Showing posts with label history san jose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history san jose. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Sourisseau News: Quest for Flight

Did you know that Santa Clara County was home to several aviation pioneers and inventions? Check out the two minute video below for your weekly dose of interesting history.


Quest for Flight - 110 Year Anniversary of Early Aeronautics in Santa Clara Valley from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Sourisseau News: Whatever Happened to the Corner Market?

In the latest edition of Sourisseau News, you can see what San Jose's food markets and original supermarkets looked like. I really wish the Palace Market was still around--that would have been something very interesting to see. The video is only 2 minutes long and you can watch it below:


Whatever Happened to the Corner Market?” from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

"Changing Boundaries" Premiers This Week!

The first feature length documentary about San Jose premiers this week on January 22nd at the California Theater! The film was made possible by CreaTV, Norman Kline Productions, and History San Jose.

Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, and featuring an original musical score by Grammy nominee Robert Berry of Soundtek Studios, this first-of-its-kind documentary features interviews with key historical figures, from farmers to civic leaders, including Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado and Norm Mineta. Other notable interviewees include historians Terry Christensen, Nannette Regua and Steven Millner.

You can check out the trailer below. For more information and to get your tickets, click here!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

152 Terraine Street Torn Down

Some bad news today--unfortunately the historic Vogliazzo house at 152 Terraine Street was not able to be saved. The plan was to move it to Little Italy, but not enough money was not raised.

The home was razed to make way for the Silvery Towers project, which is supposed to officially break ground in April. However, it would have been nice to preserve this house and move it somewhere else in San Jose.


Destruction of 152 Terraine Street from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Sourisseau News: Car Culture

The latest edition of Sourisseau News offers a glimpse at early car culture in San Jose. You'll even find a photo of the famous (infamous?) Letcher's Garage, the very first garage on the west coast and the site of a gruesome domestic murder/suicide. Watch the full two minute video below!


Car Culture from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Celebrate San Jose's Birthday Today!

Screen Shot 2014 11 16 at 10.04.00 AM resized 600

Join SPSM and History San Jose for a special family & friends event celebrating San Jose's birthday!

Co-sponsored by History San Jose and the San Pedro Market

Location: Peralta-Fallon Historic Site, 175 West Saint John Street
Cost: Fallon House Tours: HSJ Members Free; 4 & under free; Adults $8; Children (5-17) $5; Hands-on Activity Wristband: HSJ Members Free; $5 all others

Celebrate San Jose’s 237th Birthday at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site! San Jose, or El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe, the first Pueblo of California, was founded November 29, 1777. Come have a slice of birthday cake and help celebrate! Meet members of Founding Families, participate in hands-on activities, and visit the historic Peralta Adobe.

1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Live Music by Los ArribeƱos de San Francisco
  • Hands-on Activities: Rope a “bull,” make a corn husk doll, dip a candle, design your own brand!
  • Historical Displays
  • Peralta Adobe Open House
2:00pm

Celebrate with Cake and Coffee – First Come First Served!

1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm

Three Tours of the Fallon House Leave on the Hour
Sign up fast! Each tour is limited to 12 visitors.

4:00pm

Event Ends. Thank you For Coming!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose

The first full-length feature film about San Jose is going to premier at the California Theatre on January 22nd. Changing Boundaries will track the stories of of the working people, political leaders, and dreamers who built this city. Interviews that will be weaved into the film include Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado, Norm Mineta and a variety of historians.

CreaTV San Jose, History San Jose, and Norm Kline Productions are working in partnership to produce this documentary. The film is directed by Tricia Creason-Valencia and narrated by actor Peter Coyote. The musical score is composed by Robert Barry of Soundtek Studios and will reflect the historic time periods and rock and roll "firsts" in San Jose.

I can't wait to see the final product! For more information follow the Changing Boundaries Facebook page over here and check out the trailer below. You can also get your tickets for the premier here.


Friday, September 12, 2014

14th Annual Antique Autos in History Park

This Sunday, History San Jose is hosting the largest Antique Auto Show on the West Coast! There will be over 200 antique autos, fire equipment, bikes, and more. For all of the details, just have a look at the brochure below.


Saturday, July 19, 2014

Silicon Valley Bikes: Passion, Innovation & Politics Since 1880 Exhibit Public Opening

Garden City Wheelmen, photographed at the 1919 San JosƩ relay vs. the Sanson Wheelmen of Stockton
(History San Jose Collection)







Starts: Sunday, July 27th 2014 at 12:00 pm
Ends: Sunday, July 27th 2014 at 4:30 pm

Location: Arbuckle Gallery at the Pacific Hotel, History Park
Admission: Free
Exhibit Sponsors: Garden City Construction, Wheel Away Cycle Center, Bicycle Express
San Jose Bicycle Club, Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club Inc., Ampersand Ellipsis Jones LLC, Hellyer Velodrome

Bicycles have provided both affordable transportation and a social outlet around San JosƩ for over a century. The growth of clubs and organizations such as the Garden City Wheelmen led to a distinctive cycling culture within the community. Throughout the 20th century, racing events have been held at local velodromes, including the present track at Hellyer Park. Local innovations have enhanced the bicycling industry. In recent decades, community activism efforts, such as support for bike lanes and dedicated paths, have re-introduced cycling as a sustainable transportation method for the future.

Supplemented by objects from private individuals and organizations, Silicon Valley Bikes: Passion, Innovation & Politics Since 1880 will feature selected images and artifacts from History San JosĆ©’s collection, including the 1842 Lefebvre velocipede, the world’s oldest human-powered vehicle.


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

San Jose Historic Photos

Check out this amazing collection of photos put together for History San Jose. Thanks to Arturo from the Skyscraper City Community for finding this. I have posted some of my favorites below (check out what St. James Park used to look like in 1890!).










Sunday, April 27, 2014

Free Admission to History Park Today + Yard Sale From 10am-2pm


History San JosĆ© to Host Yard Sale in the Park
Free Admission to History Park
Sunday, April 27, 10 AM to 2 PM
 
San Jose, CA – April 23, 2014 --- Springtime is always yard sale season. History San JosĆ© will host a Spring Yard Sale in the Park SundayApril 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Admission to History Park is free for the Yard Sale.
 
The Yard Sale in the Park at History Park, in Kelley Park, will feature individual booths of used lamps, grandma’s china, toys, and a lot of other people’s wares, all positioned throughout the park.
 
Even History San JosĆ©’s Collection Center is getting in on the action. There will be an HSJ book booth, offering duplicate, unuseable, or deaccessioned books for sale. There is a fairly large collection of books on U. S. Naval history and seafaring.
 
There are also several boxes of player piano rolls, and wax cylinders, mainly Edison Company, for player pianos.
 
Food will be available for purchase, and O’Briens CafĆ© in the Pacific Hotel will feature San Jose own’s Treat ice cream. Live music by Fiddle Road and other food vendors will be a part of the Yard Sale event.
 
“The Yard Sale in the Park is better than a garage sale, a block sale, or sitting in your own driveway, added Alida Bray, President and CEO of HSJ. “It’s fun!”
 
For more information call 408 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org
History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes at the south end of Kelley Park in San JosĆ©, CA  95112.  For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San JosĆ©, CA  95112.
 
# # # 
 
About History San JosĆ©: 
History San JosĆ© is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San JosĆ© and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 
History San JosĆ©     1650 Senter Road     San JosĆ©, CA  95112      408.287.2290
 
Website:  historysanjose.org
Facebook: /historysanjose
Twitter: @historysanjose

Sunday, March 23, 2014

History San Jose Yard Sale Next Month

History San Jose is throwing Yard Sale in the Park on Sunday, April 27th from 10am to 2pm. Admission will be free to the public that day. Everyone is invited to host their own table, but the deadline to register is April 1st. History San Jose will even have their own booth with books and an assortment of items.

There will be food available (including Treat ice cream at O'Briens Cafe) and live music by Fiddle Road. For more info, check out the release below.


~~~

History San JosĆ© to Host Yard Sale in the Park
Free Admission to History Park
Sunday, April 27, 10 AM to 2 PM
(Deadline to register for a booth is April First – No Fooling)
 
San Jose, CA – February 24, 2014 --- Springtime is house-cleaning time. Right? Well, right, with a little incentive. History San JosĆ© will host a SpringYard Sale in the Park. It has been said that one person’s junk is another one’s treasure. So start cleaning.
 
The public is invited to host their own table and sell their wares at the Yard Sale in the Park at History Park, in Kelley Park, on Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Host your own booth of used lamps, grandma’s china, toys, and anything else taking up space at home. Booths of wares will be positioned inside the park. The deadline to register for a booth is April 1st --- no fooling.
 
“We love to host events in our own back yard at History Park,” said Juanita Lara, Director of Events of History San JosĆ©. “The Yard Sale in the Park is a great venue because we have a 14-acre ‘backyard.’”
 
Even History San JosĆ©’s Collection Center is getting in on the action. There will be an HSJ book booth, offering duplicate, unuseable, or deaccessioned books for sale, as well as an assortment of other items.
 
As always, food will be available for purchase, and O’Briens CafĆ© in the Pacific Hotel will feature San Jose own’s Treat ice cream. Live music by Fiddle Road and other food vendors will be a part of the Yard Sale event.
 
Registration must be received by April 1 --- no fooling; booths for non-members are $20 each; booths for members and affiliates of HSJ are free. Entrants must register to sell, and provide their own equipment, tables, chairs, canopies, etc.  Register by contacting Juanita atjlara@historysanjose.org or calling 408 918-1045.
 
Memberships are available from $50 by contacting Michelle Powers atmpowers@historysanjose.org or 408 521-5016.
 
“The Yard Sale in the Park is better than a garage sale, a block sale, or sitting in your own driveway, added Alida Bray, President and CEO of HSJ. “It’s fun!”
 
For more information call 408 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org
History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes at the south end of Kelley Park in San JosĆ©, CA  95112.  For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San JosĆ©, CA  95112.
 
# # # 
 
About History San JosĆ©: 
History San JosĆ© is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San JosĆ© and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 
History San JosĆ©     1650 Senter Road     San JosĆ©, CA  95112      408.287.2290
 
Website:  historysanjose.org
Facebook: /historysanjose
Twitter: @historysanjose
---------------------
History Park at Kelley Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes in San Jose. For GPS mapping use 635 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visithistorysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

History San Jose and Portraits of the Past Hosting Fashion Show


History San JosƩ and Portraits of the Past to Host
Reflections of Old San JosĆ© – a Historic Fashion Show

San Jose, CA --- February 25, 2014    --- History San JosĆ© and Portraits of the Past will present an historic fashion show on March 15 at 2 PM in the Renzel Room of the Pacific Hotel in History Park.  Reflections of Old San JosĆ© will benefit HSJ educational programs and showcase costuming, as well as feature local historical characters.

“Portraits of the Past members always provide such a wonderful ambiance to History Park events," noted Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San JosĆ©.  “We are so appreciative that they put so much effort into their costuming and performances to help benefit HSJ's educational programs.”

The historic fashion show will feature mens’ and womens’ clothing and accessories, and offer volunteers in elaborate costumes who will present vignettes featuring local historical figures. A reception of light refreshments, dessert and champagne,  will follow the fashion show.

Tickets are $25 and will benefit educational programming at HSJ. The Renzel Room is inside the Pacific Hotel at History Park, and free parking on the grounds of the Park is available. Seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets online  https://historysanjose.ejoinme.org/fashion

History Park at Kelley Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes in San Jose. For GPS mapping use 635 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visit www.historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.
  
# #   

About History San JosĆ©: 
History San JosĆ© is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San JosĆ© and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San JosĆ©     1650 Senter Road     San JosĆ©, CA  95112      408.287.2290
Website:  historysanjose.org
Facebook: /historysanjose
Twitter: @historysanjose

Friday, December 27, 2013

San Jose had the First Locomotive in California

Check out this little tidbit from I HEART SAN JOSE:


According to the record in the USC Digital Library archive, this image is of either the first locomotive built in California or shipped TO California. The caption also says it served on the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad. The image is dated 1867 and the second car says "Sacramento Valley Railroad" on it. The locomotive has "L. L. Robinson" written on it.

Link: http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll65/id/11605

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!!! What Was San Jose's Christmas Gift in 1881?

Merry Christmas San Jose! We wish all of you and your families a wonderful day filled with joy and happiness.

We do have a little treat for you courtesy of WMS Media. They have produced yet another great short video on San Jose's history, and this one is timely. 132 years ago to this day, the world famous Electric Light Tower went live (it does kind of look like a Christmas tree doesn't it?). Watch the video below to learn more!


Dec 25, 1881 - San Jose Electric Light Tower from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

"Invented by J.J. Owens, editor of the San Jose Mercury and built with public funds, this unique structure was the center of attraction for the city and a one of a kind in the world.

Standing at Market and Santa Clara Streets at just over 200 feet tall, the tower was constructed from readily available boiler iron in the shape of a tower. Atop the structure were six arc lights putting out a brilliant moon-lit glow. They were powered by Brush Electric generators. Residents claimed they could now read a book at night from 2 miles away. Police said it would reduce city crime. And people who owed money complained they could now be spotted and identified at night!

The tower brought world-wide fame and pride to San Jose with articles written in Harpers Weekly and Vanity Fair."

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Thre Great Flood of March 7th, 1911

Check out yet another short history lesson below from our friends at WMS Media. This video showcases a flood that turned San Fernando Street into what looks like a river. I also love the plug for Orchestria Palm Court, one of the coolest restaurants in the Bay Area.


The Great Flood of March 7, 1911 - San Jose from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Happy Birthday San Jose (Courtesy of Mezlan)

Mezlan is a high-quality men's shoe store that recently opened in Valley Fair. However, they have done something I have never seen any other local store do, and that is produce a great documentary about San Jose's history. The video below is only about 8 minutes long, and is well worth your time! It's a fantastic tribute to San Jose's 236th Birthday.

Clearly this is a store that is looking to become a strong part of the community and is well-worth checking out on those merits alone (I do have the say their shoes look pretty nice as well). For more information on Mezlan, check out their website over here. And again, please watch the video below. This is a great summery of our City's history.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Happy 236th Birthday San Jose!

Today the Peralta Adobe will host an event to commemorate San Jose's birthday, which is actually on November 29th. Just head on over to the San Pedro Square Market area between 12pm and 4pm to participate!

~~~

Happy Birthday San Jose!

Starts: Sunday, November 24th 2013 at 11:00 am
Ends: Sunday, November 24th 2013 at 4:00 pm

John and Stone Shield
Sunday, November 24th, Celebrate San Jose’s 236th Birthday at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site!  Meet members of Founding Families, and take tours of the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House.San Jose or El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadelupe, the first Pueblo of California, was founded November 29, 1777.  Come have a slice of birthday cake and help celebrate!Learn about life in early San Jose through hands-on activities and story telling.  Enjoy live music, dancing and children’s hands-on activities!   Food is available throughout the San Pedro Market.Location: Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Site
General Admission is free
Activity Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5
Hours:  12pm – 4pm
Tours of the Adobe and Fallon House start at 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm and 2:30 pmChildren’s tours start at 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Children’s tours are for ages 3 – 8 years old.
Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis. History San Jose Member are free. $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID. Children five and under are free.  Please purchase tickets in front of the Peralta Adobe.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Haunt History Park - Happening Today!

For those that want a more family-friendly Halloween experience, check out the event going on today at History San Jose:

~~~


 
This scare-free event has become a tradition, with trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities. Trick-or-treating stations will be set up at the historic homes in History Park and are sponsored by History San JosĆ© and History Park Affiliates.
  
 History Park Activities 1:00pm - 4:00pm 
  • Ride the Trolley
  • Trick-or-Treating
  • 2:30pm - Costume Parade & Contest
  • 3:30pm - Wrap-a-Mummy Contest - Sponsored by California Janitorial Supply
Admission
Members:  Free!
Children 2 and older $5.00; Adults with a paid child's admission free.
  
History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA
(for GPS us 635 Phelan Avenue)
City parking available for $6

 About History San JosĆ©

History San JosƩ collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San JosƩ and the Santa Clara Valley.