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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOak Street 14766HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY (#k46) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Madronia Cemetery 2. Historic name: Madronia Cemetery 3. Street or rural address: 14766 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -12 -001 5. Present Owner: Saratoga Cemetery District Address: 14766 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: X Private: 6. Present Use: Cemetery Original Use: Cemetery DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: N/A 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This cemetery is typical of the country cemeteries throughout the West. The informal layout of the original plots meanders through old trees and well -cared for lawns and provides a serene setting for the old tombstones. The new section reflects the new park -like feeling of cemeteries with tombstones level with the lawn. The metal arch and gate at the entrance are not part of the original entrance. 8. Construction date: Estimated: 1850 :fir = Fa�tttal `J 9. Architect: N/A 10. Builder: N/A 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 10.43 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 6aratoga Cemeterp OfStrict MADRONIA CEMETERY 14766 Oak Street, Saratoga, CA 95070 PRICE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1999 BLOCKS 24 & 77R - (RAISED MONUMENT SECTION) FULL GRAVES------------------------------------------------------ ENDOWMENT FEE------------------------------------------ - - - - -- HALF GRAVES - - - -- ENDOWMENT FEE ALL OTHER BLOCKS FULL GRAVES--------- - ENDOWMENT FEE - - -- $1,000.00 $ 300.00 $ 500.00 $ 150.00 $ 700.00 $ 250.00 HALFGRAVES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 350.00 ENDOWMENTFEE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 125.00 MEMORIALIZATION GRAVES (BLOCK 62 PATH) ENDOWMENT FEE ---------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 150.00 $ 90.00 NON - RESIDENT FEE (FULL BURIAL - PURCHASED AS RESIDENT) -------------------------- - - - - -- $ 275.00 (FORMER OR NEVER RESIDENT) ----------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 325.00 NON - RESIDENT FEE (CREMATION BURIAL - PURCHASED AS RESIDENT) --------------- - - - - -- $ 135.00 (FORMER OR NEVER RESIDENT) ----------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 185.00 OPENING & CLOSING (SINGLE DEPTH) ---------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 600.00 OPENING & CLOSING (DOUBLE DEPTH) -------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- $ 675.00 OPENING & CLOSING (CREMATION) ---------------------------------------------------- OPENING & CLOSING (INFANT) ---------------------------------------------------------- VAULT (ADULT - C O R D E I R O STANDARD) --------------------------------------------- VA U LT (ADULT - DORIC TITAN) ------------------------------------------------------------ VAULT( CHILD)----------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- VAULT(INFANT) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREMATION URN VAULTS - SEE SEPARATE PRICE SCHEDULE RECORDINGFEE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SETTINGMARKER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SETTING BRONZE VET MARKER----------------------------------------------------------- SETTING UPRIGHT VET MONUMENT - SEE SEPARATE PRICE SCHEDULE CREMATION NICHES - (BLOCK 77) SINGLE NICHE (INCLUDES $100.00 ENDOW & $100.00 O &C)- DOUBLE NICHE (INCLUDES $200.00 ENDOW & $200.00 O &C) NON - RESIDENT FEE (SEE ABOVE - CREMATION BURIAL) BRONZE URN INSERT ------------------------------------------------ - - - - -- $ 200.00 $ 225.00 ------------ - - - - -- $ 425.00 SALES TAX $ 35.06 •----------- - - - - -- $ 850.00 SALES TAX $ 70.13 ------------ - - - - -- $ 175.00 SALES TAX $ 14.44 ------------ - - - - -- $ 175.00 SALES TAX $ 14.44 $ 50.00 $ 125.00 $ 210.00 $ 500.00 $ 900.00 ------------ - - - - -- $ 30.00 SALES TAX $ 2.48 4baratoga Cemetery Oztrict POLICIES AND REGULATIONS 1. DEFINITIONS - As used in these regulations: A) "Board" shall mean the Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Cemetery District. B) "District" shall mean the Saratoga Cemetery District C) "Lot Owner" shall mean one who has purchased burial rights. 2. FEES AND CHARGES - A schedule of the current fees is posted at the District office and shall be subject to change at the discretion of the Board. Burial Rights in cemetery lots may be purchased from an authorized representative of the District at the business office located on the cemetery grounds. The terms of the sale are cash or check. Upon payment in full, and payment of the Endowment Care fee, a Certificate of Ownership of Cemetery rights will be issued to the purchaser within thirty (30) days. A) Eligibility for purchase of burial rights in Public District cemeteries is set forth in the California Health and Safety Code, Sections 8961 & 8961.1 and is limited to taxpayers (residents & property owners) of the District and their families. B) An Endowment Care fee will be charged on the purchase of all Burial Rights in accordance with California Health and Safety Code, Section 8738. C) A non - resident fee will be charged for any person qualifying for burial who is not a taxpayer (resident or property owner) of the District at time of death, as set forth in the California Health and Safety Code, Sections 8894 and 8961.1. D) Ownership of Burial Rights is non - transferable and may be sold back to the District only at the original purchase price. The Endowment Care fee is non - refundable. 3. INTERMENTS - Lot owners, funeral directors and other authorized persons shall comply with the following regulations in the use of plots for burial purposes: A) An "Interment Authorization" form must be signed by a family member of the deceased or their authorized representative before a grave will be opened. B) No interment may be made, or other services rendered, until all charges for burial rights, interment fees, and the Endowment Care fee have been paid. C) Interment and disinterment requests must be made at the District office no later than two (2) business days prior to scheduled burial. D) Final committal services will not be scheduled before 11:00 a.m. or later than 3:00 p.m. E) The remains or cremains of the deceased must be brought to the cemetery in a closed casket, urn or other approved container and must be accompanied by a burial permit. F) An approved concrete vault is required for every full casket burial. An approved durable urn vault is required for every in- ground cremation burial. G) A maximum of two full burials may be made in any full grave, providing the first burial was requested as a double depth interment. The original purchaser of burial rights may request additional cremation burials in a grave containing full burials to a combined total of four (4) burials. Two cremation burials are allowed in a half grave. 4. CARE OF GRAVES AND CEMETERY GROUNDS - The absolute control of the cemetery grounds is vested in the Board; lot owners and others are entitled only to such privileges within the grounds as are provided by these policies and regulations. A) The cemetery gates are open daily between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The pedestrian gate adjacent to the main gate remains unlocked at all times. B) All beautification of the cemetery grounds shall be done by District employees or their contractors. C) Flower holders and water spigots are located throughout the cemetery for your convenience and use. All flowers and plants placed on gravesites are removed and discarded each Thursday morning, except those on new gravesites. Only potted plants and cut flowers are permitted; no artificial flowers or glass vases please. Potted plants must be placed within the boundaries of the grave, i.e. on or below the headstone. D) It is a felony to remove plants or flowers from a grave of which you are not the owner or a family member of the owner. E) No person shall plant any tree, shrub, bush or flowers within the cemetery grounds. F) Dogs are prohibited on the cemetery grounds except those accompanying the blind. G) Temporary markers are placed on new graves for a period of six (6) months and then removed. It is the responsibility of the family to arrange for permanent memorialization. H) Grave markers and monuments are subject to size and configuration regulations. Only one marker is allowed per gravesite. The family should verify acceptability with cemetery manager prior to authorizing monument company to proceed. 1) The District distinctly disclaims responsibility for any loss or damage beyond its reason- able control, especially caused by the elements, an Act of God, common enemy, thieves or vandals. J) All persons are subject to the Policies and Regulations of the District now existing or which may hereafter be adopted for the government of said District. May 12, 1998 8 Extra 3 • San Jose Mercury News ■ Wednesday, December 14, 1988 History Sear By Mardi Bennett Special to Extra Imagine stepping onto hallowed ground and feeling that you may have also stepped back 130 years in time. That is the strangely tranquil feeling one may experience when stepping through the wrought -iron gates that bear the legend in an arch at the top, "Madronia Ceme- tery." The plots near the entrance to the pioneer cemetery at Sixth and Oak streets in Saratoga have solid old -time tombstone markers proudly bearing the names of well - known families of the Saratoga area. Many list date of death in the 1860s. The first recorded burial was a youth referred to simply as `Buch- man," who is thought to have been drowned while trying to ford the rain swollen Arroyo Quito creek. His death, in 1854, was the first in the area after white settlers ar- rived, and was the catalyst for es- tablishing a burial ground. atoga cemetery evokes memories of century a Controversy recalled Charles Cunningham, longtime cemetery trustee who wrote a his - tory of the Madronia Cemetery in 1961, tells of a controversy over the land chosen for the cemetery. It seems it was thought to be gov- ernment land, but in 1857 the gov- ernment confirmed the legal own- er to be Don Jose Ramon Arguello, owner of a portion of the Mexican Land Grant called the Rancho Qui- to. Don Arguello gave two acres of the disputed land for a cemetery, and in 1863 the residents of McCar- tysville (soon to be renamed "Sara- toga") formed the Madronia Ceme- tery Association to administer the private cemetery's affairs. Several long - postponed irriga- tion improvements were made in the 1890s when the association sank a well and erected a windmill and tank. A few years later, in 1903, the 40- year -old picket fence at the perimeter was replaced with a wire one. In 1915, title to the land was finally cleared and, as part of the court's requirements, a survey and map were recorded with the de- cree. Family of trustees One Saratoga family was in- volved with administration of the cemetery for 61 years. John Far- well was one of the original board members; at his death, he was re- placed as a trustee by his son Frank. At Frank's death in 1903, he Extra File Photograph A grave in Madronia Cemetery is dated 1862 was replaced by his sister Jennie for the remaining 20 years of her life. In addition to the contribution of countless hours of volunteer time, Miss Jennie left $2,000 " ... to be used as the trustees see fit in fixing up and beautifying the cemetery." The trustees decided to use $1,700 of the money to purchase an addi- tional two acres of land. In 1927, the board of trustees took advantage of new state legis- lation enabling the creation of cemetery districts. They decided on a district boundary coinciding with that of Saratoga Unified School District, which today in- cludes much of the city of Monte Serena The original three cemetery dis- trict trustees were appointed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, who, since 1960, have appointed five trustees, each with four year terms. For most of the trustees, this service has been a labor of love. Many of them, like current Trus- tees Allan Boyce, John Campbell and Ralph Stepp, have remained on the board 25 years or more. One trustee, Clara Bell (1927 to 1952), will be remembered for her addi- tional contribution of researching the early grave sites, locating in- formation about all but 23 of the cemetery's denizens. `Permanent residents' Some of the more famous of the "permanent residents" include Mary Brown; widow of John Brown of Harper's Ferry; the Rev. Edwin (Sunshine) Williams, found- er of the Saratoga Blossom Festi- vaI; Riley Moutrey, who, with oth- ers, returned to the high Sierra to rescue the survivors of the Donner Party; Augustus Dowd, who dis- covered the Calaveras Big Tree Grove in 1852; G.W. McGrew Sara - toga's first poet; and Charles Bla- ney, an early chairman of the State Highway Commission. Barrie Coate, a consulting ar- borist highly regarded in the Santa Clara valley, says, "Madronia is what a cemetery should be — not only a final resting place, but a beautiful arboretum." Retired landscape architect George Martin had begun a program of planting unusual trees as some of the natu- ral oaks began to fall victim to the irrigation necessary to maintain the turf. Coate has continued that program. Specimen trees, of types rarely seen in California, have joined the indigenous madrone, bay, and pine. Some examples of the specimens are the Australian bottle trees, which have a small deep -pink hi- biscus -like flower in late spring, the Chinese Tallow trees, which turn a brilliant red in the autumn; and the beautiful white - trunked Australian Swamp Myrtle. In 134 years, Madronia Ceme- tery has grown from the original two acres to the present 11 acres, three acres of which are undevel- oped. Its former primitive hillside borders have been replaced on the west by the lands of the Sisters of Notre Dame and on the other three sides by quiet residential neighbor- hoods. It has gone from large stone monuments to flat markers, and is now setting aside an area wher& monuments will again be permifr' ted. Much has changed since 1854 but the park -like beauty of Madronia Cemetery has remained the sane. Each visitor who arrives at its, gate seems to concur with Barrie Coate who says, "I don't plan-to `depart' in the near future, but when I do, that's certainly the place I'd want to be." ff A �b July 13, 1988 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE. SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867 -3438 Mr. John Miller, Manager Saratoga Cemetery District 14766 Oak Street Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Mr. Miller: 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 Madronia Cemetery at 14766 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 restrictionh 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, N. Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elizabeth Ansnes Roy Cameron Norm Koepernik SharoL ndsness Barba% ester. Warren Heid, Chairman .1 HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #46) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Madronia Cemetery 2. Historic name: Madronia Cemetery 3. Street or rural address: 14766 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 517 -12 -001 5. Present Owner: Saratoga Cemetery District Address: 14766 Oak Street City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: X Private: 6. Present Use: Cemetery Original Us6: Cemetery DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: N/A 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This cemetery is typical of the country cemeteries throughout the West. The informal layout of the original plots meanders through old trees and well -cared for lawns and provides a serene setting for the old tombstones. The new section reflects the new park -like feeling of cemeteries with tombstones level with the lawn. The metal arch and gate at the entrance are not part of the original entrance. 8. Construction date: Estimated: 1850 Factual: 9. Architect: N/A (photograph here) 10. Builder: N/A 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 10.43 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: X 14. Alterations: None Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: Scattered buildings: X Densely built -up: Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? 18. Related features: None Zoning: Unknown? SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). Madronia Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area, dating back to the 1850's when Jose Ramon Arguello'donated an acre of land for a burial ground in the wilderness of Oak Street canyon. The first burial was in 1854, believed to be a small boy drowned in the high waters of Saratoga Creek. The location of the burial, supposedly on unclaimed land, was found to be on Arguello's land. Generously he donated the land to the village, but did not deed the acre to anyone, which later posed a problem. The McCartysville residents formed the non - profit Madronia Cemetery Association on November 21, 1863 to be governed by a board of trustees. The cemetery was named after the beautiful red trunked madrones on the site. In 1880 forty citizens of the area donated $216 towards the cemetery fund and in 1890 an annual charge ranging from $1 to $8 a year was requested for care of the plots. Many historical figures are buried at Madronia including Mrs. John (Mary) Brown, widow of abolitionist, John Brown. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: X Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First Hundred Years, 1967. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH Di1 n o-,A" e Cc,►r s CITY OF •SARATOGA PLANNING DEPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY INVENTORY # ILL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN �3��31$ (date) Street Address L4-11 to (q Oak- APN Historic Name�,ddrtac�a V � Present Owner Address Present Use �P�ry]6,.LL trLj Original.Use 0ery)P,+u-u Other Past Uses nPgrPTPTTnM Briefly describe the present physi.cal appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition:, � -TN-5 1 LI Y- °fie 5re 'ey. 0-e -Me- � w��. n�ac Y� ( TV , s c� -eG�� �� 1 o = eKC& +bmbz&on Ae cuu �` -P 1 e. ey-�n c.e- A-o �� �e- C evy)e�ct...� �. rn Approximate property size: Lot size (in feet) Frontage Depth or approximate acreage 10-H 3 Condition (check one): Fvr:ellent ()e) Good ( ) Fair ( ) ..eri orated ( ) ' No longer in existence ( ) Is the feature: Altered ?_(.) Unaltered? (X) Location sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and pro- minent landmarks) r, Threats to site: None known ( ) Private Development ( ) Zoning ( ) Public Works Project ( )i Vandalism (X) Other ( ) Primary exterior building material: Stone ( ) Brick ( ) Stucco ( ) Adobe (.) Wood ( ) Other ( ) 0A Is the structure: On its original site? Moved? ( ) Unknown ( ) Year of initial construction 1850 ':5 This date is: Factual ( ) Estimated (k) Architect (if known) Builder ( if known) Related features: Barn ( ) Carriage House ( ) Outhouse ( ) Watertower /Tankhouse ( ) Other ( ) SIGNIFICANCE Shed(s).( ) Formal garden(s) ( ) Windmill None Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site when known): lt'� CI C�►'Or� i C� �` -.� 01 _ o ¢ � \ � � C���� C�v� d VYlO one CiCm. Was donc,-4od Rac ,r,c w., Ar5i.:LeUo j 0w�r, -er 0 Source (books, documents, surveys, personal interviews, and their dates): Form prepared by: ,6o —ndu ?-y,-,6u Date: 3� a 31 6 1 PRE -NEED ARRANGEMENTS Experience has shown that families benefit greatly by making pre -need arrangements. It relieves the immediate family of an added burden during the initial bereavement period. A personal loss can cloud one's judgement, making it difficult to evaluate prices and choose the most appropriate selection. Time is at a premium with many obligations to be fulfilled within a few short days or hours. COSTS Pre -need arrangements can also save the purchaser considerable money with price protection on the selection purchased. This an important feature for those on a fixed income or planning to retire. Saratoga Cemefery Disfrief 14766 Oak Street (Corner of Sixth) BP Gas ' Station HWY 280 Madronia 0 Cupertino Cemetery Sunnyvale- Saratoga Rd. o� 6` 04 HWY 280 San Jose HWY 880 )n) Loa Gatos CEMETERY HOURS The grounds are open for visitation every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. OFFICE The office, located on the cemetery grounds is open Monday through Friday from 8:00- 12:00 and 1:00 -5:00. The office is closed weekends and major holidays. The staff is available to answer any questions you may have. This is your cemetery, feel welcome to call or visit the cemetery grounds. Madronia Cemetery Saratoga Cemetery District 14754 Oak Street Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 867 -3717 MADRONIA CEMETERY SERVICES AVAILABLE MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains above the Village of Saratoga is Saratoga's oldest institution, Madronia Cemetery. Serving the needs of the community since 1854, Madronia Cemetery has maintained its small town charm while growing from the original two acre site to the current 10 1/2 acres. ELIGIBILITY In September of 1987 the area served by the cemetery district expanded from the boundaries of the Saratoga Union Elementary School District to include all of the communities of Saratoga and Monte Sereno. The Saratoga Cemetery District provides low cost cemetery plots and burials for the residents and taxpayers of the District, and their families. Full casket burials are available in our raised monument section and in the flat marker area. For families choosing cremation, both in- ground and niche inurnment options are available. MEMORIAL FUND The district accepts donations for the purchase of benches or trees in memory of loved ones. Each year the Saratoga Foothill Club hosts Memorial Day Services commemorating the military service of the several hundred veterans in repose at Madronia Cemetery. It is also a favorite time for remembering other deceased family members and friends. i {' f 3'tJ h F T �f1 ♦s it � e ln''I r lea M15T011F t- . —!�•.R . Full casket burials are available in our raised monument section and in the flat marker area. For families choosing cremation, both in- ground and niche inurnment options are available. MEMORIAL FUND The district accepts donations for the purchase of benches or trees in memory of loved ones. Each year the Saratoga Foothill Club hosts Memorial Day Services commemorating the military service of the several hundred veterans in repose at Madronia Cemetery. It is also a favorite time for remembering other deceased family members and friends. ��trttfu�tt C�emPtrr� �i�triri 14766 OAK STREET OFFICE HOURS SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 8 - 5 MADRONIA CEMETERY MON thru FRI (408) 867 -3717 February 15, 1985 Barbara Voester Heritage Preservation Commission City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Voester: In their meeting of February 13, 1985 the Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Cemetery District chose to decline participation in the Heritage Preservation project. Our principal reason for the decision was that Ordinance No. 66 as it applies to a Heritage site creates an additional control entity that would not be in the best interest of the operation of the District property. Co ally, JOHN Z MILLER Manager SARATOGA "S OLDEST INSTITUTION - MADRONIA CEMETERY Perhaps it would be well for us to get our bearings, so to speak, by first visualizing the area of the old town now known 'as Saratoga, as it was yin .the year 1849. There was a goodly stand of redwoods along the creek and the hillside to the south well covered by various other native trees. Probably the only evidence of approaching civilization was a pioneer road along the natural ledge which still parallels the creek mid- way up the slope. That road had just been started by those hauling material to erect the first sawmill up in the canyon. This road was financed by Martin McCarty and-.was a personally owned toll road. McCarty was: a shrewd Irishman. He realized that with sawmills developing in the mountains, a town should evolve at the mouth of the canyon. Understanding that this was government land, well outside the Quito Grant, he filed on it as such. Immediately a hamlet developed along the pioneer road; and the pioneer road became the main street of McCarty's town. And it still is. Soon the little hamlet had to face a problem which has - confronted. every pioneer settlement across .our land..- the problem of'.their first death: Only -here .it was a sudden and .tragic 'one. ..A road was already developing to the :north, approached of. course, by a.ford across•'Arroyo Quito, as the-creek was then called... People 'living here then told later 'arrivals•that during a.period.of high water .a b.oy was drowned while'•.-' .making that ford. Immediately.the community hadkto determine the location of a ceme- tery.. ;What did they do ?. The very natural thing:. They went beyond. Mc:- .land onto what they too considered government land, Up•on.the plateau was a gentle slope, well' covered with madrone, oak,.'bay and other' native trees;.a quiet secluded spot; ideal. for .their purpose.... There� they opened a grave .and buried ' the 'boy.. As 'other deaths occurred•; 'more graves were placed-in-the-area. Why. not? It was. government :•.land " But shortly rumblings -were heard to the effect that it'might'no.t. be government land. The Mexican-owners-of .the Quito Grant insisted that their line was well up in the canyon. Bitterness•ensued, with lawsuits'' carried slowly thru the Federal Courts. Finallyi.the Federal government confirmed,on February 70, 1857, with further confirmation in 1860'-and'. 1865, the Grant which had been issued by the Mexican Governor -of. -.the :.. 'Province of California iri.1841. This gave.full.title to-13"309 a r as surveyed by the United States Surveyor General,'and a United States Land Patent was .issued to: the Mexican claimants.. . The.' *ppundary was' established at approximately the nearer side -of the present County quarry.' McCarty, and others who had taken up.what they considered government . land,, had to make their financial :peace with. the owners .of the-Grant.- ' Throughout, however, all concerned respected' the. little -cemetery;,,'..' no one _made claim to that' spot. As the ' land coritroversy -subsided:, Don Jose Ramon Arguello, the chief owner of the Quito Grant, said he would give the spot as a community cemetery. He determined it as a square with sides of 300 feet, immediately adjoining McCarty's line.' This was slightly more than two acres, but quite adequate for the purpose.. He gave no deed, but there was no organization to which he could issue a deed; nor was there anyone to ask for a deed. However, Don Jose Ramon never reneged on-his verbal gift. ` The residents of the area realized there should be an organization to administer the cemetery and on.November 21, 1863, a meeting was held by residents of McCartysville and vicinity for that purpose. They pro- ceeded in a very businesslike manner. Following is a full record of the meeting: "To all whom all these presents may come,'we whose -names and seals.are affixed .to this instrument, do hereby certify that on the twenty -first day of November, in the year 1863, the inhabitants of McCartysville and its vicinity met at the house of Joseph Shephard in McCartysville aforesaid persuant to notice agreeable to the Statute in such cases made and provided, for the purpose -of organ- izing a Cemetery Association, and we further certify that Ira McCall was by a majority of such persons so met called to the chair, and that B. W. Hollenbeck was duly chosed Secretary for said meeting. "The meeting determined that this Association shall be known by the name and style of the Madronia Cemetery Association, in Redwood Township, in the County of Santa Clara, the State of Calif- ornia: The meeting also determined that six Trustees should con- stitute the number to be elected by said meeting to represent said Association. "Whereas the following persons were duly elected by ballot for said Trustees vis - William Haun, Levi Milliard, George Cross, John Farwell, Henry Jarboe and Ira McCall." The document provided that the first two should serve for one year, the second two for two years and the last two for three years. There was further provision for the annual election of officers. The document was motorized before the Justice of the peace and filed with the County Clerk for recording in Book "A" of Corporations. The recording fee was $1.50. A corporation charter was issued on the basis of the recorded document. Unfortunately, that document was lost many years ago. The'apparent harmony of the organization meeting is especially noteworthy as the community is known to have been bitterly divided in two fairly equal factions at the time - 1863 - over the issues of.the Civil-War. Both factions were represented among the...Tr.us.tees..,chosen. You will note that the name chosen was " Madronia Cemetery Associ- ation." It was'only natural that they did not include "McCartysville" in -the name as a movement was under way at the moment to change the name of the town.- The name was a very appropriate one, as the madrone was the - 2 - the predominating tree of the cemetery plot. Also, it was fitting that they chose the milder and more musical Spanish word, rather than the harsher "madrone" of the English language. However, students of the Spanish language will tell you that they mispelled the word. The Span - -ish word--has a tilde - a.curved horizontal line - over the "n ", giv -ing it the sound of. "ny." It really adds one letter to the Spanish alphabet. By inserting the "i" they really created a word which is neither Spanish nor English. However, it may not have been entirely an error. As we hear late arrivals in our state talking of "Valeyjoe ", "San Josie ", and otherwise butchering the old Spanish names, we..can really be glad that they spelled the name of our cemetery as they did, for by inserting the "i" they cause us to come nearer the correct pronunciation than we other- wise would. None of today would-have time to bother with a tilde, and few would take time to figure out what its significance really is. Of the many names appearing in years, none is now represented here, here after the turn of the century.. the records of the organizational tho several can be recalled as still As they launched their Association, the most pressing problem was fencing the property. We can see two reasons for this. They wished to definitely mark their boundaries; remember, the community was very boundary conscious,at the time, having just emerged from the prolonged Kassel re- garding the Quito Grant. Also, stray stock was then a serious problem. Having no funds, they immediately circulated a subscription list and thirty -three men subscribed $117.50. Five specified that they would pay in redwood posts; three specified lumber. Evidently at that time split redwood posts were more easily come by than cash. If ypµ are interested in their exchange value, it was eight posts per dollar. Several.'donated labor. Fencing their property did not end their problems. The Association then began 64 years of "hand -to- mouth" existance. Tho the charges were periodically increased, they were never more than enough to cover the most essential expenses. Much needed special expenses were often delayed for several years. Care of plots.was a "do -it- yourself" project of each family. The area not yet occupied received little care. In 1870 the Trustees advertised for bids to remove and burn brush in the.cemetery, the contract price being $60.00. The same year they authorized the cutting of wood amounting to 25 cords. This was sold at public auction, bringing $3.00 per cord, the exact amount paid to the choppers. Then followed a period of ten years during which no meeting of.lot owners was held. At a meeting held in Laird's Hall, six Trustees were elected, they to draw lots as to terms. In that year they instituted a method of recording burial records and plot ownerships. In 1880 a subscription list was circulated and 40 persons contrib- uted a total of $216.00 to the cemetery fund. $50.00 was`immediately expended in "grubbing and - cleaning up the cemetery." On several other - 3 - occasions, down thru the years, it was necessary to circulate general sub- scriptions to replenish the always low funds. Community work days were also held. Although early meetings were held in private homes, Laird Hall (northwest corner of Fourth and Lumber Streets) became the usual meeting. place until 1884, when they met in the School House for the first time. However, the Trustees continued to hold their meetings in homes. There was no survey and mapping of the entire cemetery until 1882, tho such a map had long been needed. The surveyor who took the job in that year, evidently skeptical of early compensation, insisted on an advance of $100.00 before starting the work, 'on a total figure of $145.00. To make that advance, four Trustees individually loaned the Association $5.00 each. The balance of $45.00 due the surveyor was paid in four, in- stallments over a period of two years. It was three years before the last of the $5.00 loans was repaid. This was an extreme situation, and the only one where money was loaned by Trustees, but it is mentioned here to indicate the precarious financial situation. The "do -it- yourself" method of caring for plots was riot without drawbacks, judging from a rule adopted in 1887. (Quote) "All parties improving and cleaning up their lots must dispose of the refuse by carting or depositing outside the cemetery. It must in no case be deposited on other 'lots or avenues." A later resolution reminded lot owners that when visiting the cemetery their horses must be restrained from leaving the drive and thereby doing.harm to corner stakes and other property. Apparently, that rule did not solve the problem as the.advisabi:lity of installing a ribbon fence on either side of the drive was discussed at several meetings. In the early 1890's an annual charge was instituted for the care of plots. The charge was from $1.00 to $8.00 er year, depending on the size of the plots, but few were charged more tan $4.00. Those who pre- ferred could continue the "do -it- yourself" policy, but the new plan did result in better care of some plots, especially those whose families resided elsewhere, they remitting annually. For years there had been pressing need of water.in the.cemetery., but never funds with which to cover such an expenditure. Not until 1898 were they able to sink`a well'and erect a windmill and tank. The cost, including a layout of distribution pipes, was $475.00, that being $30.00 more than they had available at the time. in 1903 the 40 -year old picket fence was replaced with a wire one.. The up- and -over stile, which had been the pedestrian entrance down thru the years,' yielded to more modern means of access.' Also in 1903 death took their outstanding Trustee, Mr. Frank M. Farwell, who had served .continuously for 37 years, much of that time being both Secretary and Treasurer. His father, Mr. John M. Farwell, had been: one of the,original Board; his son, Frank, replacing him at his death. When Frank died, in 1903, his sister, Miss Jennie M. Farwell, was chosen - 4 - a Trustee, she serving the remaining twenty years of her life. Thus, for a total of 61 years there was a Farwell on the Board; all three were deeply interested in the cemetery. By 1912 it was evident that the annual care fee could not be collected indefinitely. As families died off or became scattered., payments ceased. Even local collections were often difficult and slow,: In that year a.per- petual care fund was set up and made optional with the annual. care fee. Those who preferred could continue the "do -it- yourself" method. Naturally, many of the older plots were without any provision for care at all. The perpetual care fee varied from $10.00 to $120.00, depending on the size of plots. The payments we're invested and only the income used in annual care. Those setting the fee could not forsee the inflationary spiral the first World War would soon throw our national economy into, so the annual in- come -from the perpetual care investment was far short of that needed to cover care expense of even the plots of. those contributing to it. Some accepted the change, tho it was optional; acceptance could not be forced. The uncertainty of their land title had been discussed at several annual meetings, but its correction would involve Court expense and they never had -funds available until 1915. Then Mr. L. D. Bohnett, who was just establishing his law practice in San Jose, instituted the necessary Court procedure and the title was cleared at a cost to the Association of $60.00. However, the Judge was cautious and insisted on there being a new survey and a map to be recorded with his decree. This added $150.00 to the cost. Perhaps the cautious attitude of the Judge was fortunate, for the 1915 map is still in use and is of great value today. By 1915 trees had grown to obstruct the efficient operation of the windmill and it had to be replaced by a gasoline engine at a cost of $82.00. At the death of Miss Jennie M. Farwell, in 1923, by her will; she left $2,000.00 to the cemetery (quote) "to be used as the Trustees see fit in fixing up and beautifying the cemetery." $300.00 was used immedi- ately. In that year they made their first land purchase, tho it had been evident for several years that they should enlarge their holdings. They purchased a little more than two acres, now known as-the new section, for $2,900.00. This was $150.00 more than was available at the time. With increasing membership it became quite difficult to have a quorum present for annual meetings. Some years it was necessary to elect four or six Trustees, owning to quorum failures during previous years. In 1926 the Trustees learned that the Legislature had passed a law authorizing the creation of Cemetery Districts. At a meeting of:the Board, held February 26, 1927, presided over by Mr. George A. Wood, Chairaan of the Board, a motion was made by Mr. James V. Richards, seconded by,.Mr -. Hamilton Russell,.that'the Board proceed with the formation of a Cemetery District. Cards were printed and mailed to all known-lot owners by the committee in charge, Mrs. Clara P1 Bell and Mr. James T. Richards.. The area of the Unified Saratoga School District was thoroughly covered by those circulating petitions asking that a Cemetery District be organized with the same boundaries as the Unified School District. All records of the County Supervisors for the year 1927 were destroyed in the Court House - 5 - fire of 1931. However, we obtain substantial information from the minutes of the Association Board. At a meeting of the Trustees held August 15, 1927, the-following were present: Mr. George A. Wood, Mrs. Charles D. Blaney, Mrs. Clara P. Bell, Mr. James T. Richards,, Mr. Henry T. Plant and Mr. Thomas E. Smith. The minutes read - (Quote) "Mr. G. A. Wood stated that the work forming a Ceme,tery-'Dis- trict had been completed, that the petition to voters and tax - payers had been circulated and that 95% of the voters in the District had signed in favor of the petition. The said petition was duly presented to the Board of Supervisors and afterward advertised in the papers for the required number of days, according to law, and on the first day of August, 1927, the petition was granted by the Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting. The Supervisors also.appointed the following persons as trustees of the Cemetery District: Mrs. C. C. Bell, Mr. George A. Wood and Mr. Thomas E. Smith. ......It was moved by Mrs'. C. C. Bell that whereas by action of the County Supervisors perpetual care of Madronia Cemetery is assured for the future, that therefore what- ever moneys are in the Perpetual Care Fund be transferred to the General Fund. Motion seconded by Mr. H. T. Plant and on being put to a vote was carried unanimously." (End quote) This action was well known to the lot owners of that time and had their approval. In addition to those named above, one other deserves mention, Mr. Fred J. Currier. He had been a very active Trustee of the old Association but was living elsewhere temporarily at the time the District was organized. Upon the death of Mr. Wood two years later, Mr. Currier was appointed to fill the vacancy and served ably until his own death.. However, the Cemetery problems were not ended. The State law made no provision for Cemetery Districts.having invested funds and the balance of $3,560.00 in the old Care Fund, plus the $1,700.00 balance remaining of Miss Farwell's bequest was too great to be spent immediately. The District..-Trustees decided to continue the Madronia Cemetery Association to administer the Fund. The money was invested as a Savings Account in the local bank. They continued to credit to the Savings Account all money received from lot sales, in anticipation of additional land purchases. Eventually, the State law was.modified and the two organizations consolidated in the Cemetery District in 1954. This was effected under the careful legal guidance of the office of the County Counsel. The old Savings Account of the Madronia Association became the Land Acquisition and Improvement Fund of the District. It is administered by the County Treasurer, being invested in United States Government securities until needed. Before the consolidation, the old fund had been drawn on for the erection of the office, the restrooms, the shop and the material in the erection of the toolroom. The existance of the Land Acquisition and Im- provement Fupd made the two fairly recent land purchases by the District - 6 - quite painless for the taxpayers. Throughout the change -over, the rights of the old Association members have been protected, even those families which no longer have. members living here. The-policy-wisely established here 34 years ago is continued, all money received from'lot sales being credited to what is really a slowly revolving fund for capital invest- ments. The policy has been highly commended by officers 'of other District Cemeteries. Also, discontinuing the Care Fund has removed all incentive to show partiality in th& care of plots. American democracy prevails throughout the Cemetery. There is no poorly cared for "old section", too often found in older cemeteries. We have gope deeply into the evolution of our District Cemetery from a non - profit corporation cemetery, not only because of its historical interest but also to clear up some erroneous impressions circulated quite recently by a small group of residents. Few of them ever knew any of the fine, public spirited Trustees mentioned above as having parts in the occurances. All of them have now passed on; all are now.at rest in Madronia Cemetery. We of today should deeply appreciate their farsighted provisions for the welfare of Madronia. You are no doubt interested in people of prominence buried here. The most inquired for grave is that of Mrs. Mary A. Brown, widow of John Brown of Civil War fame. She lived her late years at what is now known as the Stewart Boy Scout property on Brown Mountain and was buried on the east side of the Cemetery, the grave being marked-by a small white stone. The second most sought for grave is that of Rev. Edwin Sidney Williams who lived a very active "retired" life here at the turn of the century. He'founded the Saratoga Blossom Festival, was a leader in many local community projects and was one of the original members of the Sempe- virons Club which saved the Big Basin redwoods to become our first State Park. Appropriately, his grave is marked by a natural boulder with a plaque imbedded on it. Mr. Charles D. Blaney, an early Chairman of the State Highway Com- mission and a very.active businessman in various fields, lived his years of retirement here. He was a Trustee of the old Association for several years, bringing.his years of business experience.to that public service. Mr. Riley S. Moutrey, who came to California in 1846, was a member of the relief party which returned to the high Sierra 'to rescue the-sur- vivors of the Donner tragedy. He is mentioned in all histries of that sad occurance.. He established a home here-where he.lived....for...many. years before his death. Mr. A. J. Dowd, who discovered the Calaveras Big Tree Grove, spent his late years in Saratoga and is buried here. Time does not.petmit the listing of those of"local importance,. and if attempted there would be underserved omissions. However, there-are two -'both ladies - who should be mentioned: - 7 - Miss Jennie M. Farwell should be mentioned, not only because of her 20 years service on the old Board, but also because her generous gift.of $2,000.00 is the only bequest ever made to the cemetery. Mrs, Clara P. Bell replaced Miss Farwell on the old Board, was very active in the transition to a District organization and served for 25 years as a member of the District Board. Her knowledge and good judge- ment were of great value in the choice of plantings. However, her greatest service was less spectacular. Realizing that the records were not accur- ate covering early internments, she spent many days carefully checking grave markings, book records and other information until she had covered the entire old section. As a result, there are on ly.23 "unknown" graves in the Cemetery, an excellent record for a cemetery more than 100 years old.. We owe much to Mrs. Bell for'her work. There are now 267 cemetery districts in our State, some counties being qompletely covered by them.. However, ours, one of the oldest in the State, is still the only one 'in Santa Clara County. For 33 years appointments to.our Cemetery Board were made .by the County Supervisors after investigation ".by the Supervisor of our District, and on his recommendation the Supervisors would elect. This was a very democratic policy and most satisfactory to all concerned. However, in August, 1960, the County Supervisors increased our Cemetery Board from three to five members and assigned to each-Supervisor full authority to nominate one member of the Saratoga Cemetery Board; a policy they plan to continue indefinitely. Thus, four men with no interest directly in the Saratoga area have four - fifths the voice; our own Supervisor only...... one - fifth. .With the five terms of Cemetery Trustees expiring during the summer, every four years, when at least three Supervisorial election campaigns are in progress, the welfare of the Saratoga Cemetery District can easily become a football of Supervisorial politics. The writer.re- grets closing this review on a somber note, but never - the - less, it is his duty to warn of this hazard of the future. The writer has enjoyed reviewing the long history of Madronia Cemetery. Because of family connections there, it is a sacred spot to thousands of people, scattered throughout the land, many of whom have no expectation of being buried there themselves. Yet all love it and all enjoy returning to visit it. May it always inspire the pride of Sara - togans; for-after all, it IS Saratoga's cemetery. (Prepared for the Saratoga Historical Foundation in 1961 by .Charles N. Cunningham.) William Haun Levi Millard George Cross John W. Farwell Henry Jarboe Ira McCall B.W. Hollenbeck John Hutchinson Jacob Hartman George Auld E. Ford H.E. Nordgren James Foster Oscar Clark MADRONIA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED NOVEMBER 21, 1863 RECORD OF TRUSTEES Frank Whipple W. Brittingham Mac Davis William Rice James Wallace Dr. James M. Whipple Rev. A.B. Palmer Thomas E. Marsh James Fablinger S.S. Parker E. M. Cunningham William Haun, Jr. S. Ellsworth Frank M. Farwell J.L. Pendleton Allan Rice Fred J. Currier Miss Jennie M. Farwell Daniel McPherson Charles D. Blaney James T. Richards George A. Wood Warren E. Hyde Mrs. Clara P. Bell Hamilton Russell Mrs Charles D. Blaney James McWilliams Thomas E. Smith SARATOGA CEMETERY DISTRICT INCORPORATED AUGUST 1, 1927 BOARD OF TRUSTEES George A. Wood Mrs. Clara P. Bell Thomas E. Smith Fred J. Currier Charles N. Cunningham Rev. W.W. Jennings Virgil H. Campbell Harry E. Smith Col. R.W. Pearson Mrs. Barbara S. Bell Herbert N. Gardner Harless Moser Vince S. Garrod Wendell P. Hammon Allan Boyce John W. Campbell Ralph F. Stepp Robert W. Leonard Kevil R. Smith Andre' Bogart Mark Beaudoin Jay R. Geddes 1927 to 1930 1927 to 1952 1927 to 1942 1930 to 1935 1935 to 1943 - 1950 to 1965 1942 to 1950 1943 to 1960 1952 to 1954 1954 to 1960 1960 to 1964 1960 to 1973 1960 to 1961 1960 to 1961 1961 to 1977 1961 to 1990 1964 to 1965 to 1995 1973 to 1977 to 1979 1979 to 1990 to 1995 to 13. Condition: Excellent: X 14. Alterations: None Good: Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: Scattered buildings: X Densely built -up: Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: X Private development: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? 18. Related features: None Zoning: Unknown? SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). Madronia Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area, dating back to the 1850's when Jose Ramon Arguello donated an acre of land for a burial ground in the wilderness of Oak Street canyon. The first burial was in 1854, believed to be a small boy drowned in the high waters of Saratoga Creek. The location of the burial, supposedly on unclaimed land, was found to be on Arguello's land. Generously he donated the land to the village, but did not deed the acre to anyone, which later posed a problem. The McCartysville residents formed the non - profit Madronia Cemetery Association on November 21, 1863 to be governed by a board of trustees. The cemetery was named after the beautiful red trunked madrones on the site. In 1880 forty citizens of the area donated $216 towards the cemetery fund and in 1890 an annual charge ranging from $1 to $8 a year was requested for care of the plots. Many historical figures are buried at Madronia including Mrs. John (Mary) Brown, widow of abolitionist, John Brown. 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: X Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). F. Cunningham, Saratoga's First Hundred Years, 1967. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Locational sketch map (draw and label site and surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): NORTH Df mi V.7_r, OL "Vu a_ Ce,m e }� off% 1; �31?k s