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Saratoga Avenue 14275
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #60) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Peck House 2. Historic name: Higginbotham House 3. Street or rural address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -31 -01 & 02 5. Present Owner: Willys & Betty Peck Address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Residence Original Use: Residence DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: California Craftsman 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: Ed This two -story shingled house sits in a woodsy setting screened from the street. Alterations and additions to the original structure have been well integrated into the original design. The house and garage originally had copper roofs; the roof of the house has been replaced but the copper roof of the garage remains. Major alterations and additions include a library and deck off the dining room added in 1965, conversion of a screened porch to an office in 1970, and a "Great Hall" and master bedroom with deck on the second floor added in 1980. The property also contains a working miniature railroad including a train station, locomotive and a section of track that circles the house. An amphitheatre overlooking Saratoga Creek is used for dramatic presentations. 8. Construction date: Estimated: -F� o i�• .� r }T�r Factual: 1920 �' ✓ ~ °�' 9. Architect: Unknown 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size ` Frontage: 201' Depth: 2581+ 171' approx. acreage: 1.5 f� 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 i�. 13. Condition: Excellent: 14. Alterations: see 7b Good: X 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: Miniature railroad, amphitheatre Zoning: Unknown? SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This house has had but two owners since its construction in 1920. The original owners, Mr. & Mrs. John U. Higginbotham, were authors of travel books. Mr. Higginbotham, an attorney from Chicago, also wrote a column of light commentaries for the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. The latter paper was owned from 1922 to 1929 by Llewellyn Peck, father of Willys Peck, who purchased the house from the Higginbotham estate in 1951. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peck have been active in the community life of Saratoga. Willys, a native Saratogan, is an attorney and a copy editor for the San Jose Mercury News, and has served as president of the Saratoga Historical Foundation (1963 -82), during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He also served on the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission, and the County Bicentennial Commission. Betty Peck has been a kindergarten teacher at Saratoga School for 27 years, and founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972. Locational sketch map (draw and label site and 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: X Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Willys & Betty Peck, February 1986. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): a NORTH ul CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING DEPARTMENT IDENTIFICATION CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY INVENTORY # PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN (date) Street Address -7,5 S- jtCt- A,�)c,,C2(2, APN 397 -31 ° I &-d Z, Historic Name Present Owner a',Aa 081 ®.916)"C_ . Address / L1.2 75 S&& �, CA C1526-76 Present Use A/uC 4,-m Original Use ep- Other Past Uses Al A' , DESCRIPTION Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from,its original condition: , nA:z , &A&,ev� 2 "Aa l(,+.fin add." d' .911& _P�"i � W419 Pi d a4rr 6Z 69 mod. [�n ,�e,e� �� . ��;� r �� Wit Approximate property size: Lot size (in feet) Frontage 30 / Depth 2,5a' - - / 7/ or approximate acreage 2 Condition (check one): Excellent ( ) Good >nJ Fair ( ) Deteriorated ( ) 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) Threats to site: None known Private Development ( ) Vandalism ( ) Other ( ) Primary exterior building material: Zoning ('-) Public Works Project ( ) Stone ( ) Brick ( ) Stucco ( ) Adobe ( ) Wood Other ( ) Is the structure: ; On its original site? Moved? ( ) Unknown ( ) Year of initial construction /q 2_d This date is: Architect (if known) Builder ( if-known) Related features: Factual ( Estimated ( ) .f - 5 Barn ( ) Carriage House ( ) Outhouse ( ) Shed(s) ( ) Formal garden(s) ( ) Windmill ( ) bJatertower /Tankhouse ( ) Other ( ) &L. 12r r RR 7huvr, d ?hl / 9. 0AJ,- None,( ) SIGNIFICANCE Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site when known):5�2Gm.� Ch2,f3 AeYKQ-_ Y'h a;d— Wlo U��eaPzd 41�_ �-W 0 AA iv� 3tivin,,,� YhA AZ 0����. Source (books, documents, surveys, personal interviews, and their dates): Form prepared by: 6V&16�aAt.A�, 1J Cd-M,'41, �p Date: A01 A July 13, 1988 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SAR.ATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867-34:38 Mr. and Mrs. Willys Peck 14275 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peck: 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 your residence at 14275 Saratoga Avenue meets the criteria for being included on this list. The purpose of the Heritage Resource Inventory is to establish a list of documented historic properties in Saratoga. The Heritage Preservation Commission was assigned the responsibility for preparing the Inventory by the City Council in 1982. Each property on the list has been identified as reflecting and being a part of the unique history of Saratoga. The Inventory has been prepared in accordance with guidelines established by the State Office of Historic Preservation, with data gathered from a variety of sources, including historic documents and books, interviews with local citizens, and existing county and state inventories that contain information on Saratoga properties. Being listed on the Inventory does not carry any form of special requirements or restrictions affecting the use, improvement, alteration or even the demolition of your property. As an Inventory property, however, you will be able to make use of the State Historic Building Code, an alternative set of building regulations that are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings. In addition, your property may qualify for designation as a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, a special category of outstanding and exemplary historic properties that are identified in the community by a handsome bronze plaque. We have enclosed the entire Inventory list and the individual Inventory form for your property, which gives information about the building, the property and its history. We would appreciate your review of this form to let us know if there are any changes or additions to the form you wish to include. We also anticipate that there are additional historic resources in the community that we may have overlooked or have not fully documented yet; if you know of any that are not on the list, please let us know. If you have any questions, through Valerie Young, our One of the Commissioners will the Inventory and answer any Sincerely, please direct them to the Commission staff person at City Hall (867- 3438). be happy to meet with you to discuss questions you may have. Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elizabeth Ansnes Roy Cameron Norm Koepernik Sharoj� Landsness BarbY(rd' Voester. rren Heid, Chairman HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY (#60) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Peck House 2. Historic name: Higginbotham House 3. Street or rural address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -31 -01 & 02 5. Present Owner: Willys & Betty Peck Address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Residence Original'�Use: Residence DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: California Craftsman 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This two -story shingled house sits in a woodsy setting screened from the street. Alterations and additions to the original structure have been well integrated into the original design. The house and garage originally had copper roofs; the roof of the house has been replaced but the copper roof of the garage remains. Major alterations and additions include a library and deck off the dining room added in 1965, conversion of a screened porch to an office in 1970, and a "Great Hall" and master bedroom with deck on the second floor added in 1980. The property also contains a working miniature railroad including a train station, locomotive and a section of track that circles the house. An amphitheatre overlooking Saratoga Creek is used for dramatic presentations. (photograph here) 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1920 9. Architect: Unknown 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: 201' Depth: 2581+ 171' approx. acreage: 1.5 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 13. Condition: Excellent: Good: X Fair: Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: see 7b 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: Miniature railroad, amphitheatre Zoning: Unknown? SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This house has had but two owners since its construction in 1920. The original owners, Mr. & Mrs. John U. Higginbotham, were authors of travel books. Mr. Higginbotham, an attorney from Chicago, also wrote a column of light commentaries for the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. The latter paper was owned from 1922 to 1929 by Llewellyn Peck, father of Willys Peck, who purchased the house from the Higginbotham estate in 1951. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peck have been active in the community life of Saratoga. Willys, a native Saratogan, is an attorney and a copy editor for the San Jose Mercury News, and has served as president of the Saratoga Historical Foundation (1963 -82), during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He also served on the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission, and the County Bicentennial Commission.. Betty Peck has been a kindergarten teacher at Saratoga School for 27 years, and founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972. Locational sketch map (draw and label site and 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: X Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: Exploration /Settlement: Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Willys & Betty Peck, February 1986. 22. Date form prepared: 4/88 By (name): SHPC Organization: City of Saratoga Address: 13777 Fruitvale Ave. City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 surrounding streets, roads, and prominent landmarks): ,� NORTH ul J y HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #60) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Peck House 2. Historic name: Higginbotham House 3. Street or rural address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -31 -01 & 02 5. Present Owner: Willys & Betty Peck Address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Residence Original'Use: Residence DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: California Craftsman 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This two -story shingled house sits in a woodsy setting screened from the street. Alterations and additions to the original structure have been well integrated into the original design. The house and garage originally had copper roofs; the roof of the house has been replaced but the copper roof of the garage remains. Major alterations and additions include a library and deck off the dining room added in 1965, conversion of a screened porch to an office in 1970, and a "Great Hall" and master bedroom with deck on the second floor added in 1980. The property also contains a working miniature railroad including a train station, locomotive and a section of track that circles the house. An amphitheatre overlooking Saratoga Creek is used for dramatic presentations. 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1920 9. Architect: Unknown (photograph here) 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: 201' Depth: 2581+ 171' approx. acreage: 1.5 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY (#60) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Peck House 2. Historic name: Higginbotham House 3. Street or rural address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 397 -31 -01 & 02 5. Present Owner: Willys & Betty Peck Address: 14275 Saratoga Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Ownership is: Public: Private: X 6. Present Use: Residence Original�Use: Residence DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: California Craftsman 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: This two -story shingled house sits in a woodsy setting screened from the street., Alterations and additions to the original structure have been well integrated into the original design. The house and garage originally had copper roofs; the roof of the house has been replaced but the copper roof of the garage remains. Major alterations and additions include a library and deck off the dining room added in 1965, conversion of a screened porch to an office in 1970, and a "Great Hall" and master bedroom with deck on the second floor added in 1980. The property also contains a working miniature railroad including a train station, locomotive and a section of track that circles the house. An amphitheatre overlooking Saratoga Creek is used for dramatic presentations. (photograph here) 8. Construction date: Estimated: Factual: 1920 9. Architect: Unknown 10. Builder: Unknown 11. Approx. prop. size Frontage: 201' Depth: 2581+ 171' approx. acreage: 1.5 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s): 1988 N R3 L co �"A City chooses 1985 Citizen By Karen Weill After years of giving of them- selves to Saratoga, Willys and Betty Peck have received some- thing in return from the town: they were named Saratoga's 1985 Citizen of the Year. The list of their accomplish- ments, pulled together by the award's sponsor, the Chamber of Commerce, takes two full pages. It seems as if the Pecks have been in on the ground floor or worked for just about every major organization in town. But Willys Peck, who was baptized in the Saratoga Feder- ated Church and has lived here his entire life, doesn't seem to be very impressed with his own contributions. When asked why he had been so involved, he re- plied, "I don't think it's very un- usual. If you talk to people who have been here a long time, they've been involved, not in the flashy things, but in the long- term stuff. "A lot of people spend the time ... If it's a good place to live, it's worth spending the time on it." 6 If it's a good place to live, it's worth spending the time on it. 9 Willys Peck Citizen of the Year Dorothy Day, president of the Chamber, said, "He's a very humble man." She had a recent example to prove it. She said Willys, who works as a night copy editor for the San Jose Mercury News, was worried about how he was going to teell colleagues without appearing boastful. But, she laughed, he needn't have worried — a reporter had called the Chamber the after- noon that the committee chose the honorees and had already spread the word at work. The popular Peck received a lot of ribbing — and a lot of back -slap- ping, Day added. In addition to his night work and volunteering, Willys also is In 1955, Betty founded the Easterbrook Farm School, which has since become the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation School for pre - school -age chil- dren. Easterbrook, housed on the former Easterbrook Farm on Bainter Road, offered chil- dren an experience in farm life and natural surroundings and included a program for parents. i He is Saratoga. He represents the great principles underlining Saratoga: the person who is involved.! self- employed during the day as an attorney. He received his de- gree in law from the University of Santa Clara (now Santa Clara University) and works primarily in probate law. His wife, Betty, who shares the award with him, explained seriously, "Geniuses don't need very much sleep." But, she add- ed, "I need my sleep." Betty, who moved to Sara- toga after her marriage to Willys in 1952, works as a kinder- garten teacher for the Saratoga Union School District at Oak Grove School. She has worked for the district for 27 years and currently teaches a special kindergarten program which re- quires parent involvement in order to allow the child to be en- rolled. The program involves a lot of outside work for Betty, one of the reasons she was given the award along with Willys, ac- cording to the Chamber. She holds required weekly meetings with all the parents of "her" children, puts on workshops on pertinent topics and visits families of her students in their homes. Betty Peck Citizen of the Year In 1972, she founded the Sara- toga Community Garden on the site of the Odd Fellow's Home on Fruitvale Avenue. Last year, the garden helped 5,000 children to learn gardening skills and traditional farming methods as well as participate in nature pro- grams. "In the garden, children have the opportunity to root them- selves, to connect with Earth. (To see) that we need the Earth and the Earth needs us." After taking a sabbatical leave to establish gardens in other schools, Betty was named "Environmentalist of the Year" in 1981 by the New Conserva- tionist Environmental Group. She is writing a book on kinder- garten teaching methods for parents and children and her teaching methods are being documented on video tape for in- structional use. Willys' list of accomplish- ments are just as impressive. He was president of the Sara- toga Historical Foundation from 1963 to 1982 and during his presi- dency, the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. Willys, who speaks in a slow and Betty and Willys Peck of Saratoga were chosen as the 1985 Citizen of the Year from a list of eight nominees submitted to the Chamber of Commerce. They will be honored at a dinner to be given Feb. 27. deliberative manner, would rather talk about Saratoga's his- tory than speak on his work to Preserve it. But Betty is quick to praise his work, sounding more like an adoring bride than a married woman of 34 years. "When he opend the museum, he said something I'll never forget: `I give you instant roots.' Isn't that marvelous? So many people drift in and out — he was giving them roots." Willys has many interests Please turn to page 6 , ANNA L. LOZE uary 29, 1986 Vol 33, No. 5 P.O. BOX 334 SARATOGA, CA 95070 12-9-8/0 Po ra toka i Yews Serving the city since 1955 First section 25' a tall: is JF4 See story page 4 i n r eview JF4 See story page 4 ���cks receive Citizen award Continued from page 2 and has managed to at least dab- ble a little in most of them. His love of history was shown by his work for the foundation and that, from 1973 to 1976, he was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission; and in 1975 -76, he served on the Santa Clara County Bicentennial Commis- sion. His love for the theater was shown when he served as presi- dent of the Saratoga Drama Group when it was first organ- ized in 1953 and played leading roles in several productions. The Pecks' son, Bill, was a co-found- er of the Valley Institute of Theater Arts, which has used the Pecks' backyard amphi- theater since its beginning in 1975. Willys also shares Betty's love for gardens, and served as a board member of the Florence Nelson Foundation, which ad- ministers the Nelson Gardens in Saratoga and its trust fund for charitable uses. As for charity, he is serving on the board of directors for the Central Area Chapter of the United Way; is chairman of the City picks the Pecks Continued from page 6 Betty said that he is also "a poet, photographer, printer and railroad buff." The couple has a home -made, life -size train that runs around the Pecks' garden. In 1985, both Betty and Willys were honored with the "Achievers Award by the Santa Clara County chapter of the Pen - women for their creative accom- plishments. Willys said, "I care about the town. A lot of people have the same feeling. (That's why) they move here. "The latter -day prestige thing — it's kind of disappoint- ing. People used to come here because it was a good place to come to — it still is — but now it's a status symbol. "I've just never seen any place I'd rather be." Betty added, "He is Sara- toga. He represents the great principles underlining Sara- toga: the person who is involv- ed, not only with the world, but his roots, the history." The Pecks will be honored at a dinner, sponsored by the Chamber, at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place. For more informa- tion, call867 -0753. Christian Service Fund of the Saratoga Fund; and in 1968, was coordinator of the first Congress for Community Progress in Saratoga, a community -wide forum for civic betterment. Froom 1949 to 1953, he was chairman of the Saratoga Dis- placed Persons Committee that brought Hungarian refugees from camps in Europe to the United States through the Church World Service, which the Saratoga Federated Church belonged to. As if that were not all enough, Plean tine to page 11 8$ San Jose Mercury News, Saturday, Fcbruary J 7, 19 9 Obituaries Llewellyn Peck dies; former editor, postmaster ,Llewellyn B. Peck, longtime newspaperman and former Saratoga postmaster, died Fri- day morning in the Cupertino retirement home where he had lived since 1965. He was 93. Born in China where his par- ents were medical missionar- ies, Peck was brought as a young boy to the Bay area and attended Oakland High School. He attended Pomona College arid, although he was not a graduate, maintained ties with his class of 1911. In 1961 he composed music for words he had written more than 50 years previously, and the resulting Pomona Alumni Song, as sung by the college glee club, was a feature of the class' golden an- niversary reunion. Peck started his career in 1909 as a reporter on the old Fresno Republican under famed California editor' Ches- ter Rowell. He later moved ,to San Francisco where he worked as a reporter on the Morning Call and as news edi- tor for the Mining and Scientif- ic Press. Called up with the National Llewellyn Peck Guard during World War 1, Peck transferred to the balloon service and was graduated as an observer about the time of Armistice. Peck was assistant editor of the Berkeley Gazette when he decided to enter the country weekly field and bought the Saratoga Star, moving there in 1922. The paper at that time was printed in Los Gatos and Peck set up his own plant at the rear of what was then the Saratoga post office. He later moved the opera- tion to Los Gatos and estab- lished the Los Gatos Star. In 1929 he sold the newspapers to Hiland L. Baggerly, publisher of the Los Gatos Mail -News, maintaining his job printing business under the name Caer- leon Press and working as a re- porter for the San Jose Mercu- ry Herald, now the Mercury. In 1931, Peck returned to the Mail News and Star as editor until 1943 when he took over the postmastership at Sarato- ga. He retired in 1954. Peck was one of a half -dozen founding members of San Jose Local 98 of the Newspaper Guild in 1939 while on the Mail -News. He also was Guild representative to the Central Labor Council. In other activities, Peck took part In the movement that led to-the incorporation of Sarato- ga in 1956. During the 1950s he played comedy roles in several of the Los Gatos Theater Work- shop productions directed by the late Lilian Fontaine. Peck, whose trademark was the green eyeshade of his news- paper days, kept his hand in that calling by a flow of letters to the editor on a variety of subjects. His pet cause was. promotion of a federal opinion poll to be conducted periodical- ly among registered voters for the guidance of Congress on key issues. During his 43 -year residence in Saratoga, Peck belonged to the Saratoga Mens Club, Sara- toga Lions Club and West Val- ley Post of the American Le- gion. He was a member of the Saratoga Federated Church. His wife, Lida, died in 1971. Survivors include two sons, Willys I. Peck, Saratoga attor- ney and San Jose Mercury staff writer, and Albert O'B. Peck, a television station chief engineer in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; four grandchildren and one great - grandchild. this stcAa cj Sat ab aid D rl l", Lied 9) L ' " r E�1 V ern l q S- Betty & Willys Peck 14275 Saratoga Avenue This interesting brown shingle, two -story California Craftsman house was built in 1920, and has had only two previous owners. Mr. and Mrs. John U. Higinbotham lived here for 30 years. After Mrs. Higinbotham died in 1951 Willys Peck purchased the house from her estate. Mr. Higinbotham, who had been a lawyer in Chicago, and his wife were travelers who wrote books on their travels after each trip. Mr. Higinbotham also wrote a column of light commentary in the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. Mrs. Higinbotham was a bird lover and had a bird sanctuary. The Pecks also have a bird sanctuary across the creek. The Higinbothams had a pet quail named Peeper, who was hatched beside the front steps of the house. He was a very important part of the Higinbotham's lives. Peeper lived 8 years. He often would be found sitting on Mrs Higinbotham's shoulder and he liked to ride in the car. He is buried in the front yard; his grave is marked with a carved headstone. Also in front of the house is a train waiting station. It is the actual Peninsular Railway Station once located at Nippon Kura (where La Hacienda is now). Do you sense the oriental feeling? The house and garage orginally had copper roofs. The roof on the house has been replaced but the copper one remains on the garage. There have been additions by both of the owners. All have been tastefully done and are in keeping with the feeling of the home. They are interestingly integrated with the orginal house. The orginal owners added a card room which now serves as the Peck's archives, where all of the priceless historical documents, records and assorted momentos are filed and stored. In addition the Higinbothams expanded the living room, adding a fireplace. Betty and Willys Peck added the library and deck off the dining room in 1965. In 1970 they converted a screen porch into the area that now serves as Willys' law office. In 1980 the Great Hall was built and the master bedroom and deck were added upstairs. Willys is a native Saratogan, copy editor at the San Jose Mercury News and an attorney. Betty moved to Saratoga after her marriage to Willys in 1952 and works as a kindergarten teacher at Oak Street School in Saratoga. She started to teach in 1943 at Los Gatos Elementary School, now Old Town, and has taught for 27 years in the Saratoga School District. Betty has probably had an impact on nearly every child in Saratoga? The Pecks have been very involved in many mayor organizations in Saratoga at the grassroots level. In 1956 Betty founded the Easterbrook Farm School, now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation Nursery School for pre - school children. She also founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972 and currently is writing a kindergarten teaching methods book for parents and children. Willys was president of the Saratoga Historical Society from 1963 -1982, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission and was on the county Bicentennial Commission as well. He was president and played leading roles with the Federated Drama Group, sponsored by the Saratoga Federated Church. The F.D.G. subsequently became the Saratoga Drama Group. In 1975 the Pecks' son, Bill, was a co- founder of Valley Institute of Theater Arts. VITA has used the Pecks amphitheater for some of its productions. The Pecks dust received the well- deserved honor of being named as Saratoga's 1985 Citizens of the Year. In the law office there is a desk that belonged to Willys' grandfather who was a missionary and medical doctor who went to China in the 1870'x. His four children were born in China and many of the treasures in this home are from there. Also be sure to notice the telegraph key which is hooked up to the train station in back; it works? The beautiful Eastlake style bed in this front bedroom belonged to a special friend, Dora Rankin of Los Gatos. The bathroom is papered with old photos of Saratoga's earlier days. The claw -foot tub is orginal, but the Pecks added the wonderful old fashioned toilet. The coffee table in the living room is from Betty's Aunt Maude. Actually it is a display case turned upside downf The chairs and love seat are cherrywood and belonged to Betty's grandmother. The five scrolls on the wall depict Chinese fairy tales, and over the fireplace is a fresco (painting done on mud or plaster) of the Buddhist Caves in China done in the 16th or 17th century (there is a second one in the Great Hall). On the mantle is an oriental temple bell. Next to the fireplace is a cabinet containing Willys' family's fade collection and artifacts from China. On the fireplace hangs a Chinese battle ax (I'll bet there are some interesting stories about this). Over the doorway into the dining room hangs a horn from either Tibet or China. The antique organ in the dining room was saved from the front porch of a ranch house and has been restored to working order. The china in the cabinet is Haviland and is from Willys' family. The cabinet that holds the silver belonged to Dora Rankin and this cabinet is humorously referred to at the "Rankin File"? You have probably noticed the radiators in the rooms. This house is heated with steam heat. On the deck outside the dining room is a bell. Willys gave this to Betty on their 25th wedding anniversary. He thought every school teacher should have her own school bell. In the kitchen, over the table is a picture of Betty's father and a knife that was Willys own "cot" cutting knife from his boyhood days in Saratoga. There are also some photographs of Peeper, the pet quail. On the table is an oriental gong. Over the kitchen sink is a stained glass picture of Betty in the garden with the children. It was done by Carol Hershfeld. Throughout the house you may notice children's art work, which is mostly from the students in Betty's kindergarten classes. The coffee grinder on the counter works. Be sure to notice the wooden kitchen counters and many other momentos in this cozy room. There are many treasures to look at in the Library. First you will probably notice Willys' printing press, which is an antique, foot - powered 1887 model. Since one of Willys' intersts is printing, he uses this press often. Among the aviation photographs is one of Olivia De Havilland with Captain Sir Geoffery De Havilland (related) seated in a De Havilland Comet. The doorway dust to the left leads into the archives. The skeleton is Titus Peck named for a distant realtive who died of camp fever in the Revolutionary War in 1777. Behind you is an oil burning head light from a train that ran through the Santa Cruz mountains. It is over 100 years old. Now you enter The Great Hall, the latest addition to the house. This wonderful room was built as a studio theater and stage. The antique movie projector is from the recently demolished Saratoga Theater. The rocks in this fireplace were collected from Saratoga Creek behind the house. The large windows really bring the outside in, don't they? The odd configuration of the windows at the end of the room was necessary to allow the passage of the train that runs around the garden and house. Yes, another one of Willys' interests is trains4 The baby grand piano at the end of the room is also a player piano. On the wall is the other fresco of the Buddhist Caves in China that dates from before Christ. The horizontal red banner says "Good bye to the most wonderful doctor from across the seas ". This was given to Willys' grandfather when he left China. The vertical red banner .says, " A man is more gracious when his comforts are taken care of ". *The three smaller framed works are Japanese tapestries. The large.mirror was in Betty's great - grandfather's dental office in Tennessee. Betty wore the white kimono with wisteria blossoms at her daughter's wedding. One of the three cermonies was at dawn at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. Some of the lovely oriental things in this room are from Willys' mother. She had an importing business in the 1920's. The antique doll buggy is another gift from Dora Rankin who was a very close friend of Betty's family. UPSTAIRS Willys' darkroom The master bathroom also has an antique claw - footed tub (orginal). The Bride's Room was their daughter Annie's `room as a child. When she was-getting married this room was converted into the Bride's Room to be used for the bride and bridesmaids. It had 6 wedding dresses as part of the decoration. Such a sweet feminine room, so cozy and intimate, and with a lovely view4 Betty's study is a redwood lined room. The framed flower wreath on the wall is made of hair. This belonged to Charlotte Cunningham. The antique shoes seen here are a part of Betty's daily wear as a kindergarten teacher. The master bedroom was added in 1980. Don't you have the feeling you are in the trees? The view is so serene. The beautiful antique bed belonged to Betty's grandmother. What a romantic room? It is in this room that Betty works on her book. On the side of the deck you'll notice Rapunzel's tower. The seat on the front of the tower is Betty's throne. She has a collection of crowns to select from when she is going to sit here. One of the crowns was made by Bill, her son, when he was a child. On the side of the tower is a gargoyle made by a friend. In the spring the flowering trees and the baby roses that climb through the oaks give a fairyland feeling. Below, in the garden, is a grand oak tree with a very wide girth. As you walk through the garden you will see the train station office with its telegraph. This is the train station for the train that runs around the house. The locomotive is powered by a 7- horsepower gasoline motor. The children in each of Betty's classes are treated to a day at the Peck's and they all get a ride! The map on the wall is a 1915 railroad map of California showing all the lines at that time. There is a painting of the West San Jose Station of the Old South Pacific Coast Railroad (site of the present depot) by Laura Lee Mitchel . Willys also has on display some of his collection of electric trains and a Peninsular Railway motorman's coat. You will pass by the Long Branch Saloon, the General Store and the Blacksmith's Shop with an anvil and operating forge. The small wagon is an Austrian gypsy wagon. Notice the glass- topped table with the wheel underneath from a 1918 Curtis Jenny, a WW I plane. The benches are from a church. The pillars at the entrance to the amphitheater were used in the stage set of one of Saratoga Drama Group's first productions, "Inherit the Wind ". Romeo and Juliet's balcony, built in 1955, is to the upper right of the stage. Betty and Willys Peck are exciting people who lead dynamic lives. The feeling in their home is one of warmth where they are surrounded by many historic, family treasures. Barbara Voester February, 1986 Based on conversations with the owners. Betty & Willys Peck 14275 Saratoga Avenue This interesting brown shingle, two -story California Craftsman house was built in 1920, and has had only two previous owners. Mr. and Mrs. John U. Higinbotham lived here for 30 years. After Mrs. Higinbotham died in 1951 Willys Peck purchased the house from her estate. Mr. Higinbotham, who had been a lawyer in Chicago, and his wife were travelers who wrote books on their travels after each trip. Mr. Higinbotham also wrote a column of light commentary in the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. Mrs. Higinbotham was a bird lover and had a bird sanctuary. The Pecks also have a bird sanctuary across the creek. The Higinbothams had a pet quail named Peeper, who was hatched beside the front steps of the house. He was a very important part of the Higinbotham's lives. Peeper lived 6 years. He often would be found sitting on Mrs Higinbotham's shoulder and he liked to ride in the car. He is buried in the front yard; his grave is marked with a carved headstone. Also in front of the house is a train waiting station. It is the actual Peninsular Railway Station once located at Nippon Mura (where La Hacienda is now). Do you sense the oriental feeling? The house and garage orginally had copper roofs. The roof on the house has been replaced but the copper one remains on the garage. There have been additions by both of the owners. All have been tastefully done and are in keeping with the feeling of the home. They are interestingly integrated with the orginal house. The orginal owners added a card room which now serves as the Peck's archives, where all of the priceless historical documents, records and assorted momentos are filed and stored. In addition the Higinbothams expanded the living room, adding a fireplace. Betty and Willys Peck added the library and deck off the dining room in 1965. In 1970 they converted a screen porch into the area that now serves as Willys' law office. In 1980 the Great Hall was built and the master bedroom and deck were added upstairs. Willys is a native Saratogan, copy editor at the San Jose Mercury News and an attorney. Betty moved to Saratoga after her marriage to Willys in 1952 and works as a kindergarten teacher at Oak Street School in Saratoga. She started to teach in 1943 at Los Gatos Elementary School, now Old Town, and has taught for 27 years in the Saratoga School District. Betty has probably had an impact on nearly every child in Saratoga! The Pecks have been very involved in many ma30r organizations in Saratoga at the grassroots level. In 1956 Betty founded the Easterbrook Farm School, now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation Nursery School for pre - school children. She also founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972 and currently is writing a kindergarten teaching methods book for parents and children. Willys was president of the Saratoga Historical Society from 1963 -1982, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission and was on the county Bicentennial Commission as well. He was president and played leading roles with the Federated Drama Group, sponsored by the Saratoga Federated Church. The F.D.G. subsequently became the'Saratova Drama Group. In 1975 the Pecks' son, Bill,,-was a co- founder of Valley Institute of Theater Arts. VITA has used the Pecks amphitheater for some of its productions. The Pecks dust received the well- deserved honor of being named as Saratoga's 1985 Citizens of the Year. In the law office there is a desk that belonged to Willys' grandfather who was a missionary and medical doctor who went to China in the 1870's. His four children were born in China and many of the treasures in this home are from there. Also be sure to notice the telegraph key which is hooked up to the train station in back; it works! The beautiful Eastlake style bed in this front bedroom belonged to a special friend, Dora Rankin of Los Gatos. The bathroom is papered with old photos of Saratoga's earlier days. The claw -foot tub is orginal, but the Pecks added the wonderful old fashioned toilet. The coffee table in the living room is from Betty's Aunt Maude. Actually it is a display case turned upside down! The chairs and love seat are cherrywood and belonged to Betty's grandmother. The five scrolls on the wall depict Chinese fairy tales, and over the fireplace is a fresco (painting done on mud or plaster) of the Buddhist Caves in China done in the 16th or 17th century (there is a second one in the Great Hall). On the mantle is an oriental temple bell. Next to the fireplace is a cabinet containing Willys' family's fade collection and artifacts from China. On the fireplace hangs a Chinese battle ax (I'll bet there are some interesting stories about this). Over the doorway into the dining room hangs a horn from either Tibet or China. The antique organ in the dining room was saved from the front porch of a ranch house and has been restored to working order. The china in the cabinet is Haviland and is from Willys' family. The cabinet that holds the silver belonged to Dora Rankin and this cabinet is humorously referred to at the "Rankin File "! You have probably noticed the radiators in the rooms. This house is heated with steam heat. On the deck outside the dining room is a bell. Willys gave this to Betty on their 25th wedding anniversary. He thought every school teacher should have her own school bell. In the kitchen, over the table is a picture of Betty's father and a knife that was Willys own "cot" cutting knife from his boyhood days' in Saratoga. There are also some photographs of Peeper, the pet quail. On the table is an oriental gong. Over the kitchen sink is a stained glass picture of Betty in the garden with the children. It was done by Carol Hershfeld. Throughout the house you may notice children's art work, which is mostly from the students in Betty's kindergarten classes. The coffee grinder on the counter works. Be sure to notice the wooden kitchen counters and many other momentos in this cozy room. There are many treasures to look at in the Library. First you will probably notice Willys' printing press, which is an antique, foot - powered 1887 model. Since one of Willys' intersts is printing, he uses this press often. Among the aviation photographs is one of Olivia De Havilland with Captain Sir Geoffery De Havilland (related) seated in a De Havilland Comet. The doorway dust to the left leads into the archives. The skeleton is Titus Peck named for a distant realtive who died of camp fever in the Revolutionary War in 1777. Behind you is an oil burning head light from a train that ran through the Santa Cruz mountains. It is over 100 years old. Now you enter The Great Hall, the latest addition to the house. This wonderful room was built as a studio theater and stage. The antique movie projector is from the recently demolished Saratoga Theater. The rocks in this fireplace were collected from Saratoga Creek behind the ;4Z,m $.�a c house. The large windows really bring the outside in, don't they? The odd configuration of the windows at the end of the room was necessary to allow the passage of the train that runs around the garden and house. Yes, another one of Willys' interests is trains! The baby grand piano at the end of the room is also a player piano. On the wall is the other fresco of the Buddhist Caves in China that dates from before Christ. The horizontal red banner says "Good bye to the most wonderful doctor from across the seas ". This was given to Willya' grandfather when he left China. The vertical red banner says, " A man is more gracious when his comforts are taken care of ". The three smaller framed works are Japanese tapestries. The large mirror was in Betty's great - grandfather's dental office in Tennessee. Betty wore the white kimono with wisteria blossoms at her daughter's wedding. One of the three cermonies was at dawn at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. Some of the lovely oriental things in this room are from Willys' mother. She had an importing business in the 1920's. The antique doll buggy is another gift from Dora Rankin who was a very close friend of Betty's family. UPSTAIRS Willys' darkroom The master bathroom also has an antique claw- footed tub (orginal). The Bride's Room was their daughter Annie's room as a child. When she was getting married this room was converted into the Bride's Room to be used for the bride and bridesmaids. It had 6 wedding dresses as part of the decoration. Such a sweet feminine room, so cozy and intimate, and with a lovely view! Betty's study is a redwood lined room. The framed flower wreath on the wall is made of hair. This belonged to Charlotte Cunningham. The antique shoes seen here are a part of Betty's daily wear as a kindergarten teacher. The master bedroom was added in 1980. Don't you have the feeling you are in the trees? The view is so serene. The beautiful antique bed belonged to Betty's grandmother. What a romantic room! It is in this room that Betty works on her book. On the side of the deck you'll notice Rapunzel's tower. The seat on the front of the tower is Betty's throne. She has a collection of crowns to select from when she is going to sit here. One of the crowns was made by Bill, her son, when he was a child. On the side of the tower is a gargoyle made by a friend. In the spring the flowering trees and the baby roses that climb through the oaks give a fairyland feeling. Below, in the garden, is a grand oak tree with a very wide girth. As you walk through the garden you will see the train station office with its telegraph. This is the train station for the train that runs around the house. The locomotive is powered by a 7- horsepower gasoline motor. The children in each of Betty's classes are treated to a day at the Peck's and they all get a ride! The map on the wall is a 1915 railroad map of California showing all the lines at that time. There is a painting of the West San Jose Station of the Old South Pacific Coast Railroad (site of the present depot) by Laura Lee Mitchel . Willys also has on display some of his collection of electric trains and a Peninsular Railway motorman's coat. You will pass by the Long Branch Saloon, the General Store and the Blacksmith's Shop with an anvil and operating forge. The small wagon is an Austrian gypsy wagon. Notice the glass- topped table with the wheel underneath from a 1918 Curtis Jenny, a WW I plane. The benches are from a church. The pillars at the entrance to the amphitheater were used in the stage set of one of Saratoga Drama Group's first productions, "Inherit the Wind ". Romeo and Juliet's balcony, built in 1955, is to the upper right of the stage. Betty and Willys Peck are exciting people who lead dynamic lives. The feeling in their home is one of warmth where they are surrounded by many historic, family treasures. Barbara Voester February, 1986 Based on conversations with the owners. Betty & Willys Peck 14275 Saratoga Avenue This interesting brown shingle, two -story California Craftsman house was built in 1920, and has had only two previous owners. Mr. and Mrs. John U. Higinbotham lived here for 30 years. After Mrs. Higinbotham died in 1951 Willys Peck purchased the house from her estate. Mr. Higinbotham, who had been a lawyer in Chicago, and his wife were travelers who wrote books on their travels after each trip. Mr. Higinbotham also wrote a column of light commentary in the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. Mrs. Higinbotham was a bird lover and had a bird sanctuary. The Pecks also have a bird sanctuary across the creek. The Higinbothams had a pet quail named Peeper, who was hatched beside the front steps of the house. He was a very important part of the Higinbotham's lives. Peeper lived 8 years. He often would be found sitting on Mrs Higinbotham's shoulder and he liked to ride in the car. He is buried in the front yard; his grave is marked with a carved headstone. Also in front of the house is a train waiting station. It is the actual Peninsular Railway Station once located at Nippon Mura (where Le Hacienda is now). Do you sense the oriental feeling? The house and garage orginally had copper roofs. The roof on the house has been replaced but the copper one remains on the garage. There have been additions by both of the owners. All have been tastefully done and are in keeping with the feeling of the home. They are interestingly integrated with the orginal house. The orginal owners added a card room which now serves as the Peck's archives, where all of the priceless historical documents, records and assorted momentos are filed and stored. In addition the Higinbothams expanded the living room, adding a fireplace. Betty and Willys Peck added the library and deck off the dining room in 1965. In 1970 they converted a screen porch into the area that now serves as Willys' law office. In 1980 the Great Hall was built and the master bedroom and deck were added upstairs. Willys is a native Saratogan, copy editor at the San Jose Mercury News and an attorney. Betty moved to Saratoga after her marriage to Willys in 1952 and works as a kindergarten teacher at Oak Street School in Saratoga. She started to teach in 1943 at Los Gatos Elementary School, now Old Town, and has taught for 27 years in the Saratoga School District. Betty has probably had an impact on nearly every child in Saratoga! The Pecks have been very involved in many major organizations in Saratoga at the grassroots level. In 1956 Betty founded the Easterbrook Farm School, now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation Nursery School for pre - school children. She also founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972 and currently is writing a kindergarten teaching methods book for parents and children. Willys was president of the Saratoga Historical Society from 1963 -1982, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission and was on the county Bicentennial Commission as well. He was president and played leading roles with the Federated Drama Group, sponsored by the Saratoga Federated Church. The F.D.G. subsequently became the Saratoga Drama Group. In 1975 the Pecks' son, Bill, was a co- founder of Valley Institute of Theater Arts. VITA has used the Pecks amphitheater for some of its productions. The Pecks dust received the well - deserved honor of being named as Saratoga's 1985 Citizens of the Year. In the law office there is a desk that belonged to Willys' grandfather who was a missionary and medical doctor who went to China in the 1870's. His four children were born in China and many of the treasures in this home are from there. Also be sure to notice the telegraph key which is hooked up to the train station in back; it works! The beautiful Eastlake style bed in this front bedroom belonged to a special friend, Dora Rankin of Los Gatos. The bathroom is papered with old photos of Saratoga's earlier days. The claw -foot tub is orginal, but the Pecks added the wonderful old fashioned toilet. The coffee table in the living room is from Betty's Aunt Maude. Actually it is a display case turned upside down! The chairs and love seat are cherrywood and belonged to Betty's grandmother. The five scrolls on the wall depict Chinese fairy tales, and over the fireplace is a fresco (painting done on mud or plaster) of the Buddhist Caves in China done in the 16th or 17th century (there is a second one in the Great Hall). On the mantle is an oriental temple bell. Next to the fireplace is a cabinet containing Willys' family's fade collection and artifacts from China. On the fireplace hangs a Chinese battle ax (I'll bet there are some interesting stories about this). Over the doorway into the dining room hangs a horn from either Tibet or China. The antique organ in the dining room was saved from the front porch of a ranch house and has been restored to working order. The china in the cabinet is Haviland and is from Willys' family. The cabinet that holds the silver belonged to Dora Rankin and this cabinet is humorously referred to at the "Rankin File "! You have probably noticed the radiators in the rooms. This house is heated with steam heat. On the deck outside the dining room is a bell. Willys gave this to Betty on their 25th wedding anniversary. He thought every school teacher should have her own school bell. In the kitchen, over the table is a picture of Betty's father and a knife that was Willys own "cot" cutting knife from his boyhood days in Saratoga. There are also some photographs of Peeper, the pet quail. On. the table is an oriental gong. Over the kitchen sink is a stained glass picture of Betty in the garden with the children. It was done by Carol Herahfeld. Throughout the house you may notice children's art work, which is mostly from the students in Betty's kindergarten classes. The coffee grinder on the counter works. Be sure to notice the wooden kitchen counters and many other momentos in this cozy room. There are many treasures to look at in the Library. First you will probably notice Willys' printing press, which is an antique, foot - powered 1887 model. Since one of Willys' intersts is printing, he uses this press often. Among the aviation photographs is one of Olivia De Havilland with Captain Sir Geoffery De Havilland (related) seated in a De Havilland Comet. The doorway dust to the left leads into the archives. The skeleton is Titus Peck named for a distant r.ealtive who died of camp fever in the Revolutionary War in 1777. Behind you is an oil burning head light from a train that ran through the Santa Cruz mountains. It is over 100 years old. Now you enter The Great Hall, the latest addition to the house. This wonderful room was built as a studio theater and stage. The antique movie projector is from the recently demolished Saratoga Theater. The rocks in this fireplace were collected from Saratoga Creek behind the house. The large windows really bring the outside in, don't they? The odd configuration of the windows at the end of the room was necessary to allow the passage of the train that runs around the garden and house. Yes, another one of Willys' interests is trains! The baby grand piano at the end of the room is also a player piano. On the wall is the other fresco of the Buddhist Caves in China that dates from before Christ. The horizontal red banner says "Good bye to the most wonderful doctor from across the seas ". This was given to Willys' grandfather when he left China. The vertical red banner says, " A man is more gracious when his comforts are taken care of ". The three smaller framed works are Japanese tapestries. The large mirror was in Betty's great - grandfather's dental office in Tennessee. Betty wore the white kimono with wisteria blossoms at her daughter's wedding. One of the three cermonies was at dawn at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga,. Some of the lovely oriental things in this room are from Willys' mother. She had an importing business in the 1920's. The antique doll buggy is another gift from Dora Rankin who was a very close friend of Betty's family. UPSTAIRS Willys' darkroom The master bathroom also has an antique claw - footed tub (orginal) . The Bride's Room was their daughter Annie's room as a child. When she was getting married this room was converted into the Bride's Room to be used for the bride and bridesmaids. It had 6 wedding dresses as part of the decoration. Such a sweet feminine room, so cozy and intimate, and with a lovely view! Betty's study is a redwood lined room. The framed flower wreath on the wall is made of hair. This belonged to Charlotte Cunningham. The antique shoes seen here are a part of Betty's daily wear as a kindergarten teacher. The master bedroom was added in 1980. Don't you have the feeling you are in the trees? The view is so serene. The beautiful antique bed belonged to Betty's grandmother. What a romantic room! It is in this room that Betty works on her book. On the side of the deck you'll notice Rapunzel's tower. The seat on the front of the tower is Betty's throne. She has a collection of crowns to select from when she is going to sit here. One of the crowns was made by Bill, her son, when he was a child. On the side of the tower is a gargoyle made by a friend. In the spring the flowering trees and the baby roses that climb through the oaks give a fairyland feeling. Below, in the garden, is a grand oak tree with a very wide girth. As you walk through the garden you will see the train station office with its telegraph. This is the train station for the train that runs around the house. The locomotive is powered by a 7- horsepower gasoline motor. The children in each of Betty's classes are treated to a day at the Peck's and they all get a ride! The map on the wall is a 1915 railroad map of California showing all the lines at that time. There is a painting of the West San Jose Station of the Old South Pacific Coast Railroad (site of the present depot) by Laura Lee Rictchel . Willys also has on display some of his collection of electric trains and a Peninsular Railway motorman's coat. You will pass by the Long Branch Saloon, the General Store and the Blacksmith's Shop with an anvil and operating forge. The small wagon is an Austrian gypsy wagon. Notice the glass- topped table with the wheel underneath from a 1918 Curtis Jenny, a WW I plane. The benches are from a church. The pillars at the entrance to the amphitheater were used in the stage set of one of Saratoga Drama Group's first productions, "Inherit the Wind ". Romeo and Juliet's balcony, built in 1955, is to the upper right of the stage. Betty and Willys Peck are exciting people who lead dynamic lives. The feeling in their home is one of warmth where they are surrounded by many historic, family treasures. Barbara Voester February, 1986 Based on conversations with the owners. PERMANENT PASS Dangerous Instrumentality & Attractive Nuisance Rail Road An uncommon carrier operating as a non - profit, non- charitable non - corporation. THE BEARER is entitled to continuous (see terms and conditions below) passage from front to hack yard at 14275 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, on days train is running. This is very uncertain. Terms Conditions 1 - The Rail Road Management is not responsible for washouts, derailments, Indian attacks, defective equipment, negligent personnel or the conduct of other passengers. 2 - Continuous passage as referred to above may depend on the Nillingness of pas- sengers to get out and push. 3 - This pass not good on Eisteddfod, Walpurgisnacht or St. Swithin's Day. W. eck, Superintendent', San News ■ Saratoga couple name as `Citizens of Year' Willys and Betty Peck honored for civic service By Jose Stell Mercury News Ste(( Writer Willys and Betty Peck are the 1985 "Saratoga Citizens of the Year," a five -judge panel for the 19th annual Saratoga Chamber of Commerce award declared last week. Customarily presented to a sin- gle winner, the citation this year was made a dual award for only the second time. Dr. and Mrs. J. Jay Sitney were winners in 1968. Willys Peck, a native Saratogan, is a copy editor at the San Jose Mercury News as well as an attor- ney. His wife, Betty, is a kinder- garten teacher in the Saratoga Union School District. Their civic involvement over the years has included drama and music, nature and environment, human rights, historical preservation and com- munity welfare. Recognition dinner The couple will be honored Feb. 27 at a Saratoga Chamber of Com- merce recognition dinner at the Saratoga Foothill Club, according to Dorothy Day, chamber execu- tive director. The Pecks were honored last year as recipients of an "Achievers Award," presented by the Pen Women of Santa Clara County for their creative accomplishments. But each also has been individually recognized on many other occa- sions. Willys Peck received the Byrl R. Salsman Award from the Santa Clara County Bar Association in 1974 for his voluntary service as co-editor of its magazine. Historical foundation He was Saratoga Historical Foundation president for 19 years, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was estab- lished. He was a member of the County Historical Heritage Com- mission from 1973 to 1976 and served on the County Bicentennial Commission as well. His other activities include directorship on the United Way central area chapter and chair- manship of the Saratoga Feder- ated Church Christian Service Fund; board member of the Flor- ence Nelson Foundation; charter president of the Saratoga Drama Lark Ave. overpass to be widened The state Department of Trans- portation has informed the town of Los Gatos that the Lark Avenue overpass at Highway 17 will be widened from two to four lanes in the 1986 -87 fiscal year, becoming the first Santa Clara County proj- ect to use Measure A funding. A traffic signal also will be installed. The Los Gatos Town Council last week asked Town Manager Debo- rah Swartfager to write Caltrans a letter ensuring that the project include bike lanes. The Lark Avenue intersection at Highway 17 is one of the worst traffic bottlenecks during peak commute hours and has one of the highest accident rates in Los Gatos, officials said. The Caltrans project, which will cost $2.5 million, will provide two lanes in each direction separated by a raised concrete median, side- walks and ramp improvements. Measure A, the half -cent sales tax, was approved by voters in November 1984 for transportation construction. Group; coordinator fn 1968 of the first Congress for Community Progress in Saratoga, a communi- tywide forum for civic betterment; and five years as chairman of the Saratoga Displaced Persons Com- mittee. Founded school Betty Peck in 1956 founded Eas- terbrook Farm School (now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation School), offering preschool children experience in farm life and nature surroundings and a program for parents designed to enrich family life. She founded the Saratoga Com- munity Garden in 1972 on former farming acreage at the Odd Fel- lows Home on Fruifvale Avenue, where young apprentices learn gardening skills and traditional farming methods. Ten years ago, she was granted a sabbatical in order to establish gardens in other schools. Environmentalist In 1981, she was hailed as "Envi- ronmentalist of the Year" by the United New Conservationists envi- ronmental group for her contribu- tions in the field of kindergarten gardening. Robert G. Egan, a Realtor and clothing -store owner, was Sarato- ga's 1984 Citizen of the Year. Win- ners in prior years were: Peggy Corr (1983), Warren B. Held (1982), Marjorie Bunyard (1981), Mildred Gordon (1980), Jackie Welch (1979), Craig North- rup (1978), Cole M. Bridges (1977), Melita Oden (1976), Marilyn White (1975), Jean Woodward (1974), Lois Burke (1973), Margaret Reed Nail (1972), Dick Schwendinger (1971), Alice Rawak (1970), Saratoga Rotary Club (1969), Dr. and Mrs. J. Jay Sitney (1968) and Charlotte Monroe (1967). Willys and Betty Peck have been active in drama, nature and human rights San Jose Mercury News ■ Wednesday, January 29 1986 • Extra 3 3 Awards - Saratoga couple name as `Citizens of Year' Willys and Betty Peck honored for civic service By Jose Stell Mercury News Staff Writer Willys and Betty Peck are the 1985 "Saratoga Citizens of the Year," a five -judge panel for the 19th annual Saratoga Chamber of Commerce award declared last week. Customarily presented to a sin- gle winner, the citation this year was made a dual award for only the second time. Dr. and Mrs. J. Jay Sitney were winners in 1968. Willys Peck, a native Saratogan, is a copy editor at the San Jose Mercury News as well as an attor- ney. His wife, Betty, is a kinder- garten teacher in the Saratoga Union School District. Their civic involvement over the years has included drama and music, nature and environment, human rights, historical preservation and com- munity welfare. Recognition dinner The couple will be honored Feb. 27 at a Saratoga Chamber of Com- merce recognition dinner at the Saratoga Foothill Club, according to Dorothy Day, chamber execu- tive director. The Pecks were honored last year as recipients of an "Achievers Award,' , presented by the Pen Women of Santa Clara County for their creative accomplishments. But each also has been individually recognized on many other occa- sions. Willys Peck received the Byrl R. Salsman Award from the Santa Clara County Bar Association in 1974 for his voluntary service as co- editor of its magazine. Historical foundation He was Saratoga Historical Foundation president for 19 years, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was estab- lished. He was a member of the County Historical Heritage Com- mission from 1973 to 1976 and served on the County Bicentennial Commission as well. His other activities include directorship on the United Way central area chapter and chair- manship of the Saratoga Feder- ated Church Christian Service Fund; board member of the Flor- ence Nelson Foundation; charter president of the Saratoga Drama Lark Ave. overpass to be widened The state Department of Trans- portation has informed the town of Los Gatos that the Lark Avenue overpass at Highway 17 will be widened from two to four lanes in the 1986 -87 fiscal year, becoming the first Santa Clara County proj- ect to use Measure A funding. A traffic signal also will be installed. The Los Gatos Town Council last week asked Town Manager Debo- rah Swartfager to write Caltrans a letter ensuring that the project include bike lanes. The Lark Avenue intersection at Highway 17 is one of the worst traffic bottlenecks during peak commute hours and has one of the highest accident rates in Los Gatos, officials said. The Caltrans project, which will cost $2.5 million, will provide two lanes in each direction separated by a raised concrete median, side- walks and ramp improvements. Measure A, the half -cent sales tax, was approved by voters in November 1984 for transportation construction. Group; coordinator in 1968 of the first Congress for Community Progress in Saratoga, a communi- tywide forum for civic betterment; and five years as chairman of the Saratoga Displaced Persons Com- mittee. Founded school Betty Peck in 1956 founded Eas- terbrook Farm School (now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation School), offering preschool children experience in farm life and nature surroundings and a program for parents designed to enrich family life. She founded the Saratoga Com- munity Garden in 1972 on former farming acreage at the Odd Fel- lows Home on Fruitvale Avenue, where young apprentices learn gardening skills and traditional farming methods. Ten years ago, she was granted a sabbatical in order to establish gardens in other schools. Environmentalist In 1981, she was hailea as "Envi- ronmentalist of the Year" by the United New Conservationists envi- ronmental group for her contribu- tions in the field of kindergarten gardening. Robert G. Egan, a Realtor and clothing -store owner, was Sarato- ga's 1984 Citizen of the Year. Win- ners in prior years were: Peggy Corr (1983), Warren B. Heid (1982), Marjorie Bunyard (1981), Mildred Gordon (1980), Jackie Welch (1979), Craig North- rup (1978), Cole M. Bridges (1977), Melita Oden (1976), Marilyn White (1975), Jean Woodward (1974), Lois Burke (1973), Margaret Reed Nail (1972), Dick Schwendinger (1971), Alice Rawak (1970), Saratoga Rotary Club (1969), Dr. and Mrs. J. Jay Sitney (1968) and Charlotte Monroe (1967). Willys and Betty Peck have been active in drama, nature and human rights _4W .1 N g3 z c ko City chooses 1985 Citizen of the Year By Karen Weill After years of giving of them- selves to Saratoga, Willys and Betty Peck have received some- thing in return from the town: they were named Saratoga's 1985 Citizen of the Year. The list of their accomplish- ments, pulled together by the award's sponsor, the Chamber of Commerce, takes two full pages. It seems as if the Pecks have been in on the ground floor or worked for just about every major organization in town. But Willys Peck, who was baptized in the Saratoga Feder- ated Church and has lived here his entire life, doesn't seem to be very impressed with his own contributions. When asked why he had been so involved, he re- plied, "I don't think it's very un- usual. If you talk to people who have been here a long time, they've been involved, not in the flashy things, but in the long- term stuff. "A lot of people spend the time ... If it's a good place to live, it's worth spending the time on it." 6 If it's a good place to live, it's worth spending the time on it.9 Willys Peck Citizen of the Year Dorothy Day, president of the Chamber, said, "He's a very humble man." She had a recent example to prove it. She said Willys, who works as a night copy editor for the San Jose Mercury News, was worried about how he was going to teell colleagues without appearing boastful. But, she laughed, he needn't have worried — a reporter had called the Chamber the after- noon, that the committee chose the honorees and had already spread the word at work. The popular Peck received a lot of ribbing — and a lot of back -slap- ping, Day added. In addition to his night work and volunteering, Willys also is In 1955, Betty founded the Easterbrook Farm School, which has since become the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation School for pre - school -age chil- dren. Easterbrook, housed on the former Easterbrook Farm on Bainter Road, offered chil- dren an experience in farm life and natural surroundings and included a program for parents. 6 He is Saratoga. He represents the great principles underlining Saratoga: the person who is involved.! self- employed during the day as an attorney. He received his de- gree in law from the University of Santa Clara (now Santa Clara University) and works primarily in probate law. His wife, Betty, who shares the award with him, explained seriously, "Geniuses don't need very much sleep." But, she add- ed, "I need my sleep." Betty, who moved to Sara- toga after her marriage to Willys in 1952, works as a kinder- garten teacher for the Saratoga Union School District at Oak Grove School. She has worked for the district for 27 years and currently teaches a special kindergarten program which re- quires parent involvement in order to allow the child to be en- rolled. The program involves a lot of outside work for Betty, one of the reasons she was given the award along with Willys, ac- cording to the Chamber. She holds required weekly meetings with all the parents of "her" children, puts on workshops on pertinent topics and visits families of her students in their homes. Betty Peck Citizen of the Year In 1972, she founded the Sara- toga Community Garden on the site of the Odd Fellow's Home on Fruitvale Avenue. Last year, the garden helped 5,000 children to learn gardening skills and traditional farming methods as well as participate in nature pro- grams. "In the garden, children have the opportunity to root them- selves, to connect with Earth. (To see) that we need the Earth and the Earth needs us." After taking a sabbatical leave to establish gardens in other schools, Betty was named "Environmentalist of the Year" in 1981 by the New Conserva- tionist Environmental Group. She is writing a book on kinder- garten teaching methods for parents and children and her teaching methods are being documented on video tape for in- structional use. Willys' list of accomplish- ments are just as impressive. He was president of the Sara- toga Historical Foundation from 1963 to 1982 and during his presi- dency, the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. Willys, who speaks in a slow and Betty and Willys Peck of Saratoga were chosen as the 1985 Citizen of the Year from a list of eight nominees submitted to the Chamber of Commerce. They will be honored at a dinner to be given Feb. 27. deliberative manner, would rather talk about Saratoga's his- tory than speak on his work to preserve it. But Betty is quick to praise his work, sounding more like an adoring bride than a married woman of 34 years. "When he opend the museum, he said something I'll never forget: `I give you instant roots.' Isn't that marvelous? So many people drift in and out — he was giving them roots." Willys has many interests Please turn to page 6 Pecks receive Citizen award Continued from page 2 and has managed to at least dab- ble a little in most of them. His love of history was shown by his work for the foundation and that, from 1973 to 1976, he was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission; and in 1975 -76, he served on the Santa Clara County Bicentennial Commis- sion. His love for the theater was shown when he served as presi- dent of the Saratoga Drama Group when it was first organ- ized in 1953 and played leading roles in several productions. The Pecks' son, Bill, was a co-found- er of the Valley Institute of Theater Arts, which has used the Pecks' backyard amphi- theater since its beginning in 1975. Willys also shares Betty's love for gardens, and served as a board member of the Florence Nelson Foundation, which ad- ministers the Nelson Gardens in Saratoga and its trust fund for charitable uses. As for charity, he is serving on the board of directors for the Central Area Chapter of the United Way; is chairman of the City picks the Pecks Continued from page 6 Christian Service Fund of the Saratoga Fund; and in 1968, was coordinator of the first Congress for Community Progress in Saratoga, a community -wide forum for civic betterment. Froom 1949 to 1953, he was chairman of the Saratoga Dis- placed Persons Committee that brought Hungarian refugees from camps in Europe to the United States through the Church World Service, which the Saratoga Federated Church belonged io. As if that were not all enough, Betty said that he is also "a poet, photographer, printer and railroad buff." The couple has a home -made, life -size train that runs around the Pecks' garden. In 1985, both Betty and Willys were honored with the "Achievers Award by the Santa Clara County chapter of the Pen - women for their creative accom- plishments. Willys said, "I care about the town. A lot of people have the same feeling. (That's why) they move here. "The latter -day prestige thing — it's kind of disappoint- ing. People used to come here because it was a good place to come to — it still is — but now it's a status symbol. "I've just never seen any place I'd rather be." Betty added, "He is Sara- toga. He represents the great principles underlining Sara- toga: the person who is involv- ed, not only with the world, but his roots, the history." The Pecks %111 be honored at a dinner, sponsored by the Chamber, at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place. For more informa- tion, call 967 -0753. Please lane to page 11 kURT VOESTER 14251 BURIJS WAY SARA'IOGA, CA. 95070 6a.ratoga News Serving the city since 1955 First section 25` Pair of Peckspraised N L C tl CI N C L O Area and city dignitaries joined to honor Betty and Willys Peck as the Co-Citizens ger; Willys Peck; Councilman David P. Moyles; Betty Peck; councilwomen of the Year for 1985. From left: Chamber of Commerce Director Don Eagleston Linda A. Callon and Joyce Hlava; and county Supervisor Diane McKenna. and his wife, Andrea; state Rep. Ernie Konnyu; Saratoga Mayor Martha Cleven- The 2nd Councilwoman V. Fanelli Council places Route 85 section: announces she won't run on ballot for opinion poll Page.1 ............................... .........P.age.l. . N Night of praise go for city's No. 1 Z' duo: the Pecks By Karen Weill It was a night of accolades and it even almost turned the head of such a modest people as Betty and Willys Peck. A gathering of 151 Saratoga residents and representatives (with 30 on the waiting list) hon- ored the Pecks as co-Citizens of the Year at a dinner sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce last week at the Foothill Club. . Willys' storytelling ability really shone — after he finally got a chance to speak. More than 16 people, including several members of the Pecks' families, showered praises on the couple, whose faces occasionally turned red. In addition to family.mem- bers, audience members and speakers included state Senator Becky Morgan and Assembly- man Ernie Konnyu, who both left other engagements early — Konnyu, a fund- raiser — in or- der to attend the event; four of the city's five councilmen; and Supervisor Diane McKenna. Master of ceremonies Don Mil- ler read outloud letters from Tony Ridder, the former pub- lisher of the San Jose Mercury News, where Willys works; U.S. Senators Pete Wilson and Alan Cranston; U.S. Rep. Ed Zschau; Gov. George Deukmejian; and Please turn to page 6 P.Yxu.ry le, ,9a6 4.x will,. o,' Lt<r, Pel.I a. eoa. Yln 1p.'. NYn IUa. Pe • .r el .ql ,o tr.W lla, I Yn no ...e °ir In tnL =..H). 7 ,rlytb_ 'W9-no by .Y.i ov„ M.a v brnetoY... thew ton., h. bs° �p."a abM.o4 of x Mll.et lee•t mil' 9 b. .•lo° ~Wq Y). or e.p Prr....a to >4eYG.t I a. r.rke .l'rldlp, mwwe• Mlo lltq. t011� Cl.mu to Yalr fxLYlee .r Coed to 6Iltil.. Y.e ru 1977. �� t. kilo. tv Y°ol rsit '"m I ID. ! Gbteb.rt19" Y'u! Inba�bterlea aoa btr.. G. .If.lbtl.� rllodtO� tlnL deeklf Win. Poeth,❑� oi •MxfMt �b r..y lot;,. � ...hit. to Rmr. Into 4 ene..v br [ L.tn ONl ev 7.Yttuxy ke @YOd t9r. ! .w ctv.. Yllstn, b.xk ,y tero r t¢ th. b u rr.p Lr,d.vt .y, l..t daU Peck .r❑ wrPa..l.. Mot . r.anllf c.etll] to n�1°°tkravlNlon. to pev, cltl..e or f". t.o a.a•aop � r a, .rq e.Ytr, o tor. by lr.r4, a` °r rt. PLw cenn In.irhtya7 a.Lbnb to vltv yo, tnbwahvl rM d•' a +tn•r, ° Pl..r r.v.rn 4 �. ov 4 °hlwd dlatnctivv, W t t °. Alit 18 tr.k. porn f..tne.rlell to ill. Irwr, •1 I Iq. J ycy N (%1 O n At left is the letter sent to the Pecks from Olivia de from left, Supervisor Diane McKenna; Mayor Havilland, congratulating them on the honor of Martha Clevenger; Willys and Betty Peck; Don and being chosen as joint Citizens of the Year. Above, . Andrea Eagleston; and Councilman David P. the Pecks hold a few of the peck of roses lwe Moyles are among those sitting at the head table. couldn't resist) given to them by family members. 5100,000 for a senior wing The City of Saratoga will be receiving a $100,000 grant to be used for the expansion of the senior wing of the Saratoga Community Center. Stan Carnekie of the City's Community Services Depart- ment said the funds, which are available through the Senior Center Bond Act of 1984, will be used to add nearly 2,000 square feet to the existing 3,000 square foot senior wing. Construction of a meeting room, a full dietary kitchen and an adult day-care facility is ex- pected to begin in August, Car - nekie said. In addition, Carnekie said the city has been placed on a prior- ity list by the local Council on Aging "to receive $50,000 in re- allocated funds should they be- come available." Construction of a meeting room, a full dietary kitchen and an adult day- care facility is expected to begin in August... Saratoga is fourth on the list to receive the additional funds in the event other projects funded could not proceed. Carnekie said he could not speculate on how good Sara - toga's chances are of obtaining the extra $50,000 as the city has no history of dealing with bond actfunds. When city staff submitted its proposal last year, its request was for 8150,000. Statewide, $50 million was available, with $1.8 million to be allocated through- out Santa Clara County. The funds were approved un- der Proposition 30, the bond act, which was passed by California voters. Currently, the senior wing is managed by the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, which has a contract with the city to operate the center's fa- cilities and coordinate activities of other senior groups in the area. Before the funds are released to the city, a contract must be signed with the state, Carnekie said. Saratoga News BSSN) 0745 8255 Published every Wednesday at 10950 N. Blaney Avenue. Cupertino, CA 95014. Branch office Suite B. 12378 Saratoga. Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070. Declared a legal newspaper of general circulation by the Sup, & Court of Santa Clara County; Decree No, 378148. Entered as second class matter; postage paid at Cupertino, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SARATOGA NEWS. P.O. Box 36B, Cuper- dno, CA 95015. Publisher — Boy Boody Controller — Mike Kelley Managing Edit« — Iver Davidwn Editor — Karen Weill Display Advertising Manager — Henry Hustedt Classified Advertising Supervisor — Elizabeth Miller Accounting Manager — Eli Marquez Credit Manager — Sharon Jaramillo Reporters: Laramie Trevino, Millie Bobroff Sports — Dick Sparrer, editor; David Rickard. Photographer — Jenna Calk. Advertising Staff — Claire Kaelin Bulletin Board Ads — Lois Hover. News — (408) 52.6661; Advertising — (408) 2525661 or (408) 2567500; Bulletin Board Ark — (408) 252 6661; Classified — (408) 52 -2131; Circulation — (408) 56 9570. Mail Addres: 12378 Saratoga- Sunnyfele Road, Suite 8, Satatoga, CA 95070. Yearly rates payable in advance. Yearly Rates by Mail: In County ................ ......................... $15.00 Outof County ........ ..........._..__...... _ _ $24.00 Out of State .............. ......................... $48.00 Reprmen xi „etia,xlly W u.S. Seburaen P.. Inc. © C.Wrighr W,m Ilh Comonuion, 1986. All rigMa,euned. ,1J VERIFIED /Meredith _m fLei a; Z e rR Saratoga lauds its'86 Citizens of Year Continued from page 2 actresses Joan Fontaine and Oli- via de Havilland, sisters who grew up in Saratoga. De Havilland wrote that she supposedly babysat for Willys when he was a boy, but "it must have been traumatic (because) I have no memory of it. It must have been (the same exper- ience) as those who have baby - sat for Dennis the Menace." But she did remember Willys as the "thin, little boy with blond, curly hair frisking around the Foothill Club as the duck in Alice in Wonderland." And she remembered seeing him again in 1979, when "the lively duckling had grown into a full- fledged mallard ... and had chosen a perfect mate." Now she has learned that they "will be honored as resplendent swans." She added, "Please reserve to me, on my next visit to Sara- toga, the right to stroke your feathers," which received sev- eral catcalls from the audience and blushes from Willys. Supervisor Diane McKenna, a member of the head table, "We often think that a demo- cracy is run by politicians doing things very well. It's actually or- dinary citizens doing ordinary things extraordinarily well." Robert D. Ingle, executive editor for the Mercury-News, said that he has been rejecting requests for poetry to be pub- lished in that paper. "But then I realized I've been lying all this time — because a lot of the things Willys does is write Poetry. He read outloud an excerpt from a story on spring in the Santa Clara Valley that Willys had written: "'three a year, the pliant, yielding valley gives us a reminder of its days of inno- cence; a touching fragrant to- ken; a wordless declaration that seems to say, as did the demen- ted Blanche DuBois in Tennes- see Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' that it has al- Willys and Betty Peck, along with Chamber Director Don, Eagleston, the children of teacher Betty Peck made for her in honor of the occa- show off the award the Pecks received jointly as 1985 Citizen of the sion, it reads- "We love you Betty Peck." Year, from the Chamber. In the background stretches the banner that ways depended on the kindness of strangers. The strangers haven't always been kind.' " Chamber President Don Eagleston, who presented the award to the Pecks, recalled the days of his boyhood, when the city was covered with orchards. "Then the homes came and replaced the nrchards. And what we replaced them with was peo- ple ... I want to thank you, once we had lost these orchards, for making the terrain as beautiful as it once was." There were several referen- ces to the Pecks' work in gar- dening, particularly the fact that Betty had started both the Easterbrook Farm School and the Saratoga Community Gar- den. Several people mentioned her love of giving away flowers; her daughter, Ann, said, "I remember once when she came to the airport empty- handed. She said to me,'I am the rose.' " Willys, in a style reminiscent of Mark Twain, proved that a historian can also be a storytel- Local schools' jackpot at $74,000 By Valerie Saiag Our schools win $74,000, too. Part of the money from the Cali- fornia lottery was allocated to schools around the state in Feb- ruary. according to the California lottery law," must be used exclusively for the education of pupils and students. "No funds shall be spent for acquisition of real property, con- struction of facilities, financing McNicholas says the district has not yet decided how to use the funds. The decision will be made at the end of the school year, he said. According to the California Coalition for Fair School Fund- 6It is particularly important to schools that the Legislature and governor not consider the lottery in their decisions about how much money to grant education each year. 9 California Coalition for Fair School Funding According to the Saratoga Elementary School District Superintendent, Dr. Glenn McNicholas, Saratoga schools have received $74,000, the first of a quarterly distribution. The money is in addition to the schools' regular budget and, of research or any other non- instructional purpose. Net revenues of the California State Lottery shall not be used as sub- stitute funds, but rather shall supplement the total amount of money allocated for public education in California." ing, based in Menlo Park, all dis- tricts must report to the legisla- ture by September about how the funds were and will be spent. McNicholas does not ,vet know when the students will be able to see results from the lot- tery money. "It depends on how and when it's' used. I would assume by next school year," he says. A brochure from CCFSF stated, "It is particularly im- portant to schools that the legislature and governor not consider the lottery in their de- cisions about how much money to grant education each year." Superintendent of Public Instruction, Bill Honig, has stated that the money should be used for short-term, visible pro- jects because although the ticket sales have far exceeded the ex- pectations, it is not known how long this interest will last. According to CCFSF, "Many districts face pressures from employees to use the money directly for salary and benefit Please turn to page 17 ler and humorist. After the long evening, it is a measure of the man that he stole the show. He told of the young man who volunteered to catalogue all the tombstones at Madronia Ceme- tary, which has been in exis- tence since the 1950s. "I already have a tombstone — I believe in getting in on the ground floor. The Madronia lay away plan," he cracked. Tombstones are the best authorities for historians, Willys explained. "There are fewer typographical errors than in newspapers; they're probably not under as much pressure. They don't have a city editor hanging over them," he added. So, in the catalogue of tomb- stones returned to the Saratoga Historical Foundation, next to the name Willys Peck, it gave a birth date and'in the blank for the date of death, the young man had written "probably still alive." Later, when he went to work, Willys recalled that a friend came up to take his pulse. But it was Betty who had the last word, perhaps showing best why the Pecks were chosen to receive this award: "Thank you for this great honor, but, as you know, it's a tribute to you for Opening up your hearts and let- ting us be a part of your lives." Letters for all expenses and the number respond. It doesn't really matter = Council of other cities that pay their which side of an issue you're on, Freeway g councils. needs Those opposed felt that the city tends to get better quality councilmembers without pay salary and that the present system is working very well. Continued from page There was general agree a . oyes ment that the councilmembers particularly, among his other cil. The board had available the Feb. 10 letter to the council by Carolyn King on the subject, "Survey of Council Salaries." After considerable debate, the board voted 10 to 6 for the motion. "We express favor toward the idea of $150 per month salary plus defined travel and meeting expenses." Those in favor of the motion cited the difficulty of council members getting reimbursed the question must be asked, "Is this the type of responsiveness no solution that Saratoga residents are supposed to accept from our to traffic City Council ?" Councilman D rid P M 1 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Please keep letters brief and preferably printed or typed, dou- blespaced. Readers are invited to write on any topic. However, personal attacks and letters in poor taste will not bepublisbed. All letters must be signed. Anogymous letters and form let- ters will not be printed. Send your letters to: Editor, IM78 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, Suite8, Saratoga, CA 95070 . should be paid for council busi- ness and also that the amount of money the council could be paid (under state law) would not be a very significant expense to the city. Charles N. Robbins President, Good Govemment Gmun Council disdain `unworthy' EDITOR: For months, Saratoga resi- dents had asked the City Council to put the Highway 85 issue on the ballot. Every request met with flat refusal. It took a citizen's initiative, a gathering in just one weekend of more than 3,400 qualified signa- tures, representing over 17 per- cent of the registered voters in Saratoga, to make the council remarks, stated, As somebody else told me, the thing looked like a duck, it waddles like a duck, it quacks like a duck, and you have to call it by its proper name, it's a duck, and not an initiative." I'd like to point out to Mr. Moyles that this DUCK was fea- thered with the qualified signa- tures of more than 3,400 of his constituents!! Is this effort of the citizens of Saratoga worthy of such disdain? The intent of the petition is clear, the City Council should do what is reasonable and practical to defeat construction of the highway that is, refuse to sign a freeway agreement. Rea- sonable? Yes. Practical? Yes. There is no mystery in this initiative, unless the council chooses to create one .... we hope that they will not. Joan HershkowiU Chairperson, Protect Our Environment EDITOR: I've watched this valley and its traffic grow for more than 35 years. When Highway 9 was two lanes, the state had no plans for widening it because Highway 280 would connect with Highway 17 and eliminate the weekend traffic jams. Now, I avoid all freeways during peak traffic time when- ever possible. I do like to shop in the Cupertino area and to try to get from north Saratoga to Cupertino during gridlock minus one is not recommended for any- one with a heart condition, ulcer, temper or a bladder prob- lem. I'm lucky. I'm retired. People who bought their homes backing up to the trans- portation corridor are com- plaining that their property will decrease in value if the freeway is built. They don't mention that their properties have increased at least five times and probably ten or more times their original purchase price. They also wanted to believe the realtor when he or she said the freeway f As long as the majority is _' avel- ing one person to a vehicle, we will. have to build more and more freeways. J.R. Young would never be built. We have the solution. We don't have to build any more freeways. There are buses, there are car pools, there are van pools and at least 80 percent of the drivers could take advan- tage of some type of alternate transportation. As long as the majority is traveling one person to a vehicle, we will have to build more and more freeways. s Or they could change their - life style enough to keep from having to build more freeways. Or they could retire. J.R. Young Saratoga Saratoga student wins first place trophy Al the University of Califor- nia at Berkeley Invitational held Feb. 15 through 17, Jeff Bryant of the Saratoga High School Speech and Debate Team took first place in humor- ous interpretation after competing in a field of more than 175 participants. Earlier last month, five stu- dents received awards at a lea- gue tournament held at Home- stead High School in Cupertino. Patty Selan took second place for her speech in the category of original advocacy; Eric Shea, a second for humorous interpretation; Nichole Sager, fifth place for humorous interpretation; Anna Siljak, fourth place for original Education Elizabeth Anderson Elizabeth Anderson of Sara- toga was recently named winner of the Pacific Province Achieve- ment Award given by Mu Phi Epsilon, International Music Fraternity. Anderson, who received a bachelor's degree in music edu- cation and German from Cali- fornia State University, Fresno, in 1984, was one of eight students nominated for the award from chapters in the Bay Area, cen- tral and northern California. She is currently a student at oratory; and Michael Andres, fifth place in programmed reading. In January, the team attend- ed the California Invitational Tournament in Fullerton where it competed with teams from throughout the state as well as Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Nevada. Trophies were awarded to Eric Shea for winning first place in humorous interpreta- tion and by Nicole Sager who took third place for humorous interpretation. Other trophy winners were Michelle Welch, Michael An- dres and Lori Terry. Frank Caruso and Lis Shapiro also received awards. San Jose State University and is a teacher at the Campbell Child Development Center. Vince Garrod Vince Garrod was honored recently by the California As- sociation of Resource Conserva- tion Districts (CARCD) for 43 years service to the Resource Conservation Districts (RCD). Garrod is a volunteer di- rector of the RCD, a unit of state government. He was honored at the 40th conference of the CARCD. Among the Saratoga High speech and debate team Michelle Welch, and Frank Caruso. In the front row, members attending the California Invitational Tour- shown from left are, Lori Terry, Eric Shea and Lis nament in Fullerton recently were, standing from Shapiro. Not pictured is Michael Andres. left; John Brunning, Chris Lisick, Nichole Sager, R p L� r-rv� ���`- l N TI �J I �i �,.,,u_.• r %i j ') F U N ' . k �} r lee Jlf < +r I ,�, D ,A = )Ii` � And sO -gaide WfSk1 n v Tour ®f the Historic 3arat®ga Vglla e SARATOGA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 20, 1986 ° 10 am - 4 pig ) ,gee -Zvi As you stroll down Big Basin Way, you should be aware that there is a Village Beautification Plan in the works. Many of the specifics (trees, paving, etc.) have already been approved or are in the process of being determined. We urge you to look around today with a critical eye. You will most likely note that the Village has the potential to be very attractive, but that the TLC that is now needed, the interest from the Saratoga public and the conscientious upgrading of the area by landowners and merchants- is yet to be forthcoming. The time is coming when Saratogans will need to demonstrate an interest in this Village or watch as it slowly deteriorates. We encourage you to become involved. The Saratoga Village is still the heart of our town. It is the commercial origin as well as the site of the first homes here. It is also all that is left to us with even a hint of the old pioneer town that used to be. We also want to extend our warmest thanks to the owners of the fine homes on the Tour today. The heart of the suc- cess of any preservation effort is the individual private property owner who is willing to go out of his (her) way to restore and preserve the town's architectural heritage represented by his home or commercial building. Today's Heritage Home Tour homes are no exception. We are very grateful to their owners for this rare opportunity to see beyond the front door. We extend a welcome to you for a second time and hope that you enjoy the day as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you. We also thank you again for your interest and support. Sharon D. Landsness Saratoga Heritage Commission PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10 FOR A NOTE BEFORE YOU START .......... .......... ....... OPEN H 0 U S E SARATOGA SARATOGA HIS7OROCAL e�.FOUW DAY ION MUS1E UMs��°,� This "falsefront" building was built in 1904. Since that time, it has been used as: a drugstore, a creamery - restaurant, a grocery, a variety store and for 25 years it was a dress shop called "Swanee's "o The building became a community bicentennial project when it was donated to the Saratoga Historical Foundation in 1975, and moved from Big Basin Way to its present location, 47m w � MCWILLIAMS This redwood Pioneer Style cottage is one of the oldest remaining Saratoga homes of the 1850'so It was moved from Big Basin Way to its present location to save it from demolition. James McWilliams was Saratoga's second blacksmith. The interior has been restored as nearly as possible in the style of the 1850 -1860 period and furnished appro- priately by the Saratoga Historical Founda- tion. Currently the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has its office in this building. r` IQ 241' �SARATOGA �$ �= T n i =7r� PUBLIC 11 BRAR Y Though the library building itself was not built until 1927, the library had been in existence since 1903. At the suggestion of David Bell, Saratoga took advantage of the experiment in traveling libraries, inau- gurated by the State Librarian. A box of books was placed at the Saratoga Drug Store and changed periodically. In 1914 the S.C. County Libary was established and shortly thereafter the Saratoga branch was opened. The Library continued to be headquarterd in the Saratoga Drug Store until 1921 when it moved to the Sunday School room of the Christian Church. Within a few years it had outgrown its quarters and a community -wide campaign for a new Library building was launched. Funds for the Library were raised entirely by public subscription and the building designed by architect Eldridge Spencer. The location was agreed upon and Sheldon P. Patterson, school board member, negotiated for the property. The property was donated by Mrs. Lillian De❑ing. The library was dedicated to Patterson as a memorial upon his death a year later. With the dedication of the new Saratoga Community Library on Saratoga Avenue in 1978, the Village Library became VITA (Valley Institute of Theater Arts) and Friends of the Library. In 1985 this building, along with the McWilliams House, and the Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum were all designated as Saratoga Heritage Landmarks. Together they comprise the Saratoga Historical Park. {� ,I i� er VILLA DEODA►RA► 20330 SAR ATOGA- LOS GATOS ROAD A large expanse of lawn sets off this spectacular two -story Italian or Mediterran- ean villa that was built about 1912, the same time that James D. Phelan started to build his estate, Villa Montalvo. Archi- ectually, these two homes are very similar. Both have stucco exteriors and balustraded balconies, the ones of Villa Deodara being of redwood. The house is flanked by two enormous Deodar Cedar trees, hence the name, Villa Deodara. The present owners purchased the home in 1980 from Alex and Ann Horvath, who had owned it since 1956. Before the Horvaths owned the home it belonged to the Hams from about 1921 to the late 1930'x. The original owners were J.G. and Edith Pierce Kennedy. Edith was a member of a prominent family which owned a lumber company in San Jose. Mrs. Kennedy purchased the land in 1912 from T.S. Montgomery who owned about 100 acres in the area, formerly belonging to Hannah McCarty. Montgomery was owner of the property where Our Lady of Fatima Villa convalescent home now stands. He is credited with donating the land in front of this property for the electric railway that ran to Los Gatos. The stone wall, which still stands along Saratoga -Los Gatos Road near Villa Deodara, was built by Montgomery. It has been added onto and preserved by the City of Saratoga. The house sits on nearly an acre and occupies approximately 4000 sq. ft. There has been major restoration and interior decoration done in the past five years_, but no walls have been moved-and the exterior of the house remains the same. A lavish dose of T.L.C. has been used to bring back and preserve the original 1912 flavor in most areas of the home and garden. All of the original old radiators are still in use, and the more attractive ones have been moved to prominent locations in the house. Some windows and sinks have also been moved in the interest of improved design. The beau- tiful front door is made of Honduran mahogany. In the entry is a bronze of a Dutch mother and child. Notice the Dutch influence throughout the home. The present owner's Dutch heritage is very much in evid- ence here. In fact most of the owner's col- lection of paintings and bronzes are nine- teenth century pieces by Dutch artists, or artists who studied in Holland. The kitchen has been remodeled to include new counters and cabinetry. The original pine floor was discovered under layers of old linoleum. The rest of the floors in the house are of oak, all of which have been sanded, stained and sealed. In the living room is a beauti- ful fireplace and mantle, also carved from Honduran mahogany. This fireplace was care- fully stripped of layers of paint to reveal this elegant wood. In the last room, refer- red to as the Bar Room, the beamed ceiling that had been previously covered up was exposed. This room was opened up a bit by adding an entry from the living room. The original carriage house was converted into a garage. This home, admirable in its propor- tions and beautiful interior design, is a perfect example of preservation as well as impecable taste. The owners particularly acknowledge the services of S- aratoga Carpet, Saratoga Handyman Shop, and Saratoga Hardware in their restoration effort. PECK HOUSE 14275 SAIRATOGA AVENUE The Peck's brown shingle, California Craftsman house was built in 1920, and has had only two previous owners. A Mr. and Mrs. John Higginbotham lived here for 30 years. After Mrs. Higginbotham died, in 1951, Willys Peck purchased the house from her estate. Mr. Higginbotham, who had been a lawyer in Chicago, and his wife were travel- ers who wrote books on their travels. Mr. Higginbotham also wrote a column of light commentary in the Los Gatos Mail News and the Saratoga Star. Mrs. Higginbotham had a bird sanctuary and one favorite quail's carved headstone can still be seen in front of the house. The house and garage origin- ally had copper roofs. The roof on the house has been replaced but the copper roof remains on the garage. There have been many additions to the home, but major ones, such as the "Great Hall" (large open living area to the rear of the house) and the upstairs master bedroom and deck were added by the Pecks. If ever a house mirrored the eclectic personalities of both the owners, this one does. Willys is a native Saratogan, copy editor of the San Jose Mercury News and an attorney. Betty moved to Saratoga after her marriage to Willys in 1952 and works as a kindergarten teacher at the Saratoga School on Oak Street. She has taught for 27 years in the Saratoga School District. Both the Pecks have been involved in many major organizations in Saratoga at the grassroots level. In 1956 Betty founded the Easter - brook Farm School, now the Saratoga -Los Gatos Observation Nursery School. She also founded the Saratoga Community Garden in 1972. Willys was president of the Saratoga Historical Society from 1963 -1982, during which time the Saratoga Historical Museum was established. He was a member of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Com- mission. He was president and played leading roles with the Federated Drama Group spon- sored by the Saratoga Federated Church. In 1975 the Peck's son, Bill, was a co- founder of the Valley Institute of Theater Arts. VITA has used the Peck's amphitheater for some of its productions. The Peck's just received the well deserved honor of being named as Saratoga's 1985 Citizens of the Year. Several treasures in the house can be attributed to the Chinese travels of Willys' grandfather who was a missionary - doctor in the 1870's. Others are from close family friends, relatives, or from Willys and Betty's mutual abiding interest in just about everything! Docents will be on hand to answer your more specific questions. As you can see, this amazing home reflects the personal warmth of two dynamic people. .RA�SSDONARV SETTLEMENT HO4.9SE@, 1 4 6 8 3 OAK S T RE E T This home was built by Clarence George in 1897 and was known in its early days as the Clarence George House. In 1907 the Saratoga Congregational Church purchased the house for visiting foreign missionaries. From its earliest days the Saratoga Congregational Church was an enthusiastic supporter of missionary work, and the house is rumored to have been used for recuperat- ing missionaries. In 1900, the Saratoga Missionary Settlement had been organized to give council, comfort and assistance to returning missionaries. Hence, the name - Missionary Settlement House. St. Charles Street, which runs diagonally behind the house was built during the early days of Saratoga so the drivers of spring wagons and fringe- topped surreys of the 1880's and 1890's could pull the grade more easily and reach the homes "on top of the hill," thus making Oak Street more accessible to Lumber Street (now Big Basin Way). One of the very important points about this historic home is its Victorian architecture. It exemplifies the Queen Anne Cottage style, which is a scaled down version of a Queen Anne "Mansion ". It has the small scale classic detail and variety of textures (fishscale shingles and horizontal boards) which is typical. It also has bay windows, a veranda, high pitched roof, and gables; there are three prominent, oversized gables on this house. Notice, too, the decorative brackets, spindles, and roof ridge ornamentation. The high, twelve foot ceilings are typical of that era. The redwood construction is common in this area, and we can assume that the wood was cut and milled in the hills above Saratoga. This home, along with the cottage across the.street, exemplifies a. style popular in America from 1876. Terri and Woodrow Lomas purchased this. home from John and Joan Byrne is 1972. Before that, it was owned by Perry and Edna Crawford, who purchased it in about 1937. What the Lomases are doing to their home is a perfect example of historic preservation. They are preserving the exterior as is, and restoring the interior to its 1890 splendor. It is uncertain what constituted the original home. It is believed that the parlor, living and dining rooms, and front bedroom are the original part of the house. It is presumed that the kitchen, bath, and back bed room were added. We do know that in the early 1920's the house was as it is today. It is probable that the fireplaces were installed after the house was built and naturally electricity and plumbing have been added. We know that the sunporch was an addition. Most of the restoration work is being done by the owners, particularly Terri. Much planning and forethought have gone into the selection of the color schemes, wallpaper, molding and miriad other details which have been carefully researched and reproduced using photographs of the period. The hardware on the doors is original and has been restored by removing layers of paint. Restoration carpentry was done by. Kennelly Construction, Saratoga. As you leave, be sure to notice the massive oak tree. It is also interesting to note how close to the street the house was built.' In the 1890's the streets were much narrower. The restoration has been the owner's first priority; the garden will be next. The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission is delighted to see yet another of our architectural treasures being carefully preserved. Giving credit where credit is due, we are very grateful to the Saratoga Historical Foundation for their reprint of Florence Cunningham's Saratoga's First Hundred Years. It was a most valuable source of information. They also have a very good Walking Tour Map on sale at the Historical Museum for 25 cents. The Saratoga Heritage Commission is only an advisory agency to the Saratoga City Council, not a source of historical data. Without the diligent efforts of the Saratoga Historical Foundation over the years, we would have lost track of most of the information we were able to pass along to you in this booklet. We want to express a very special thanks to Mrs. Melita Oden for her willingness to edit our material for this booklet. As Saratoga's designated historian, she has proven invaluable to us on many occasions. We also want to thank horticulturist Barrie Coate, of Los Gatos, for help with the map and plant specimen chart of Madronia Cemetery. Barrie has also been indispensable as a consultant to the Village Beautification Committee. A NOTE BEFORE YOU START ... As a guide to the historic sites and homes on this Tour, please turn to the Walking Tour Map on the next page. Also, please note that we will not be serving a full meal but a light refreshment only. You might consider stopping at a public phone along the route to make a reservation at one of Saratoga's outstanding restaurants. Several have supported this event and you will find them listed on the back page. The corresponding capital letter is marked on the Tour Map for easy locating. "The preservation of historic buildings and sites has now become a part of the larger job of creating and managing com- plex environments. Preserve one building and you preserve one building. Preserve the set- ting and the larger environment. and you keep open a thousand doors and opportunities for a better life for the entire community." Grady Clay, "Townscape and Landscape: The Coming Bat- tleground." Historic Preservation, January —March 1972. "The objective of preservation is the retention of the full range of styles, sensations and refer- ences that record the city's history and achievements visu- ally and environmentally to keep them in the city's vital mainstream." Ada Louise Huxtable, Will The v Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard? New York: Macmillan. 1970. SARATOGA AVM. 911 THE NUMERICAL ORDER OF THESE LANDMARKS IS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY._ FOLLOW ANY ORDER &A e a 4 _ YOU WISH. self - Gunoded Walk long 1 a0 ,,,io m D O ALOHA O 3 0 0 0 O �o N v 29 0 30 __J \� G Taur ®fE Eli at ®i°10Lc-o 0 0 VILLAGE MERCHANTS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED THIS EVENT ARE MARKED WITH CAPITAL LETTERS. YOU WILL FIND THEM LISTED ON THE BACK PAGE. O > 3 v D Z x O Z D X080 O A K ST. al 0 H H parkin 2 Q 2+ D 23 S T N � � N arking BAG BASIN WAv T07M [' 160 19 17 pkin !1 n m m --4 m m 9 "< 0, 100 T 11C 20 014 013 KREV TO WALKING TOUR ��►� 1. BELL GROVE... This home at 20360 Saratoga -Los Gatos Rd. was built in 1904 by David C. Bell and his wife Lina. Located across from Villa Deodara, it is not recommended that you cross the highway to take a better look today. 2. WOODLEIGH ... This stately home at 20375 Saratoga -Los Gatos Rd., was built in 1911 by Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Wood upon their retirement to Saratoga from Minnesota. Mr. Wood was one of the orga- nizers of the first bank in Saratoga, and helped form the Madronia Cemetary District, and a member of the Congregat- ional Church, and the Improvement Assn. Mrs. Wood served as president of the Saratoga Foothill Club and, with Mrs. Bell, donated the land upon which the Julia Morgan designed Clubhouse was built. 3. T. S. MONTGOMERY WALL... The wall, made of stones from the Saratoga Creek, dates back to 1913, when T.S. Montgomery and G.A. Wood donated the land for the widening of Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. The wall would border the Montgomery estate, now occupied by the Our Lady of Fatima Villa resthome. 4. VOLUNTEER FIRE BELL ... In 1903 the bell hung on a steel tower over the jailhouse on 4th St., near Lumber St.(Big Basin Way). It is now next to present day Fireman's Hall. 5. LUNDBLAD °S LODGE ... 14534 Oak Street., was a summer resort begun in 1918, by Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Lundblad. As it grew, the Lundblad °s daughter Hazel Bargas, and her husband joined in the operation and after Mrs. Lundblad °s death continued to operate the Lodge until about 1980. 6. SARATOGA SCHOOL SITE... Originally the site of the Sons of Temperance Hall, which also housed the first public school room. Another school was built in 1869, became overcrowded and was raised up to put two new rooms under- neath. Again outgrown, in 1898 a hand- some Victorian school house was built, with a central tower, designed by local architect, Chas. Boosinger. This was again replaced by the building you see today, builtin1923. 7. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH PARSONAGE... 14666 Oak St. Built in 1886, this charming residence was built in conjunction with the pioneer Congregational Church, the first permanent religious organization in Saratoga. 8. WILLIAM KING HOUSE ... 14672 Oak St. Built in 1870 as the home of William King, one of the owners and founders of the Saratoga Paper Mill. It is of redwood construction. The Kings were very prominent in community affairs. This home is a valued Saratoga desig- nated Heritage landmark. MISSIONARY SETTLEMENT HOUSE—See ---- - - - - -- ---- - - - - -- - - - -- description in front section of booklet. 9. MADRONIA CEMETARY See description in last section of booklet. 10. 14700 6th Street... Built in 1896, this residence was originally St. John's Episcopal Church. It has been greatly altered since its sale in 1919. 11. 14650 6th Street... Known also as the Nardie House, this tiny Victorian is of the era of the 1890'x. Recently sold, and designated a Saratoga Heritage Landmark, it will soon be restored and used as an office. 12. JOHN HENRY HOUSE ... 14630 Big Basin Hay. An early, Pioneer Style house, built in 1869 by John Henry, the engineer for the Saratoga Paper Mill. Beautifully maintained, this is one of Saratoga °s oldest homes and still retains its original appearance on the exterior. 13. FABRETTI HOUSE ... 14669 Big Basin Hay. Built in 1881, this was the home of Frank Fabretti, one of Sara toga °s.early settlers. 14. PETTIS LIVERY STABLE ... 14605 Big Basin Hay (rear). This handsome red barn was built in 1898, by W.H. Pettis, to shelter horses for the Santa Clara Stage Line. The stage stopped regularly during its run over what is now Big Basin Hay, to the summit of the Santa cruz Mountains. 15. ERWIN T. KING HOUSE-14605 Big Basin 'day. Built about 1875, the home was the residence of E.T. King co -owner of the Saratoga Paper Mill. The residence later served as a stage -stop rumored to be named the Oriental Hotel, and as a gambling parlor and bar in the lustier lumbering era of Saratoga °s past. 16. MARSH- METZGER HOUSE ... 14599 Big Basin 'day. Built in 1909, by the wife and daughter of T.E. Marsh, a prominent Saratoga citizen, after his death. The lot was purchased from Hannah McCarty, as were most of the other lots in the area. 17. 14523 BIG BASIN WAY -THE BRAID BOX A 107 year old building, believed constructed as a residence in in the late 19th century. Tlie basic purpose of presenntion is not to arrest time but to medicuc sensitirels• with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product (if the past omit r modifier of the fiatrre. John W. Lawrence, Dean, School of Architecture. 1 Tulane University, April 24, 1970. r 18. SPRINGER HOUSE...20770 Wildwood Way. This house is off the beaten track, built in 1851 and is considered to be Saratoga °s oldest home. James R. Springer was one of the first American immigrants to make the overland journey to California (1841). He had this house shipped, pre- fabricated, around Cape Horn for con- struction at this site. He also planted one of the earliest large orchards here. 19. GROVER HOUSE ... 14521 Big Basin Way. Built about 1895, this was the residence of a Mrs. Grover. 20. GREEN STORE BUILDING... 14519 Big Basin Way. Built in 1890 by Daniel McCarthy as a com merctal building, then painted green. 21. SAMUEL CLOUD HOUSE ... 14503 Big Basin flay. Built in 1895 as a residence for Sam Cloud, who ran the general store next door. 22. CLOUD -SMITH GENERAL STORE ... 14501 Big Bsin Way. Sam Cloud's store was built in 1884. Eventually the business was taken over by his son -in -law, Thomas Smith. The stone walls of the building are 10 inches thick. 23. SAMUEL CLOUD'S HAY & FEED WAREHOUSE AND STABLE ... 2064U THIRD STREET. Built around 1890, it was used to store sacks of feed, dry goods, and hay in the loft. The basement served a•s a a stable. The path toward the back is referred to as Turkey Track Lane. 24. JUDGE FOSTER HOUSE Behind Village Square, relocated from 20680 Marion Road. Judge Foster served as county roadmaster and Justice of the Peace from 1892 until his death in 1898. 25. SITE OF MARTIN MCCARTY'S TOLLGATE, 1850- 1851. In 1850 Martin McCarty built a road though the mountains to Campbell's sawmill up the canyon and erected a tollgate. He laid out the surrounding land and building lots. For a time the town was referred to as McCartysville and also as Tollgate. 26. HUTCHINSON BUILDING-14495 Big Basin Way. Built in 1884 by John Hutchinson, this building is on the site of the first business building in the Village erected in 1854. The building has been altered. 27. SARATOGA STATE BANK ... 14421 Big Basin Way, now a bar) This brick building was constructed in 1913 and was Saratoga's first bank, the Saratoga State Bank, later serving as a branch of the Garden City Bank. 28. HOGG BUILDING BUSINESS CENTER ... 14415- 14413 Big Basin Way. Built in 1910 by Johnson Kerr and owned by Dr. Robert Hogg, a prominent Saratoga .physician. The Saratoga Drug Store has been in the same location since: 1910 (notice the original tin ceiling). 29. METHODIST- EPISCOPAL CHURCH ... 20490 Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. This little church buildinz stands much as it did when constructed, in 1896. A belfry was added in 1903, and later modernized. It ceased to function as a church when it was sold to artist Theodore Mores in 1927, for a studio - gallery. 30. MEMORIAL ARCH AND STATE REGISTERED E_ ARK #435 ... In 1950, the Village of Saratoga was dedicated as a State Landmark. The arch, designed by Bruce Porter, was erected, in 1919, by a group of citizens as a memorial to soldiers lost in World War I. We would like to recommend, to those of you who would like to know more about Saratoga and Saratoga landmarks, that you purchase a copy of Saratoga °s First Hundred Years, by Florence R. Cunningham. It is available through the Saratoga Historical Foundation, whose offices are located in the Saratoga "A great deal of the force of the preservation movement comes from contemporary architec- ture's failure to build well, its failure to build in a style that satisfies the needs of our cities and the needs of our senses. A lot of our belief in preservation comes from our fear of what will replace buildings that are not preserved; all too often we fight to save not because what we want to save is so good but because we know that what will replace it will be no better." Paul Goldberger. "New Direc- lions: Architecture and Preserva- tion." In Preservation: 'lon•ord tot Eihir in the 1980s "There are many humble struc- tures in which 'George Wash- ington never slept' that form an important part of our visual surroundings. They represent fine craftsmanship, unique ar- chitectural character, perhaps also a picturesque quality that are not likely to be produced again in this day of mass production." William C. Shopsin, AIA. "Adapt- ing Old Buildings to New Uses.•' In Workbook, New York State Council on Architecture. 1174. r ��j f �� ,1 `•Ili T � i� ] t Ni MA®RONIA CEMETERY Madronia Cemetary, tucked away at the top of Oak Street, is one of Santa Clara County's most picturesque pioneer cemetaries and, one of the town's oldest institutions. It dates from 1850, when Jose' Ramon Arguello, owner of the Quito Rancho, donated one acre of his land grant for use as a burial ground. Official recording of burials began in 1854. The oldest standing monument dates the death of a man in his early twenties, in 1862. Madronia is the final resting place for many of Saratoga's earliest settlers, community leaders, and their families. A look at Madronia's headstones is a glance back into Saratoga's history. Notable names like Mary Brown, widow of John Brown of Harper's Ferry, and old line Saratoga families abound. There are also the graves of more than 350 veterans representing the years spanning from the Civil War to Viet Nam; privates to admirals to generals. Look for the U.S. Government issued headstones of the Civil War Veterans. These stones are about 12" wide by 24" high - weathered but still fairly legible. Madronia is also something of a horticultural preserve and wildlife sanctuary. Birds and squirrels make the trees their homes and deer can often be seen in the early morning. On the following page we have marked some of the horticultural specimens. *Please take care walking on the uneven turf here. Also, please remember that nothing is to be removed from the premises, except, of course, that particular feeling that comes from walking through old cemetaries - that you have walked close to history. q pp �`j'� I}gj yy I A�T� j� p lolli6111'RON d A CEINIETERY horticuhur ®V reference guide r1� 2alJcedrus decurren s Incense Cedar 1fl, ' v Q Tristannia laur wamp Myrtle equo }adendron Gigantea M Oak St j7p]h too Fn Ya lmy ��pp��yye r I3RDAN e 0 0 to nich s epper z wisar' OGG ach ghit b in i / a m ngry Island Q Pine © Magnol' kobus 0 is Coast Live Oak Amer -an S eet Gum Liqu amla styraciflua �quoi sempervirens ... Coast Redwood Q VIC "E eI o ii a Cpp 3 4 ® ('/ amellia sasanq SEAGRA 'S 3 COX® ,• '�`! Yew WOOD'S d' e weer 1862 c y (oldest) m 0 0.. �on erosa Pine agn� a soMlang0ana Lo bardy © a cer agn is Poplar e m Ga a m � � etesequoia glypl tr 01 s ria�denhair Fern Tree Dawn Redwood o d Ince %e Ginko bj�joba Cedar a U Pa 1's Scarlet Hawt}ap e . -Tu 13 g�j Crep Myrtle ee w Maple ecies haegerstroemi4 Q ti indica Magnolia Grandiflora - Southern Mao I' M Oak St j7p]h too Fn Ya lmy ��pp��yye r I3RDAN e 0 0 to nich s epper z wisar' OGG ach ghit b in i / a m ngry Island Q Pine © Magnol' kobus 0 is Coast Live Oak Amer -an S eet Gum Liqu amla styraciflua �quoi sempervirens ... Coast Redwood Q VIC "E eI o ii a Cpp 3 4 ® ('/ amellia sasanq SEAGRA 'S 3 COX® ,• '�`! Yew WOOD'S d' e weer 1862 c y (oldest) m 0 0.. �on erosa Pine agn� a soMlang0ana Lo bardy © a cer agn is Poplar e m Ga a CALIFORNIA HISTORY CENTER FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Anthony Lopina, President Stephen White, Vico President James C. Williams, Executiye Director Morton I. Levine, Treasurer Austen Warburton, Legal Advisor David Bennion Linda Dahlberg Roy Roberts Yvonne Jacobsen C.A.Syvertson Will Lester Wardell Winslow For information on the California History Center Foundation call:(408)996 -4712 SARATOGA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Sharon D. Landsness, Chair Warren Heid, V. Chair, Architect Seonaid McArthur- Bielinski, Historian Barbara Voester, Historic Survey Coordinator Roy Cameron, County Planner, ret. Norman L. Koepernikq Restoration specialist (one member pending appointment) For information regarding the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission calls (408) 867 -3438. Ms, Diana Lewis,in the Planning Department,is the staff person assigned to this Commission and can relay or answer any of your questions. S 6771- h o�mk you (a , too 0 0 WE WANT TO EXPRESS OUR SPECIAL THANKS, AGAIN, TO MR. ALAIN PINEL OF FOX & CARSKADON, REALTORS, SARATOGA (408) 996 -1100, FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION THAT ENABLED US TO MEET PRINTING EXPENSES. our Isp orters P PAUL MASSON y SUNRISE WINERY 257 -7800 741 -1310 CONGRESS SPRINGS WINERY MIRASSOU WINERY 867 -1409 274 -4000 MT. EDEN WINERY 867 -9587 DAVID BRUCE WINERY 354 -4214 ALMADEN WINERY 269 -1312 MARION & CO. WINERY 395 -7914 A. BELLA MIA (Bill Carlson):741 -5115 14503 Big Basin Way (show your ticket for a cold drink at this landmark building) B. TRATTORIA: 741 -1784 (in Village Square) 14510 Big Basin Way C. DUKE OF WELLINGTON: 867 -7070 Open for Brunch throughout the day... Corner of 5th and Big Basin Way D. GILLEY'S BISTRO: California Continental Cuisine, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - 741 -1188 14471 Big Basin Way E. SARATOGA FLORIST: 867 -4400 14572 Big Basin Way F. MARJOLAINE FRENCH PASTRIES: 867 -2226 14441 Big Basin Way G. AGES INTERIOR DESIGN (Ed Shuman):741 -1775 14416 Big Basin Way H. INTERNATIONAL COFFEE EXCHANGE: 741 - 1185/6 14471 Big Basin Way (Kathleen Amezcua) I. SARATOGA PLAZA BAKERY: 867 -9606 14400 Big Basin Way ACORN FLORIST & ACCENTS: 255 -0360 21275 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino CALIFORNIA CHEESE COMPANY: 288 -5151 1451 Sunny Court, San Jose 95116 GENE'S MARKET & INTERNATIONAL DELI: 18850 Cox lJ /,An�v�eq�ny4.4 ueAvenue, 374-5198 /3�/71n4/ -y55 19 8�y // p VAi0 aI G`l/ ®P/ a ���Yy�s o • hY." ! askc•cl lmsc /: "do n•c do if.'" ... We are lul- Anlcric wr. Pa,sc'rizuionists oppose ill(, c•onrc'nfional Alncrican idea o /'c•nllslunilcg evor more. We arc ac'tualll• flit' new uzn•c cf piollecrc. We arc .rnrn�,,ling to relvi-Se the -use it up a ul nook oll" mclualiti .... li'c arc Lakin, indirichcal buildin,,s and u•holc ncit;hborhoods that hrn•c bcch% discarded and ir' ing to make than lire• az;aill.... Prescl-vcnlolnsts are c•iti_cns (Y' /he filth ', not the post. Ckm L;thine. "Meer%; tionitits Are Un- American'" /ti.trurer 1'n:�rrruiiin. March —April 1979. g r a p h i c d e s i g n - S h a r o n L a n s n e s s