Friday Flashback: Frederick's of Hollywood in Downtown San Jose?

I genuinely had no idea there was ever a Frederick's Downtown, but then again I wasn't alive in 1967. It also looks like there was a See's Candy shop and an electric shaver store and service center. This building no longer exists as it was replaced with the 50 West San Fernando high-rise.

Source: San Jose History Facebook Group

San Jose Ghost Tour Brings Eerie Tales to Life in Downtown San Jose

Happy Friday the 13th! A few weeks ago I had a chance to participate in one of the most unique walks I have ever taken throughout Downtown San Jose. I joined the San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. The guided one-mile journey takes participants past buildings steeped in decades of dramatic events and reported hauntings while at the same dropping tons of fascinating history of San Jose.

The experience began under the prominent arch at Paseo de San Carlos and wound through areas tied to everything from Wild West saloons and brothels to brewery tragedies to sorrows at San Jose State University. Stories shared included the former Sainte Claire Hotel, where spirits have remained active, and the last public lynching in the US at St. James Park.

I learned so many new things from the tour. I don't want to give too much away, but did you know Trials Pub used to have a jail in the basement where several people died, and the remnants of the cells are still there directly beneath the dart boards? Multiple people have reported ghost sightings at Trials as well as unexplained bruises when collecting darts.

On the other hand I also learned that the concept of quicksilver (mercury) mining actually came from Indian tribes. While there was so much fuss about the gold rush, more money was made mining quicksilver at the New Almaden Mine in San Jose than ANY individual gold mine in all of California.

This tour succeeded in blending in documented local history with accounts of shadow figures and unexplained phenomena. Anyone drawn to unique perspectives on local heritage will find this tour delivers in compelling fashion. The walk has offered distinctive way to experience Downtown San Jose after dark and the tour guide was fantastic!

All of the tours start at 8pm and are relatively kid friendly (ideal for older kids). Reserve your tickets at https://usghostadventures.com/san-jose-ghost-tour/ or https://lizzie-borden.com/ghost-tours/san-jose/

Downtown San Jose Then and Now: 1975 to Today

A collection of photographs from 1975, discovered in 2006 by architect Gerald Greenleaf while working for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, offers a striking look at Downtown San Jose's evolution. These images, captured during a comprehensive street survey, stand in contrast to current views, with nearly half the scenes transformed beyond recognition and others heavily modified. The comparisons serve as a visual record of urban redevelopment, touching on themes of memory and city identity.

In 1975, Downtown featured wide streets, low-rise structures, and open blocks dotted with parking lots, creating a sparse and exposed landscape under the sun. Fewer trees left sidewalks bare, contributing to a slower, smaller-scale feel with plenty of visible sky. Fast forward to today, and the area boasts increased density through office towers, hotels, cultural spaces, and improved transit options that redefine the skyline and grid.

Greenery has multiplied, with trees now shading walkways and softening the edges of buildings for a more inviting environment. The shift stems largely from 1990s redevelopment efforts that pushed for ambition and vertical growth, turning underused spaces into a modern hub. This change reflects San Jose's ongoing transition from agricultural roots to a regional powerhouse.

These side-by-side views remind residents of what has been gained in vibrancy and lost in openness, preserving stories of the city's layers. Downtown San Jose continues to adapt, blending past elements with new possibilities.

For more details, visit https://www.retrobayarea.com/post/downtown-san-jose-then-and-now-1975-today.