 This date is: Factual (X) Estimated ( ) io add�l.�rn-yak h.���-- add.a.d �m Yru:cd - y- 1- k,u,�, . Q. Architect (if known) William Weeks of San Francisco (possibly) �A Builder ( if known) Style Related features: Mission Barn ( ) Carriage House ( ) Outhouse ( ) 6Iatertower /Tankhouse ( ) Other ( ) SIGNIFICANCE Shed(s) ( ) Formal garden(s) ( ) Windmill (_ ) None /l Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site when known): This property on Oak Street has been a school site since 1854, when the Sons of Temperance Hall was erected which served as the first public school and community 6enter. The present school is the 3rd school on the site. In 1923 the first unit of today's building was erected. It contained a library, auditorium and a cafeteria. Both Olivia and Joan Be Havilland attended this school. Olivia was the first editor of the schools newspaper published in Feb. 1931- In front of the school stands Source (books, documents, surveys, personal interviews, and their dates): the now 'silent bell of the 1897 F. Cunningham Saratoga's First Hundred Years school. A Century of Saratogans schooled in readin', ritin', rugged resource- fulness, Saratoga News, Jan. 19, 1983 Form prepared by: Date: R-1 41 r „i `'tea }",:r' v)✓ =��:, OFFICE: 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 (108) 867 -3 -138 COUNCIL MEMBERS: October 16, 1984 Mart Callon Martha Clevenger Virginia Fanelli Joyce Hlava David Moyles Saratoga School Board and Superintendent of Saratoga Union School District 14675 Aloha Avenue Saratoga, CA. 95070 Dear School Board Members and Dr. Mc Nicholas: As the representative of the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission, I am writing to encourage you to vote in favor of keeping the Oak Street School (a.k.a. Saratoga School) open as a fully functioning public (preferably) or private elementary school. As you are most certainly aware, Oak Street School is a valuable historic landmark. in Saratoga and the site itself has nearly,always been the site of the school facility for Saratoga's children - this particular building replacing even earlier ones. We feel that once a building is deprived of its original use, unwelcome changes start happening and eventually the historic integrity of the building becomes lost to expedience. The grounds are then more likely to be sold off and development around the building changes the whole character of the site. We are aware that you must make some painful decisions and do not envy you your position. However, we are determined to try to pre- serve what is fundamental and important to the future of Saratoga, and one of these basics is the presence of the school within the historic core area of the Village and the residential area adjacent to it. Saratoga is spreading farther and farther from its core of historic vitality. Removing the historic school from that core will further this degenerative process. History is part of the educational process. Recognizing the importance of our local history and respecting our historic buildings is part of that education by example that we can all pass along to our children. Please.consider this when you make your deliberations. Very truly yours, Sharon D. Landsness Chairman Heritage Preservation Commission SDL /bjc 4( p .._ttM:: CITY of = ' ATOGA 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE . SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867-34:38 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Karen Anderson Martha Clevenger July 13, 1988 Joyce Hlava David Moyles Donald Peterson Cassandra Huston President of the Board Saratoga Union School District 20460 Forest Hills Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Huston: The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission has recently completed, a comprehensive Inventory of historic resources in our community. We are pleased to notify you that the Saratoga Grammar School at 14592 Oak Street 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 restrictiont affecting the use, improvement, alteration or even the demolition of your property. As an Inventory property, however, you will be able to make use of the State Historic Building Code, an alternative set of building regulations that are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings. In addition, your property may qualify for designation as a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, a special category of outstanding and exemplary historic properties that are identified in the community by a handsome bronze plaque. We have enclosed the entire Inventory list and the individual Inventory form for your property, which gives information about the building, the property and its history. We would appreciate your review of this form to let us know if there are any changes or additions to the form you wish to include. We also anticipate that there are additional historic resources in the community that we may have overlooked or have not fully documented yet; if you know of any that are not on the list, please let us know. If you have any questions, please direct them to the Commission through Valerie Young, our staff person at City Hall (867- 3438). One of the Commissioners will be happy to meet with you to discuss the Inventory and answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elizabeth Ansnes Roy Cameron Norm Koepernik Sharon Landsness Barb // Voester Warren Heid, Chairman 1 � State of California — The Resources Agency DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY Ser. No. HABS HAER Loc X_SHL No. NR Status UTM: A C B D IDENTIFICATION 1. Common nan.;�ARATOGA SCHOOL - OAK STREET SCHOOL 2. Historic name: SARATOGA SCHOOL 3. Street or rural address: 14592 Oak Street Cit% Saratoga Zip 95070 County Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -10 -47 (as of July 29, 1987) 5. Present Owner: _Saratoga Union School District Address: 14675 Aloha Ave. City_ Saratoga, CA Zip 95070 Ownership is: Public X Private 6. Present Use: _ Elementary School(K -6) Original use: Grammar School DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Mission.- .Revival (with major alterations for safety) 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: The exterior of the original school building has changed very little over the years. There have been wings added at the rear of the structure since 1945. The many internal changes include renovation of the entire school to-meet California Eaethvake Safety Standards in the 1970's. The predominant Mission Revival theme, much in vogue in the 1920's, has been somewhat diminished in character by the removal of the original terra cotta roofing tiles. It remains, however, a structure of simple lines, broad surfaces and arched portals along the front corridor. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the the decorative main entrance. There are bas relief colums on either side, with stucco covered bracketing and beautiful handcrafted tiles inlaid across the top forming an archway, above which is written SARATOGA. The exterior surfaces are also stucco, painted the traditional off - white color. The wood window sash and the roof trim are stained a dark brown. The asphalt shingle roof has a red -brown tint, reminiscent of the terra cotta it replaces. DPR 523 (Rev. 11/85) 8. Construction date: Estimated Factual 1923 -4 9. Architect unknown 10. Builder 11. Approx. property size (in feet) Frontage 616.82 bepth655' or approx. acreage, 7 .26 acres 12. Date(s) of enclosed phptograph(s) State of California - The Resources Agency $er,. NO. DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HABS_HAER Loc L" SHL No. UTM: A HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY B IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: W C MIN NR Status 2. Historic name: <_0 /L .,O 3. Street or rural address: 1WJ -2 K19k- _5 /1-e- Cit f'' 9' 11"A Zip 9, SD 90 County /i.il/ 4. Parcel number: .4 7 5. Present Owner:-570,-,q Inaa ( 1)10/7 SG10QVA5p17Q-1-1__ Address: _��` (457/`/�D/7G1 A. City rail-n," q G i- Zip95-7b 7 6 Ownership is: Public b; Private: !C � 6. Present Us/ S(-//1)6/ Original use: DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: � /n d?'^ �.�,� 7b. .Brief) describe the resent physical �r ���������� P �"`�r r`��' Briefly p p y appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from, its .� original condition: '740 �J C V Cl_tt_l � erl .-v - ry, a Attach Photo Envelope Here DPR 523 (Rev. 11/851 8. Construction date: Estimated `� Factual�9Z -�-`l 9. Architect /617 (M✓ , n <c , UJ G /,l% & Q1 10. Builder 8 . 11. Approx. property size .tin feet) Frontage (0 �Z Depth 6 S3 or approx. acreage. 3,S C1 C 5 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s) 13. Condition: Excellent ` Good Fair Deteriorated No longer in existence 14. Alterations: .0 )6 wS /»✓J ��.r� , 4� a p 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land _.Scattered buildings Densely built -up 7� Residential ✓ Industrial Commercial Other: 16. Threats to site: None known _Private development Zoning Vandalism Public Works project Other: `a. c,� J2!AJr7-/ A17 Av-i'1zhczr, pL 14, d,,c 17. Is the structure: On its original site? Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site.) 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture Arts & Leisure Economic /Industrial —Exploration/Settlement Government . Military Religion Social /Education .✓ 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). 22. Date form prepared KAAA a ( T-7 By (name) - Me2r T nn�Sny�.SS Organization SoiY• Apec. tvhyn/W, Address: 1.3 7 7 7 Ayf city .Sa. rn �a zip Phone: �/lS � M'7�"3tF3Y Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH �g �C 0 A/c S7--R (f e7- 1316, 345)Ig wONY i� � W x W W x W* W *__W_W_� W A.FOOTNOTE TO HISTORY Our first public school was established in 1854 as Redwood Township No. 1 (now Saratoga). Classes were held in the Sons of Temperance Hall located on Oak Street on the grounds of the present school. Thus, for 133 years, there has been a school on this hill. The first school was replaced with a larger building in 1869. By 1897 the school population had outgrown this building. The Report of the School Trustees of Septem- ber 14, 1898, gives the following account of the building of the third school: "On Jan. 15, 1898, the citizens of the Saratoga School District decided by the decisive vote of 115 to 13 to issue bonds to the amount of $5,000 for the erection of a new school building. After consulting the best educators in the county as to our needs and the best architects as to plans, Charles Bossinger was chosen as archi- tect and the building contract was awarded to W. S. Boyles. The result has more than justified our highest expectations. The build- ing as completed has been pronounced by competent judges to be the best country school house in the Santa Clara County. . . Our bonds 2 . sold at a premium of $400, giving us $5,400 for building and furnishing. The total cost, including heating and ventilating systems and architect's fee, will be about $5,230." An interesting sidelight on this school: the bonds were voted in January 1898, the contract was let in April, and school opened in the new building in September 1898. Included below is a picture of the 1898 school, together with a description and historical background reprinted from "Saratoga Sunshine," a booklet published by the Saratoga Improvement Association in 1900. SARATOGA SCHOOL HOUSE. SARATOGA SCHOOL. In 1854 the "Sons of Temperance" erected on the present site of the school a small one story wooden structure whose sides and roof were covered with split redwood shakes, in which they held their meetings and a small ante -room attached held their regalia. In the summer of that year the first public school was held in this building with about a dozen pupils. This same building was used until 1867 when it was considered unsafe by the trustees who sold it, and rented a room over a store where Mattari's hotel now stands. In 1869 the district built a one story frame building 20 by 40, having two rooms, and employed one teacher. In 1878 this building was raised and another story put under, making four rooms and employing three teachers. The rooms of this building were found much too small and in 1898 it was sold and moved on to a business lot where the post office is now located. The present com- modious two story four -room school house was erected and occupied the fall term of that year. It will accom- odate about 200 pupils. The present enrollment is 120 with three teachers, primary, intermediate, and the principal with the seventh and eighth grades. The school is an accredited county grammar school from which pupils of the higher half of the eighth grade are graduated by the County Board without examination, which admits th °m to the high school. The school grounds are on an elevated piece of ground on the south side of the village, on Oak street, with a frontage of 300 feet and 150 feet deep. The sanitary conditions are ex- cellent, and the outlook commands a most charming view of the valley and mountains on both sides, and the south end of San Francisco bay. i�. tr:! �': 3'=.'.$„ F,-:' r. �`✓, rM. �z�. �?: sY t`sFir'_:s>�:�ii.��'..�'.�.°?•' '". "'_"r A" �I: i''% �SSa. a: iE+ �.' uT y'• �.' �. f` �j1` Y: t:: 1+ �; �5tir3u. Y' d' �3,: e+. �A:ia�"�w`.i%'<i >�nv3V::.=aL�:� \ \ ♦ ♦ \ \ \ ♦ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4 \ \ \ ♦ \ \ \ \ \ t \ \ \ ♦ ♦ ♦ \ \ ♦ \ \ \ \ ♦ ♦ \ \ \ \ ♦ \ \ ♦ \ \ \ \ / / / / / / / I / / / / J / / / I / / / / / J / / / / / / / / I / I I / / I J J I , INVENTORY`. % // SARATOGA, ' l e.cA�s� \ \\ % J I % CALIFORNIA„ 95070 7 777 / / / / /! / / /i / / / /! / /, / /. /. J /// /•YEAR ////. \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ♦ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ t \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1 \ \ \ \ t tCf 7-3r24 \. / / / / / / J J .''� •' . sTED n atv \ \ D ha \ ` .• \ \ \ •. \ \ \ \ 4 \ ♦ �� � . \ \ \ J / r \ , / • / f J • I I / ♦ J J J I r f J / \ \ ♦ \ f r \ NOTES OrK od* Slye -e* ho/.L hQ4/10, � S f \'\ � So y-\ T T ' ll.L � 8 � Anna 4vuNA `t'In,e �tipa,P,r�- Atrho�e -Q. q m�l.SSn -ate n.�Ji�uuA '✓� 3 � W'Gw S'i-dl/h.d S4&L � lul.Q, c l 91 Ll o c1►� e-o� . 3o�F'h ��t�r� -arm �oc�w , �, be. i�o�r�,llct,nd.. a�e.d otX►o e-� h� ,,r .,. •/` `f f\ t i .. l w }_y �� 4: -- i ;,.t.M t ��. !S;• �� �. ��,i �:, A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosons snow has lain NVho intimately lives with rail, Poems are made by fools like me. But only God can slake a tree. Joyce Kilmer j• OBJECT TO DESTROYING EUCALYPTUS TREES -Many of our tree lovers were pained to read in the last 'issue of the "Star" the article entitled "School Trees Coming Down." ANThen one thinks of the many years' it takes for trees to grow (thirty -five years for these). it seems a crime to thoughtlessly destroy them ; and if necessary to take some of them clown, Should 0111V be clime by one with a know�led-e of trees and their effect upon the landscape etc. Of course all trees must be Couperous —Old People and the - Things That Pass. : Faulkner —Story Lady's Christ - inus Ito rIes. Hay—Safety "Match. 1`eycs— Career of David Noble: Nina —Pages froin a Garden Note Book. Locke — Joyous . Adventures . of Aristide. Locke —Rough Road.. Lucas — Vermillion Box. Onions —In Another Girl's Shoes. Porter —Girl of the Limberlost. f:iley —Riley Child Orhymes Sidney —Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.- Si(t fey —Our Davie Pepper. Williams— Things Worth While. Churchill— Richard Carvel.., Couperus — Hidden Force. Gruelle— Orphant Annte Story Look. Hudson —Green Mansions. 1 rw in —\Text \ \'ar. Pc i -kins— Eskimo Twins. Potter —Tale of the Flopsy Bun- tended, and every year the dead nies. wood cut away, thus making it Potter —Tale of the Bad bjice; � perfectly safe to have them grow- Wells— Outline of History.'.:"' ing close to a house. - A 1) b o t t — \'\ hat Christianity The Eucalyptus is a tree with \scans to Me. exceptionally cleep roots, and in .Adams— Success. satiny places where fruit trees are kr o,ks —hints t" f'ilbrims.• I tiro,wn, they are obligees to re- luck —Call to the Cumberland. ! move these trees, owing to the Conner —To Him That Ilath.!, .. depth of the roots, and the moil- Curwood —Back to God's Coun- tore they absorb. try. An old Californian, of much ob- Dell— Hundredth Chance:.: •. ; :' servation, speaking of trees and ; Grey -To the Last' Man. j storms, told of witnessing from Hay — Willing horse. a window, a fri;-lttful storm, when Molt— Marriotts and the I'o�vells. ! many ,trees were uprooted, but Johnson —Star. People. not o le Eucal }-ptus fell. Ding —Ben King's Verse. • _ ti \'bile the tree may shed its Lee— I -Iigh Company. bark, and make a place untidy, it '\filn —\'lr. Wu.• is easily cleaned tip and it makes Pyle —La2y Matilda. a pleasant, fragrant fuel. - Roberts — Watchers of the Trail, These trees have wonderful-1 Rohde— Garden of Herbs... ,. health- giving . properties. The Shay —Fifty Contempory one -Act Roman Campag-na was feared for I Flays. `1 many hundreds of years, owing Thompson — Woman's Law. to the Malaria, but in recent %Wright— Interior Decorations for times the planting of • Eucalyptus Modern Needs.- trees has made it safe for habita- tion and cultivation. The trees are one of the chief Rich widows are the most de- beauties of the scho6l hill, giving I suable second -hand articles on both distinction and character to the market. the ?chool grounds, and are of in- x estimable value in affording shade A letter from} the folks down.on to the children and pedestrians, the farm says, Pa hasn't had inuch during the lone liot Summer l sleep for three 'nights, on account months. of being up with a sick Ford.1 az f v li � j J k ! . A �I� CITY of = � ' ATOGA July 13, 1988 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867 -34:38 Cassandra Huston President of the Board Saratoga Union School District 20460 Forest Hills Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Huston: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Karen Anderson Martha Clevenger Joyce Hlava David Moyles Donald Peterson The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission has recently completed a comprehensive Inventory of historic resources in our community. We are pleased to notify you that the Saratoga Grammar School at 14592 Oak Street 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 restrictiont affecting the use, improvement, alteration or even the demolition of your property. As an Inventory property, however, you will be able to make use of the State Historic Building Code, an alternative set of building regulations that are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings. In addition, your property may qualify for designation as a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, a special category of outstanding and exemplary historic properties that are identified in the community by a handsome bronze plaque. one � We have enclosed the entire Inventory list and the individual Inventory form for your property, which gives information about the building, the property and its history. We would appreciate your review of this form to let us know if there are any changes or additions to the form you wish to include. We also anticipate that there are additional historic resources in the community that we may have overlooked or have not fully documented yet; if you know of any that are not on the list, please let us know. If you have any questions, please direct them to the through Valerie Young, our staff person at City Hall One of the Commissioners will be happy to meet with you the Inventory and answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elizabeth Ansnes Roy Cameron Norm Koepernik Sharon Landsness Barb/ Voester 14 / . �^ Warren Heid, Chairman 1 • Commission (867- 3438). to discuss HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #41) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Saratoga School, Oak Street School 2. Historic name: Saratoga Grammar School 3. Street or rural address: 14592 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -10 -47 5. Present Owner: Saratoga Union School Dist. Address: 20460 Forest Hills City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: X Private: 6. Present Use: Elementary School(K -6) Original Use: Grammar School DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: The exterior of this original school, built in 1923, has changed very little over the years, except for classroom wings added at the rear and a cafeteria to the east. Additional changes were made to meet California earthquake safety standards in 1971 -72. The structure features simple lines, broad surfaces and arched portals along the front corridor, all typical of the style. Its most outstanding feature is the decorative main entrance with bas relief columns on either side, with stucco covered bracketing and handcrafted tiles inlaid across the top, forming an archway above which appears the word SARATOGA. The exterior surfaces are also stucco, painted the traditional off -white color. The wood window sash and roof trim are stained dark brown. The asphalt shingle roof has a red -brown tint, reminiscent of the terra cotta tile it replaces. 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1923 -24 9. Architect: Unknown 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: 616.82' Depth: 655' approx. acreage: 7.26 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: X Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: Terra cotta roofing tiles replaced by asphalt shingles, handicap ramp added 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: Scattered buildings: Densely built -up: X Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: Private development: Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: declining public school enrollment in the area. 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This school building has been in operation continuously since it was built, and is the third school building on this site. Its history began in 1854 when the Sons of Temperance Hall was erected and served as the first public school and community center. In 1923, the first unit of today's Saratoga School was erected. In front of the school stands the now silent bell of the 1897 school. Perhaps the most famous of its students were Olivia DeHavilland and Joan Fontaine. Olivia was the editor of the school's first newspaper, published in Feb., 1931., 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: 2 Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 1 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First Hundred Years, 1967; Saratoga News, Jan 19, 1983. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): A FOOTNOTE TO HISTORY first public school was established in 1854 as Redwood Township Our Classes were held in the Sons o Temperance No. 1 (now Saratoga)• rounds of the present school. Thus, for located on Oak Street on the g years, there has been a school on this hill. The first spopul Population 133 ye 1897 the school replaced with a larger building in 1869. BY this building. The Report of the School Trustees of Septem- had outgrown of the third ber 14, 1898, gives the following account of the building school: "On Jan. 15, 1898, the citizens tof13 the toSaratoga bondsSchool to District decided by the decisive vote of 115 After in the county as to our needs and the amount of $5,000 for the erection of a new school building• After consulting the best educators Charles Bossinger was chosen as The best architects as to plans, Boyles. contract was awarded to ectations. The build- an and the building justified our highest expectations. to be the result has more than j b competent judges Our bonds ing as completed has beer. pronounced Y best country school house in the Santa Clara County. 2. sold at a premium of $400, giving us $5,400 for building and furnishing. The total cost, including heating and ventilating systems and architect's fee, will be about $5,230." An interesting sidelight on this school: the bonds were voted in January 1898, the contract was let in April, and school opened in the new building in September 1898. Included below is a picture of the 1898 school, together with a description and historical background reprinted from "Saratoga Sunshine," a booklet published by the Saratoga Improvement Association in 1900. SARATOGA SCHOOL HOUSE. SARATOGA SCHOOL. In 1854 the "Sons of Temperance" erected on the present site of the school a small one story wooden structure whose sides and roof were covered with split redwood shakes, in which they held their meetings and a small ante -room attached held their regalia. In the summer of that year the first public school was held in this building with about a dozen pupils. This same building was used until 1867 when it was considered unsafe by the trustees who sold it, and rented a room over a store where Mattari's hotel now stands. In 1869 the district built a one story frame building zo by 40, having two rooms, and employed one teacher. In 1878 this building was raised and another story put under, making four rooms and employing three teachers. The rooms of this building were found much too small and in 1898 it was sold and moved on to a business lot where the post office is now located. The present com- modious two story four -room school house was erected and occupied the fall term of that year. It will accom- odate about goo pupils. The present enrollment is 120 with three teachers, primary, intermediate, and the principal with the seventh and eighth grades. The school is an accredited county grammar school from which pupils of the higher half of the eighth grade are graduated by the County Board without examination, which admits th ^m to the high school. The school grounds are on an elevated piece of ground on the south side of the village, on Oak street, with a frontage of 300 feet and 150 feet deep. The sanitary conditions are ex- cellent, and the outlook commands a most charming view of the valley and mountains on both sides, and the south end of San Francisco bay. State of California —The Resources Agency DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY Ser. No. HABS HAER Loc X _SHL No. UTM: A B IDENTIFICATION 1. Common nan, ARATOGA SCHOOL - OAK STREET SCHOOL 2. Historic name: SARATOGA SCHOOL 3. Street or rural address: 14592 Oak Street N R Status C D City Saratoga Zip 95070 County Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -10 -47 (as of July 29, 1987) 5. Present Owner: Saratoga Union School District Address: 14675 Aloha Ave. City Saratoga, CA Zip 95070 Ownership is: Public X Private 6. Present Use: Elementary School (K -6) Original use: Grammar School DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: Mission - Revival (with major alterations for safety) 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: The exterior of the original school building has changed very little over the years. There have been wings added at the rear of the structure since 1945. The many internal changes include renovation of the entire school to•meet California Eaeth wake Safety Standards in the 1970's. The predominant Mission Revival theme, much in vogue in the 1920's, has been somewhat diminished in character by the removal of the original terra cotta roofing tiles. It remains, however, a structure of simple lines, broad surfaces and arched portals along the front corridor. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the *se decorative main entrance. There are bas relief colums on either side, with stucco covered bracketing and beautiful handcrafted tiles inlaid across the top forming an archway, above which is written SARATOGA. The exterior surfaces are also stucco, painted the traditional off - white color. The wood window sash and the roof trim are stained a dark brown. The asphalt shingle roof has a red -brown tint, reminiscent of the terra cotta it replaces. DPR 523 (Rev. 11/85) 8. Construction date: Estimated Factual 1923 -4 9. Architect unknown 10. Builder 11. Approx. property size (in feet) Frontage 616 . 82 bepth655 orapprox. acreage, 7.26 acres 12. Date(s) of enclosed phptograph(s) V \� J t • *41 �•���'.� CITY o f = � ' AT O GA 1 , ,.P, OFFICE: 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867 -3438 COUNCIL MEMBERS: October 16, 1984 Linda Callon Martha Clevenger Virginia Fanelli Joyce Hlava David Moyles Saratoga School Board and Superintendent of Saratoga Union School District 14675 Aloha Avenue Saratoga, CA. 95070 Dear School Board Members and Dr. Mc Nicholas: As the representative of the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission, I am writing to encourage you to vote in favor of keeping the Oak Street School (a.k.a. Saratoga School) open as a fully functioning public (preferably) or private elementary school. As you are most certainly aware, Oak Street School is a valuable historic landmark in Saratoga and the site itself has nearly always been the site of the school facility for Saratoga's children - this particular building replacing even earlier ones. We feel that once a building is deprived of its original use, unwelcome changes start happening and eventually the historic integrity of the building becomes lost to expedience. The grounds are then more likely to be sold off and development around the building changes the whole character of the site. We are aware that you must make some painful decisions and do not envy you your position. However, we are determined to try to pre- serve what is fundamental and important to the future of Saratoga, and one of these basics is the presence of the school within the historic core area of the Village and the residential area adjacent to it. Saratoga is spreading farther and farther from its core of historic vitality. Removing the historic school from that core will further this degenerative process. History is part of the educational process. Recognizing the importance of our local history and respecting our historic buildings is part of that education by example that we can all pass along to our children. Please.consider this when you make your deliberations. Very truly yours, Sharon D. Landsness Chairman Heritage Preservation Commission SDL /bjc .i f . aalv� ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ '1Fi'1 •�is..,:>jv�T• ♦�i aiL� . • v�1�:�• 1��♦%7i�M T 12378 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd.*8" -= . Saratoga, CA 95070 R— 1 ` BlJtlt RATE DAVID L AN D SN E S S u postage paid 2.1786 VIA REGINA Donnelly Newrwpem ji SARATOGA CA 95070 12 -12 -8 n o1V of their looming demise? aarawga benooi as it appeared in 1898. This replaced by the present Saratoga School building building, the third school house in the city's his- in 19¢3. tory, was the first located at 14592 Oak St. It was E N 7 Officials deny -latest closure rumors:: By Cindy Cooper Saratoga schools have plenty of history ... but what'is in store for the future? Saratoga School, dating back to the 1850s, and Saratoga High School, established in the 1960s, have been targets . of rumors suggesting closing of the schools. "Every few years," said Saratoga High Principal Tod Likins, "these rumors come up. the (Los Gatos - Saratoga Joint Union High School) board has made it very clear it has no intention of closing any schools (in the district)." `Enormous resistance' "There is an ongoing fear in the valley about closing schools. Saratoga High is_ unique, be- cause it serves as the commu- nity school for Saratoga," Likins continued. "Campbell and Fremont dis- tricts could close one of their high schools easily because none is considered a community school. "There would be an enorm- ous resistance to closing Sara- toga High and even Los Gatos High," he said. In 1960, the first year the high . school was open, 313 students graduated. The enrollment at the school peaked during the 1976.77 school year at 2,049. This ,year the enrollment is 1,330,. identical to the 196667 school year, Likins said. Schools mull sexed OanJwted from page 7 "It is not just a family or. school effort," but a community district Superintendent Michael effort." Filicc "It makes sense to teach 'it I Sex education is primarily as a whole." taught at the elementary school Curriculum should be level, said Tod Likins, Saratoga High School principal. structured to coincide with the ' The high school, however, age of the students and should be' does have a few classes that deal geared toward self - esteem, he with the subject, including a added. human relations class, :ad- `Community effort' vanced biology and a "state re- quirements" class. "At the middle- school level, AIDS, homosexuality, birth the temptations become control, venereal disease and greater," Filice said. "I would values are discussed in one or like to tell the students to `just more of these classes, he said. say no,' but you have to develop "In my opinion, ( sex the skills to let them make th ' education is a ' Enrollment will continue to drop until the year 1990 -91, Lik- ins predicted, at which time it will bottom out with 1,000 stu- dents. Nevertheless, Likins assured that, "We will be around a long time." Saratoga School evolves Several changes have been." made to."the .Saratoga "Ele mentary School on Oak Street•" through the years. The city's first school conducted a class on the same site in the 1850s in the Sons of Temperance Hall. When that was condemned m' 1866, classes were held in a hall at the corner of Fourth and Lumber streets. Three years later, a two-room-building was constructed at the former-site of the Sons of Temperance Hall., Within 10 years, . a "bottom`, floor was added to the building. In-1895, an up-to -date wooden schoolhouse — complete with a . bell tower, a fire escape, a com -, bination library /office, four rooms and an auditorium — were built with $5,000 raised by "a bond issue. The first unit of today's' school was built in 1923. It in- cluded a library, auditorium and cafeteria. Because of earthquake safety worries, the section built in 1923 was closed in 1971 at the sugges- tion of structural engineers. - The library and office tad to be transferred into trailers.. Two third grade classes were bused to Congress Springs etr y respon- �'oiiid�i�istatisr'•'••:w�., • ••• ••'>'' �" �11Titity '�.itkfuTShirl'.-i?��,Y ":. ,.-',' �4'•.- ,•',�'cf�ae�laEtmnb?i►I�gelB' 0=tlmrod ftm page J2 may eventually be turned into a bed andbreakfast inn. "Unfortunately, "the informa- tion in the flyer was erroneous," said Filice, who added that the flyer was sent with his knowl- edge. The intention was to encour- age people to attend a March 4 City Council hearing on the B &B issue to get more information on it, Filice said. However, . Filice conceded that he gets calls all the time from realtors asking if the dis- trict is going to close a school and if so, which one "The (school) board has never discussed closing a school," he said. • •. Speculation about combining Saratoga High School with the elementary district is also idle rumor, Filice claimed. Gbntluued from page 10 School. The (school) board has The newer parts of the build - ing, including the xomina Ave. never discussed closing a nue wing (added in the late school.' 1940s), remained open..' iC%1CIeI fiIICB during media center was. added during the 1973-74 school year: • • :. SUSD SU 1lntendent p2 Developers eyeing site? an . educational, .. advantage for �Assistant'Snperintendent Mary But at a March 4 City Council meeting, Saratoga resident Lois' children .- the .building,is « . liv- ing history";: it has been made ...Gardner-' "As far as I know, they . Svalya 'claimed that business ' earthquake -safe without. de- .. are mere :rumors:" People.may be referring to a interests have been planning straying its architectural integ -, _ study done - several years ago, with developers to convince the' rity; it contributes to the flavor.; •when the district had to close Saratoga Union School District of the community; and it is over Congress Sp rings.School, Gard- Gard- to close Saratoga School and sell ;..: 50 Years old." ner said. ;t „. the property for use as a new commercial development -of Council objects One report suggested that Saratoga School be. the shops.” But at the March 18 meeting. next school closed. The consensus,. Svalya was asked by Council- City Council members were however, '1 was to determine ' man David Moyles to expand on . her comments, but she declined.. indignant over the commission's . decision. 'which;school was to be closed if ' When contacted by the Sara - "While we have always taken and when. a closure was neces- sary. toga'News, she said she feared the position that we would like. "I would_be very sad.to see ; reprisals if she. gave any details the building to be saved, it is not Saratoga not' b6 ,aschool:­I 'about the purposed scheme. - 'Councilman Don Peterson re-, our 'role to decide What '6 do with'-the school,' Mayor` Joyce ' speaking from; a purely ro- mantic and :. historical' point of sponded to Svalya's allegation Hlava said. "That is the school view," Gardner'said. by saying Saratoga School will . board's decision. I'm.very•con-, be 'one of the last schools closed in Saratoga." cerned 'Af . = .th'ey (Heritage Preservation BdcB link raised The Heritage. Preservation, Commission) went ahead {and sent a letter). This- District` .'Superintendent' -Michael.Filice.said'the rumors '^ Commission voted at its Feb. 18:.; meeting to send a letter to the • was not in line with the city's policy.". ' may be related to the bed_ and'-.'-­- Saratoga Union School District,: 'save-' "For•us'to get involved in the breakfast issue: '. An unsigned,... handwritten urging board members to . Saratoga School as a school. _'.:.(political) closure :of' -schools . would 'be'. dynamite, ".Peterson flyer sent home with Saratoga 'The reasons. the commission',,., cited were these: "The school is "., said.`;.• ;implied =.: School students early this month that Saratoga School 4 architecturally significant: it is `mors," -- _. ,.:: "I`: haven't heard' Abe_ - said Saratoga VIii'n's_' Pleaseturmto pagel3• . 0=tlmrod ftm page J2 may eventually be turned into a bed andbreakfast inn. "Unfortunately, "the informa- tion in the flyer was erroneous," said Filice, who added that the flyer was sent with his knowl- edge. The intention was to encour- age people to attend a March 4 City Council hearing on the B &B issue to get more information on it, Filice said. However, . Filice conceded that he gets calls all the time from realtors asking if the dis- trict is going to close a school and if so, which one "The (school) board has never discussed closing a school," he said. • •. Speculation about combining Saratoga High School with the elementary district is also idle rumor, Filice claimed. hr tS •fit ry-%ty r.. � �Iry Education ftFrackDatro In I= Saratoga was a booming lumber community. New industries and 'businesses. were springing up every- where and with the addition of new families came the need to properly edu- cate children. But the little "chocolate school house was condemned in 1888 after the roof fell in, and the classes were tem- porarily moved to an upstairs hall on the century. of Saratogans schooled in rea corner of Fourth and Lumber Streets (Big Basin Way). Lumber Street, however, was busy with freight wagons, ox-drawn vehicles, loaded pack trains, and fast riding horsemen and besides this, the only entrance to the hall was a steep, rickety stairway. The children needed a safer place for school classes, so efforts began immediately to build a new school. It was not until 1888 that a two-room, framed building was finiahed at the top of Fourth Street and this building became overcrowded In just a few years, and so the original two rooms were raised, and two additional rooms added underneath. The new heightened school was painted white and had green shutters. In the early 189o's about 80 pupils lined up by clans when the bell rang, and then marched into their rooms to the beat of a drum oaten played by Ed McCarty. This building had no plumbing, and the rooms were heated by cast iron wood Saratoga Grammar School circa 1865m known as "The Little Chocolate Schoolhouse." ,f Saratoga School today. burning heaters. Water was drawn by bucket from a well house, where the pupils used a long handled dipper to drink from. One resident recalled, "As I remember, the school children then had no more colds than those of today, de- spite these somewhat unsanitary condi- tions." The curriculum taught was reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, and gram- mar. Strict discipline was enforced, and supported by the parents. In Florence Cunningham's "Saratoga's First Hun- dred years" we read, their attitude was, "Should you be whipped at school, you'll get another when you come home." . The boys and girls had their own play- ground separated by a high board fence. If the boys accidentally lost their ball over the fence, one courageous boy would quickly climb over the fence, snatch the ball, and sprint back. The girls would converge on him chanting, "Get back on your own side!" Enrollment was increasing, so in 1895, a campaign was begun for a larger, more modern school house. A $10,000 bond issue was presented to the public three times before it fianlly passed for only $5,000. The original proposal was op- posed by a large part of the community who said it would raise the taxes! Under the careful guidance of the Board of Truatees, an up-to-date wooden building was built complete with bell tower. The building. had a fire escape, combination library and office, four 29 x 31. foot rooms, with the upper rooms divided by large folding doors. Here there was a stage at one end so the partition could be opened, and the upper rooms converted into an audi- torium. The bell rang at 8 a.m. and again at noon. The people in the village liked this because they would always know about what time it was. The Saratoga Item newspaper reported, "The struggle to meet a new building here has been long and full of failure, but its final triumph repays for all loss of time and delay." Until 19M, most of Saratoga's chil- dren used this building which taught grades first through eighth. There was no kindergarten. One former student, Myrtle Cox remembers that after one Halloween some mischie- vious boys had somehow managed to hoist a horse drawn wagon into the bell tower. School pranks are certainly not a modern day invention! The were no school buses at this time, and children had to walk to school, or if they were lucky, catch a ride with a Passer-by. Myrtle told me that occa. atonally she would catch a ride with Paul Masson on his way up to the mountain winery. She couldn't understand his English too well because of his thick French accent In the winter of 1913 the forerunner of the school cafeteria was started when the Mother's Club appointed one woman to cook a but dish. Ibis was usually a pot of beans sold for five cents a plate. The children provided their own bowls and spoons. In 1918, the Home Economics Program was added. Some of the girls, with their parents help, served hot dishes. Ida Barnett was placed in charge of food in 1921, and would cook delicious stew or casserole at home, and then re- (Continued on.pap lit;..,.. Ii,n.­.,._,rmn . ., ru gg ed resourcefulness (Continued from pip 8) beat it on the kerosene stove in the school building. In 1922, with the increasing enroll- ment, another expansion program was started. The first unit of today's building was erected in 1923; this building con- t@ined a library, auditorium and cafeteria. In 1928, the Board of Trustees assumed all cafeteria responsibilities. A few years later the De Havilland family, including the young Olivia and y Joan, moved to Saratoga. They were ` both enrolled at Saratoga School. Their careers began to Saratoga and led to tame in the entertainment industry. Joan wanted to make her own way, and so assumed her stepfather's name, Fon- taine. Olivia was the first editor of the ggrraammar school's new paper, first pub- Feb. 8, 1901. On the outside,. Saratoga School, or :Oak Street School, as it is commonly <. called. "has changed little. But many -.. internal changes have taken place. In the ";4 early 1978'8 the entire school was renova- ted to make It eater in the event of an earthgdake. The auditorium gave way to the Mendelsohn Memorial Media Center, and two �'new classrooms were added where the library had been. As•a student there in the 18609 I can remember having . fresh hot cooked meals four" thirty -five cents, and if you were stBl hungry you could have free peanut batter sandwiches. Now, all . _ meals are.:eooked at Redwood School, and then shipped over in time for lunch. Also: because,of tax law changes, the school 'gets its .money. from the state instead of the community: At one time if the school needed money they would pass a local W increase; or bond. These were generally supported by the community. But " "now the. state handles: all of the An extra floor was added to the bottom of the in the 1890s. school to create a two -story building; shown here money, and feels that each school must front as a reminder of the self-sacrifice, Congress Springs, it is probably safe to be treated equally. " and contribution of the many who took say that Saratoga School will always be Despite financial cutbacks, teachers education seriously, and wanted the best open. According to one teacher, 'Blood at Saratoga School still strive to give the possible education for their children. will probably rim to the streets before best education possible. The now silent Even during our pr+esea& drop of this community would let Saratoga school bell of the 1887 school stands in enrollment, and closure of schools like School be closed down. t :000 M Saratoga elementary: students went to this Handsome. two story school on Oak Street .built in.1898,.until'1923,_when it was replaced by the present Saratoga School building Postcard loaned by the Sara #oga .Historical Foundation f A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain \Vho intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me. But only God can make a tree. Joyce Kilmer OBJECT TO DESTROYING EUCALYPTUS TREES Many of our tree lovers were pained to read in the last 'issue of the "Star" the article entitled "School Trees Coming Down." When one thinks of the many years' it takes for trees to jzrow (thirty -five years for these). it seems a crime to thoughtlessly destroy them ; and if necessary to take some of them clown. should only be done by one with a knowledge of trees and their effect upon the landscape etc. Of course all trees mint be Couperous —old People and th( - Things That Pass. Faulkner —Story Lady's Christ mas Stories. Ilay— Safety Match. Keyes— Career of David Noble- King—Pages from a Garden Nott Book. Locke — Joyous . Adventures . o: Aristide. Locke —Rough Road. Lucas — Vermillion Box. . Onions —In Another Girl's Shoes, Porter —Girl of the Limberlost. i:iley- -Riley Child Orhymes Sidney —Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. SiAiey —Our Davie Pepper. \\•'illiams— Things Worth While. Churchill— Richard Carvel... Couperus — Hidden Force. "ft` Gruelle— Orpltant Annte Story Look. ' l-lud=on —Green Mansions. Irwin —Next \ \'ar. Perkins— Eskinno Twins. Potter —Tale of the Flopsy Bun- tended, and every year the (lead nies. wood cut away, thus making it Potter —Tale of the Bad IN ice, perfectly safe to have them grow- Wells— Outline of History.•:' - mg close to a house. A b b o t t— What Christianity The Eucalyptus is a tree with \leans to \ie. exceptionally deep roots. and in .\danis— Success. many places \\ here fruit trees are krooks —hints t,, f'ilgrints.- I gnnvn, the }' are obliged to re- I move Muck —Call to the Cumberland. these trees, owing to the Conner —To Him That Hath.4... depth of the roots, and the moil- Curwood —Back to God's Coun- i tore they absorb. try. An old Californian, of much ob- Dell— Hundredth Chance: • ? ;,� ' nervation, speakt,,g of trees and Grey To the Last' Man. .torms, told of witne:�sin. from - IIa y — \� filling horse. a window, a frightful storm, when Molt— Marriotts and the I'owells. I many trees were uprooted, but Johnson —Star. People. not t,„ne Eucalyptus fell. King—Ben King's Verse. • \Vhile the tree may shed its Lee —If igh Company. bark, and make a place untidy, it Mliln —Mr. NVu, is easily cleaned tip and it makes 1`37le —La2y Matilda. a pleasant, fragrant fuel. - Roberts— \\Vatchers of the Trail, These trees have wonderful Rohde — Garden of Herbs.. health- giving . properties. The Shay —fifty Contempory one -Act Roman Camhagna was feared for PIays. many hundreds of years, owing I Thompson- 1 \'oman's Law. to the Malaria, but in recent Wright— Interior Decorations for times the planting of'Euc .ilyptus Modern Needs.- t .. trees has made it safe for habita- tion and cultivation' The trees are one of the chief Rich widows are the most de- beauties of the scho6l hill. giving I S,rable second -hand articles on both distinction and character to the market. the. ?chool grounds, and are of in- x estimable value in affording shade A letter froN the folks down on to the children and pedestrians, the farm says, Pa hasn't had much during the. lon.z hot SL1111mer sleep for three nights, on account months. of being up with a sick Ford.1 12378 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Rd #B J BULK RATE R— 1 US. Postage PSaratoga, CA 95070 DAVID L AN D SN E S S DnnNe�apers . 21786 VIA REGINA, ............ --- __.._...__... - S AR AT OG A• C A 95070 12 -12 - 8 Z 1Q NEWS Citizens urged to look after parks Dog ban reJ ' ected • alternative sought P By Rob Vardon to help neighborhood represent - Reasoning that a dog ban t bil' h citizen volun- would be no easier for commun- ity services officers to enforce than the current "leash law," four Saratoga City Council members elected last week not to approve a Parks and Recrea- tion Commission proposal to prohibit dogs from the city's seven parks. With. Councilman David Moyles absent, council mem- bers Martha Clevenger, Don Peterson, Mayor Joyce I lava and Vice Mayor Karen Ander- son decided by consensus to have City Attorney Hal Toppel draft a new dog ordinance that will set specific fines for infrac- tions. The council also ordered a staff report on the likely cost of installing "dog runs," or canine sandboxes, in some parks to give the animals room to leave droppings without littering the park grounds. Citizen aid requested In addition, the four decided at�ves es a s teer groups to help CSOs patrol the parks and to urge dog owners to clean up after their pets. City Manager Harry Peacock said staff would "just draw up the ordinance and let (the coun- cil) fill in the fines." Hlava and Anderson said fines under the new ordinance would likely follow a schedule of $25 for a first violation and $50 for a second violation. The penalty for subsequent infrac- tions is open to further discus- sion, Hlava said. Currently, violations of Sara - toga's dog law carry misde- meanor penalties of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both. But the fine schedule is not specific for first, second and all subse- quent violations. City officials recognized that it is difficult, if not impossible to Sol r `The current policy If we see violations is, `no warnings. . we cite them.' Todd Argo w, Community services director several residents who addressed the panel at a March 18 public hearing said the bulk of re- sponsibility for dog - littered parks lies not with strays but with owners who allow their pets to leave droppings and then do nothing to clean up the mess. "We're not talking about dogs here, we're talking about people," said Fourth Street resi- dent Giorgio Vianson. "The answer is to start giving tickets for not picking up after a dog. The heck with warnings. If you see someone not pick up after their dog, bingo, give them a $50 ve the problem of stray icket." Y dog s The city's original dog or- unning loose. dinance — passed in October "But council members and 1983 — required that dogs be kept on leashes and that excre- ment be picked up and disposed of by dog owners. However, a lack of enforce- ment guidelines led to a revision in the law last April that gave Saratoga's community services officers responsibility for citing violators. In addition, the requirements of the ordinance were posted in each park. The law called for a warning for a first violation and a citation for each reDeat offense. But in January, the Parks and Recreation Commission de- cided to propose banning dogs from the parks. Because CSOs could not issue Pleasetamtopage4 City hires builder After a four -month delay, the Saratoga City Council has agreed on a builder to construct a second wing to the Senior Center to be used as a day -care facility for elderly handicapped residents. On March 18, the council voted 4-0 to approve a low bid of $247,859 from G. Swanson Con- struction, Inc. of San Jose. This month's bidding was the second time the project had gone to bid since November, when the coun- cil rejected a low bid of $325,004. With $27,000 in design, adver- ficinrt anti ad mini ctratiup enctc The council voted to allocate the $65,000 difference out of un- used reserve money. Senior Center officials hope to begin construction on the new wing next month, with comple- tion in September. The wing, which will e�cpand the Senior Center to nearly twice its present size, will offer games, hobby classes, reading and writing programs and some physical activity to elderly Sara- toga residents who are handi- capped and generally confined to home. Saratoga School as it appeared in 188. This replaced by the present Saratoga School building building, the third school house in the city's his- in 1923. toffy, was the first located at 14592 Oak St. It was Officials- deny latest closure rumors By Cindy Cooper Saratoga schools have plenty of history ... but what is in store for the future? Saratoga School, dating back to the 1850s, and Saratoga High School, established in the 1960s, have been targets of rumors suggesting closing of the schools. "Every few years," said Saratoga High Principal Tod Likins, "these rumors come up. the (Los Gatos - Saratoga Joint Union High School) board has made it very clear it has no 'nntention of closing any schools in the district)." `Enormous resistance' "There is an ongoing fear in the valley about closing schools. Saratoga High is unique, be- cause it serves as the commu- nity school for Saratoga," Likins continued. "Campbell and Fremont dis- tricts could close one of their high schools easily because none is considered a community school. "There would be an enorm- ous resistance to closing Sara- toga High and even Los Gatos High," he said. In 1960, the first year the high school was open, 313 students graduated. The enrollment at the school peaked during the 1976 -77 school year at 2,049. This year the enrollment is 1,330, identical to the 1966 -67 school year, Likins said. Schools mull sex ed Continued from page 7 district Superintendent Michael Filice. "It makes sense to teach 'it as a whole." Curriculum should be structured to coincide with the age of the students and should be geared toward self - esteem, he added. `Community effort' "At the middle- school level, the temptations become greater," Filice said. "I would like to tell the students to `just say no,' but you have to develop "It is not just a family or school effort, but a community effort." Sex education is primarily taught at the elementary school level, said Tod Likins, Saratoga High School principal. The high school, however, does have a few classes that deal with the subject, including a human relations class, ad- vanced biology and a "state re- quirements" class. AIDS, homosexuality, birth control, venereal disease and values are discussed in one or more of these classes, he said. "In my opinion, (sex L Lei skills to let them make their education is a family respon- .,a an z Enrollment will continue to drop until the year 1990 -91, Lik- ins predicted, at which time it will bottom out with 1,000 stu- dents. Nevertheless, Likins assured that, "We will be around a long time." Saratoga School evolves Several changes have been made to the Saratoga Ele- mentary School on Oak Street through the years. The city's first school conducted a class on the same site in the 1850s in the Sons of Temperance Hall. When that was condemned in 1866, classes were held in a hall at the corner of Fourth and Lumber streets. Three years later, a two-room building was constructed at the former site of the Sons of Temperance Hall.. , Within 10 years, a bottom floor was added to the building. In 1895, an up- to-date wooden schoolhouse — complete with a bell tower, a fire escape, a com- bination library /office, four rooms and an auditorium — were built with $5,000 raised by a bond issue. The first unit of today's school was built in 1923. It in- cluded a library, auditorium and cafeteria. Because of earthquake safety worries, the section built in 1923 was closed in 1971 at the sugges- tion of structural engineers. The library and office tad to be transferred into trailers. Two third grade classes were bused to Congress Springs t +iu may eventually be turned into a . bed and breakfast inn. "Unfortunately, the informa- tion in the flyer was erroneous," said Filice, who added that the flyer was sent with his knowl- edge. The intention was to encour- age people to attend a March 4 City Council hearing on the B&B issue to get more information on it, Filice said. However, Filice conceded that he gets calls all the time from realtors asking if the dis- trict is going to close a school and if so, which one. "The (school) board has never discussed closing a school," he said. Speculation about combining Saratoga High SSchool with the elementary district is also idle rumor, Filice claimed.. Schabig"Araw, c Continued from page 10 School. The newer parts of the build- ing, including the Komina Ave- nue wing (added in the late 1940s), remained open. A media center was added during the 1973 -74 school year. Developers eyeing site? But at a March 4 City Council meeting, Saratoga resident Lois Svalya claimed that business interests have been planning with developers to convince the Saratoga Union School District to close Saratoga School and sell the property for use as a new "commercial development of shops." Svalya was asked by Council- man David Moyles to expand on her'comments,-but she declined. When contacted by the Sara- toga News, she said she feared reprisals if she gave any details about the purposed scheme. Councilman Don Peterson re- sponded to Svalya's allegation by saying Saratoga School will be "one of the last schools closed in Saratoga." The Heritage Preservation Commission voted at its Feb. 18 meeting to send a letter to the Saratoga Union School District urging board members to save Saratoga School as a school. The reasons the commission cited were these: "The school is architecturallv significant: it is `The (school) board has never discussed closing a school.' an educational advantage for children — the building is "liv- ing history "; it has been made earthquake -safe without de- stroying its architectural integ- rity; it contributes to the flavor of the community; and it is over 50 years old." Council objects But at the March 18 meeting: City Council members were indignant over the commission's decision. "While we have always taken the position that we would like the building to be saved, it is not our role to decide what to do with the school," Mayor Joyce HIava said. "That is the school board's decision. I'm very con- cerned if they (Heritage Preservation Commission) went ahead (and sent a letter). This was not in line with the city's policy." "For us to get involved in the closure of schools would be (political) dynamite," Peterson said. "I haven't beard the ru- mors." said Saratoea Union's Michael Felice, SUSD superintendent Assistant Superintendent Mary Gardner. "As far as I know, they are merely rumors." People may be referring to a study done several years ago when the district had to close Congress Springs School, Gard- ner said. One report suggested that Saratoga School be the next school closed. The consensus, however, was to determine which,school was to be closed if and when a closure was neces- sary. "I would be very sad to see Saratoga not be a school. I am speaking from a purely ro- mantic and historical point of view," Gardner said. B &B link raised District Superintendent Michael Filice said the rumors may be related to the bed and breakf a st issue. An unsigned, handwritten flyer sent home with Saratoga School students early this month implied that Saratoga School Please turn to page 13 _ s. Olga MacFarlane, Senior director activates .vibrant, holistic program r What is Olga MacFarlane, former manager of 600 employees in the Santa Clara .County Social Services De- partment, doing as the part -time super- visor of the budding new Saratoga Senior Center? Enjoying herself! "It's wonderful to be involved in something that is growing and not retrenching," says the self - assured executive dressed stylishly in a brown suit with a print scarf tied around her Saratoga profile neck. "To see older adults opening new worlds for themselves is exciting, and when they have problems, I try to suggest solutions." MacFarlane was hired by the Sara- toga . Area Senior Coordinating Council last July, on a year to year contract. The center is funded by membership dues and $20,000 in block grant funds from the city, and since it opened, the numbers of people using the center have increased from 200 to 325. The majority of the members are fi- nancially comfortable in their retire- ment years,. according to MacFarlane. Of the 16 percent of all Saratogans who are 65 or over, 10 percent need welfare assistance. Between one third and one half live on $20,000 a year per couple. And the rest are financially affluent. "These figures are only estimates," MacFarlane stresses, "but unlike other centers, our members can afford to go to Reno on a gambling trip every so often." Inflation, nevertheless, cuts into fixed incomes, and MacFarlane has been instrumental in setting up a series of classes,. beginning in March, which will teach a financial mangement course targeted to the needs of older citizens. The 10 seminars will cover all financial aspects from income taxes to estate building to supplementing income. MacFarlane is also eager to start a job placement service for seniors. "I read recently that there will be 735,000 new jobs for older adults opening up in the next few years. One of my ideas is to assess the need for jobs by older adults in this community and contact local merchants to see if anything is.available. Olga MacFarlane "Full-time employees may be too costly in this recession but, a part-time employee with experience might be perfect for them. As for our members, many of them are anxious to find mean- ingful part-time employment to pay for the cost of a new roof or a new car," she says. The center, located behind_ the Sara- toga Community Center on Allendale Avenue, is abuzz daily with men and wo- men, socializing, shooting pool, playing Seniors Lucille Obst of Sara- toga was feted in grand fashion for her 80th birthday at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The Pavilion Room decor was black and white, as was Obst's dress, and decorations for the December party included 1,000 bal- loons. The band struck up "Hello Dolly" as the guest of honor made her entrance and she was presented with 80 roses. Obst is shown above with George Ine and two uniden- tified admirers. cards, and watching soap operas on tele- vision. There are - fitness classes, creative stitchery classes, bridge tourna- ments — even a network of people who like to walk together. "The typical member is a 70- year-old woman," MacFarlane explains. "Two- thirds of our members are, in fact, wo- men. They come to the center for socialization and fellowship. Half have been homemakers all their lives; the other half have been employed. "The men and women who make .the.: best adjustment to their`senior years are the ones who have been active all of their lives in volunteer work or in their careers. But interestingly, now most of them do only what they really want to do." MacFarlane, herself, has worked all of her life because, she says, she has enjoyed it. A native of New England, she received her B.A. from Wellesley College- .and--a–masters in social service from Boston University: -She has taught at the University of California, San Jose State University, and West Valley College. For the past 16 years, she has been a member of the management team in the De. partment of Social Services of Santa Clara County Government. Besides the Senior Center, Mae - Farlane's interests today are financial planning. Knowledgeable in insurance and real estate, she is a member of an investment club. She and her husband, Emery, .a ` .special education teacher in the Alum Rock school district, have one daughter, Martha, 16, who attends Westmont High School. The director enjoys skiing, reading financial books, and traveling to off -beat ,places ("I enjoy the small villages and the beach life more than the big sightseeing attractions.)" She characterizes her personality ' as assertive. "I have a temper although after working with 600 people all with different personalities, you learn to keep your temper in control," she says. "I miss the long range planning that occurred in my government job, but there is a more cheerful and vibrant atmosphere here. It's a challenge working with various boards, and I enjoy the holistic approach that this job offers." Newcomers meet Newcomers - of Saratoga, Monte Sereno and Los Gatos will have their January luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thurs- day, Jan. 20. The location is the Upperty Food and Spirits, 15% N. Santa Cruz Ave. The guest speaker will be Brian Smith from the California History Group of De Anza College where he is an instructor and lecturer. Reservation deadline is Jan. 14. A board meeting will preceed the luncheon at the home drSally Martin at 9:45 a.m. Reid/Ro gers engaged Kevin Reid, son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Reid of Saratoga, and Joyce Lynne Rogers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Rogers of San Diego, are planning a June wedding. Reid, and Rogers are both gradu- ates of San Diego State University. Reid, who studied business, is em- ployed as a scan coordinator in San Leandro, while Rogers is employed as a software engineer. The couple plans to exchange vows at Saratoga Federated Church on June 25 of this year. Joyce ,Lynne Rogers and Kevin Reid Z 0 V r Education A century of Saratogans schooled in rea By Frank Ntro In 1865 Saratoga was a booming lumber community. New industries and businesses were springing up every- where and with the addition of new families came the need to properly edu- cate children. But the little "chocolate school house" was condemned in 1866 after the roof fell in, and the classes were tem- porarily moved to an upstairs hall on the corner of Fourth and Lumber Streets (Big Basin Way). Lumber Street, however, was busy with freight wagons, ox -drawn vehicles, loaded pack trains, and fast riding horsemen and besides this, the only entrance to the hall was a steep, rickety stairway. The children needed a safer place for school classes, so efforts began immediately to build a new school. It was not until 1869 that a two-room, framed building was finished at the top of Fourth Street and this building became overcrowded in just a few years, and so the original two rooms were raised, and two additional rooms added underneath. The new heightened school was painted white and had green shutters. In the early 1890's about 80 pupils lined up by class when the bell rang, and then marched into their rooms to the beat of a drum often played by Ed McCarty. This building had no plumbing, and the rooms were heated by cast iron wood Saratoga Grammar School circa 1865m known as "The Little Chocolate Schoolhouse." Saratoga School today. burning heaters. Water was drawn by bucket from a well house, where the pupils used a long handled dipper to drink from. One resident recalled, "As I remember, the school children then had no more colds than those of today, de- spite these somewhat unsanitary condi- tions.,' The curriculum taught was reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, and gram- mar. Strict discipline was enforced, and supported by the parents. In Florence Cunningham's "Saratoga's First Hun- dred years" we read, their attitude was, "Should you be whipped at school, you'll get another when you come home." The boys and girls had their own play- ground separated by a high board fence. If the boys accidentally lost their ball over the fence, one courageous boy would quickly climb over the fence, snatch the ball, and sprint back. The girls would converge on him chanting, "Get back on your own side!" Enrollment was increasing, so in 1895, a campaign was begun for a larger, more modern school house. A $10,000 bond issue was presented to the public three times before it fianlly passed for only $5,000. The original proposal was op- posed by a large part of the community who said it would raise the taxes! Under the careful guidance of the Board of Trustees, an up- to-date wooden building was built complete with bell tower. The building had a fire escape, combination library and office, four 29 x 31 foot rooms, with the upper rooms divided by large folding doors. Here there was a stage at one end so the partition could be opened, and the upper rooms converted into an audi- torium. The bell rang at 8 a.m. and again at noon. The people in the village liked this because they would always know about what time it was. The Saratoga Item newspaper reported, "The struggle to meet a new building here has been long and full of failure, but its final triumph repays for all loss of time and delay." Until 1923, most of Saratoga's chil- dren used this building which taught grades first through eighth. There was no kindergarten. One former student, Myrtle Cox remembers that after one Halloween some mischie- vious boys had somehow managed to hoist a horse drawn wagon into the bell tower. School pranks are certainly not a modern day invention! The were no school buses at this time, and children had to walk to school, or if they were lucky, catch a ride with a passer -by. Myrtle told me that occa- sionally she would catch a ride with Paul Masson on his way up to the mountain winery. She couldn't understand his English too well because of his thick French accent. In the winter of 1913 the forerunner of the school cafeteria was started when the Mother's Club appointed one woman to cook a hot dish. This was usually a pot of beans sold for five cents a plate. The children provided their own bowls and spoons. In 1916, the Home Economics program was added. Some of the girls, with their parents help, served hot dishes. Ida Barnett was placed in charge of food in 1924, and would cook delicious stew or casserole at home, and then re- (Continued on page 9) ,iin . ritin . rugged resourcefulness (Continued from page 8) heat it on the kerosene stove in the school building. In 1922, with the increasing enroll- ment, another expansion program was started. The first unit of today's building was erected in 1923, this building con- tained a library, auditorium and cafeteria. In 1926, the Board of Trustees assumed all cafeteria responsibilities. A few years later the De Havilland family, including the young Olivia and Joan, moved to Saratoga. They were both enrolled at Saratoga School. Their careers began in Saratoga and led to fame in the entertainment industry. Joan wanted to make her own way, and so assumed her stepfather's name, Fon- taine. Olivia was the first editor of the grammar school's new paper, first pub- lished Feb. 6,1931. On the outside, Saratoga School, or Oak Street School, as it is commonly called, has changed little. But many internal changes have taken place. In the early 1970's the entire school was renova- ted to make it safer in the event of an earthquake. The auditorium gave way to the Mendelsohn Memorial Media Center, and two new classrooms were added where the library had been. As a student there in the 1960s I can remember having fresh hot cooked meals for thirty -five cents, and if you were still hungry you could have free peanut butter sandwiches. Now, all meals are cooked at Redwood School, and then shipped over in time for lunch. Also, because of tax law changes, the school gets its money from the state instead of the community. At one time if the school needed money they would pass a local tax increase, or bond. These were generally supported by the community. But now the state handles all of the An extra floor was added to the bottom of the in the 18"s. school to create a two -story building, shown here money, and feels that each school must be treated equally. Despite financial cutbacks, teachers at Saratoga School still strive to give the best education possible. The now silent school bell of the 1897 school stands in front as a reminder of the self- sacrifice, and contributions of the many who took education seriously, and wanted the best possible education for their children. Even during our present drop of enrollment, and closure of schools like Congress Springs, it is probably safe to say that Saratoga School will always be open. According to one teacher, "Blood will probably run in the streets before this community would let Saratoga School be closed town." ow �o R z Sports Injuries can't slow Falcons Saratoga girls continue to win If Ray Goni's girl's soccer team never has another in- jury, it will be too soon. The Saratoga high school booters have been plagued by injuries this season, but so far they have been able to pick up the slack, as their 10-0 (7 -0 in league) record indicates. "We've really been battling the injury bug," Goni said. "We've been moving people around and they've been doing a good job. But luckily we only have one game next week." The Falcons will have to do without three teammates in the Friday, Jan. 21, contest with Fremont. Senior fullback Beth Folkerth, recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in the Lynbrook game, may be back next week, but not at full speed. Sophomore Debbie Dorf, Folkerth's replacement on the roster, sprained an ankle Friday against Monta Vista. Ann Bauer, out since suffering a cracked fibula in the first league game, "may begin running this week," ac- cording to Goni. "But she's not allowed any contact yet." Despite the invasion of injuries, though, the Falcons have rolled over De Anza League opponents, including last week's shutouts of Francis and Monta Vista. Sophomore Erica Christensen scored two in Tues- day's 4-0 victory over Saint Francis, and Dorf booted in one and had one assist. Julie Taylor and Pam Turriff were each credited with assists, while Pam's twin Cathy, a freshman, scored unassisted. Although the Falcons continued their string of shutouts with Thursday's 3-0 win over Monta Vista, the team is "not playing as well," said Goni. "We're not as cohesive as we were against Lyn- brook," their best effort of the year. Christenson, Julie Taylor and Pam Turriff each crnrpd in the first half, with Turriff and Janet Taylor Champions of the West Valley Soccer r) coach George Claussen, Ryan Hunger - League's under -10 C division this year were gord, Kelly Krpata, Brant Claussen, Felix the Saratoga USA Mustangs. The team con- Cluang, coach Ron Schmid; (back row, I -r) sisted of (front row, left to right) Jayson Sean VanDen Heuvel, Paul Hamilton, Steve Sullinger, Mark Ernie, Mark Jacobsen, Woodard, Mark Higgins and Matthew Sch- Mark Hudkins, Nick Ostoff; (middle row, I- mid. Picture from the past Saratoga elementary students went to this handsome . two -story school on Oak Street, built in 1898, until 1923, when it was replaced by the present Saratoga School building. Postcard loaned by the Saratoga Historical Foundation. Z I is m