Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Signs around Town

Nothing more to add. 


P.S.(several hours later) Uhm, would you say it's ironic that half way down the block on Seventh Street is a mortuary?

Monday, November 29, 2010

December 2010 Events

Two more days until December. Many activities and holiday events for which to look forward. Check out December 4, for instance! Take it slow and easy as you enjoy the holiday season.

WEEKLY EVENTS
Monday mornings: Toddler Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday evenings: Sleepy-Time Story Time for ages 3 to 5, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Friday mornings: Newborn Story Time for ages 0 to 3, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Friday evenings: Bingo, Sacred Heart Church, Hollister. It starts 6:30 p.m. at the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street).  You must be 18 years old to play.

Saturday mornings:
Sundays: Flea Market, Betabel Station and Outdoor Market, 9644 Betabel Road, San Juan Bautista, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, check the market's Facebook page.

ONGOING EVENTS
December 3: Open Mic Night, Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street.

December 10:  Pedro Card Party, San Juan Bautista. Sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, it will be held at 203 Fourth Street from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beginners are welcome.

December 11: Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.


ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
December 1:
  • Ceramic Sale, Gavilan College Student Center, Gilroy, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Annual Winter Magic Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon, hosted by the Hazel Hawkins Hospital's Auxiliary, at the Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Library Summit, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
  • Reception for the Sock Monkeys in the Wild Exhibit, by Shannon Grissom, Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Oriana Chorale Concert, Mission San Juan Bautista, 7:30 p.m.
December 2 to December 19 (Thursdays to Sundays): La Virgen del Tepeyac, El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista. 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

December 3: Grand Opening, San Benito County Visitor's Bureau, 115 Third Street, San Juan Bautista, from 4 to 6 p.m.  

December 3 to December 5: Holiday Open House, Pietra Santa Winery.

December 4 and 5: Holiday Open Studios, hosted by the Aromas Hills Artisans,  Aromas, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

December 4:
December 5:
December 7: Oriana Chorale Concert, Mission San Juan Bautista, 7:30 p.m.

December 8: Holiday Concert, Watsonville Community Band, Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito and Seventh Streets, 7:30 p.m.

December 10 to December 12: Mulan, Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m. 

December 11:
  • 1st Annual Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Gabilan Hills Parents Club, Gabilan Hills School, 921 Santa Ana Road, Hollister, from 1 to 5 p.m.  
  • A Victorian Christmas, hosted by the San Benito Historical Society, at the Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free. An historic walking tour starts at 1 p.m. The tour cost is $5 per person and $8 per family. RSVP for tour by calling 524-2292. The Victorian costume contest is at 3:30 p.m.
December 13: Research Room Open, Wapple House Museum, Fifth and West Streets, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

December 16: Santa Visits the Library, San Benito County Free Library, Fifth and West Streets, from 5 to 7 p.m. 

December 18: Live Benefit Concert featuring Donald Elvis and the Hound Dogs, Granada Theater, Hollister, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

December 21, 22, and 23: A Christmas Carol, Limelight Productions, Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

December 23: Blood Drive, American Red Cross, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

December 25: Merry Christmas!!!

December 31: New Year's events at Casa de FrutaJohnny's Bar and Grill, and Leal Vineyards. Know about any other events in the area? 

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The 2010 Lights On Celebration Parade

It rained almost all day yesterday. Would it stop before the parade started?

It sure did stop! 

It was a clear, but cold, night full of spirit and joy. Lots of people came out to watch the annual holiday parade. We ooh'd and ah'd, and waved and cheered as young dancers, baton twirlers, Cub Scouts, martial artists, derby gals, school kids, business folks, bands, and others marched or road floats through downtown Hollister.

It was such fun!


For more photos, head over to Take 25's Facebook page by clicking here.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A Movie Filmed in the County

Can you name one movie, besides Vertigo, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, that was filmed in San Benito County?

How about La Bamba?

La Bamba is the movie about Ritchie Valens (aka Richard Valenzuela), an up-and-coming teenage rock and roller in the mid 1950s. One of his hits was a rocking version of the Mexican folk song called "La Bamba".  The movie of the short-lived singer was written and directed by Luis Valdez, the founder and artistic director of El Teatro CampesiƱo in San Juan Bautista. Released in 1987, some of the scenes were filmed in San Benito County.  Below is the trailer, after which you might want to check out these links:


Friday, November 26, 2010

Santa is Coming to Town



It's the 20th annual Lights On Celebration tomorrow, November 27, in downtown Hollister. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Hopefully, the rain that is expected tomorrow will not be falling during the festivities.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Eat Locally: Ella's Italian Restaurant


Within the last few months, Ella's Cafe on Airline Highway changed it's name to Ella's Italian Restaurant. The taste and the quality of the food, thankfully, has stayed the same—yummy, yum, yum!

Don't believe me. Check out the reviews at Yelp. Ella's was given 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The restaurant may be difficult to find. It's in the plaza on the southeast corner of Airline Highway and Sunnyslope Road. It's near Staples and across from McDonald's.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Which Way Should You Go?


It looks confusing, but it really isn't. The One Way sign applies to Fremont Way. The Exit Only sign refers to the traffic coming out of the Bank of America parking lot. Toot. Toot.

Monday, November 22, 2010

How Tall Are those Buildings?


So, did you think you were looking at buildings in the distance?

No. I didn't fool you at all. Look at the photo again. This time squint and imagine looking at a dirty parking lot in the distance.

There, I knew you'd see it.

I took the photo on Saturday at the Pinnacle Farm's produce stand in San Juan Valley. Here's what the scene actually looked like.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Heading South on 25


It's a beautiful Saturday morning on Highway 25, just past Sunset Drive. You wouldn't have thought that it rained heavily the night before or that it would be in several hours. 

A joyous, peaceful Sunday to you all!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Featured in East of Eden


In 1981, John Steinbeck's East of Eden was turned into a TV mini-series. It starred Jane Seymour, Timothy Bottoms, Sam Bottoms, and Karen Allen. Some of the scenes were filmed in and around Hollister, including Dr. Currie's house on the corner of Monterey and South Streets. Does anyone know if the movie guys filmed inside the house, too?

The mini-series followed the full story line of the novel, while the 1955 movie with James Dean focused on only part of the story. Both films are worth seeing. Here's a trailer for the mini-series.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Sunset Over Muenzer's


This photo was taken back in June, after the  Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade. You're looking at the back door of Muenzer's.

Anybody know what alley this is? And, what business's back door is across from Muenzer's?

Okay, for you young oldsters out there: Who remembers what used to be where Muenzer's is today?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Autumn in Hollister


Monterey Street is one of my favorite streets during the fall. I love the sound of crackling leaves as I walk over them. What do you like about autumn in Hollister?

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Rock Crushing Machinery


This monster towers over McCray Street, between Hillcrest Road and Gibbs Drive. It's kinda beautiful in its own way. I've never seen or heard it action. Has anyone?

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Pacific Brass Band



Want to talk about heavy metal bands? Okay, how about that Pacific Brass Band which performed yesterday afternoon in Hollister?

There was quite a lot of heavy metal in the form of cornets, trombones, flugelhorns, tenor horns, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion. And, their sound was so sweet! The band's rendition of Amazing Grace was just mind blowing. The man sitting behind me thought he was listening to bagpipes.

The Pacific Brass Band is composed of about 33 musicians from San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. They perform around the area throughout the year. They usually play in Hollister around this time every year.  It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For more information about the Pacific Brass Band, click  here to visit its Web site.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Buona Domenica


The spire peeking above the fence is that of Sacred Heart Church on Fifth Street. I took this back in May as the husband and I cut through a back alley to Sixth Street to watch the Portuguese Festival Parade.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

A Bird's Eye View of Hollister, California

Here's a cool video of Hollister that I discovered by chance. It's a view of Hollister that you might see if you were riding in a plane or falling through the sky, with a parachute, of course.

If anyone can tell me who produced it, I'd really like to know.

Friday, November 12, 2010

2010 Veterans Parade

It was a beautiful day for a parade through downtown Hollister to honor our military veterans!















Thursday, November 11, 2010

Truck 4 Sale


This truck caught my eye as I was heading up Hillcrest.  What a beauty it will be when the right someone buys and fixes it.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Shop Locally: Bertuccio's


Looking for fresh produce, eggs, and milk locally produced? How about honey, jams, nuts, and preserves, also all from local producers?

Well, then check out Bertuccio's near the southwest corner of Highway 25 (Airline Highway to us local folks) and Union Road. Bertuccios is down from the highway. It's open from Monday to Saturday.

For more info, check out Bertuccio's Web site.  Also, check out The Best from His Fields for Your Table, which was published in The Weekend Pinnacle Online in 2009.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Bull Dog Boxing Gym



This building stands near the corner of the McCray Street and Gibbs Drive. The sign says it is the Bulldog Boxing Gym.  According to an article in the Hollister Free Lance, the Bulldog Boxing Club has been around since the early 1990s.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Dear Take 25 to Hollister Readers,

Thanks so much for hanging out with me for as long as you've been coming by. It's been fun for me. Hope it has been for you, too.

No, no, this is not a good-bye. Just a note to let you know that because my work schedule is changing (for the better), I will eventually have less time for blogging.

So that means no more Tuesday in Hollister. Yes, I know how much some of you look forward to the feature. But, maybe later, I'll bring it back.

For a long time, I've been thinking about doing a daily photo post, or one every other day. . .or two. 

Hmmm, looks like I have a plan a brewing. Now, I make no promises as to how often or when I post.  I suggest you subscribe to my feed, if you haven't already. Otherwise, come by when you feel like it.  Okey-dokey.

Yours truly,

Su-sieee! Mac

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Researching History

Let's say you have a question about local history, such as: What was life in Hollister like in 1937 when your grandparents were kids?  What businesses operated on San Benito Street 50 years ago? or Who founded the town of Hollister?

How and where do you begin researching your question?

Probably the best source in town for Hollister and San Benito County history is the research room at the San Benito County Historical Museum (also known as the Wapple House Museum) on Fifth Street, next to the county library.  How many guessed that was where the brown door lead to in this week's Tuesday in Hollister?

Take it from me, the research room holds a gold mine of facts and figures about local people, places, events, and other matters.  The last time I was there, I learned that:
  • Jacob Watson was the first American to settle in Hollister in 1854
  • in 1880, the population in Hollister was 1,181 and in 1960, it was 15,396
  • in 1916-17, the principal county roads from Hollister were the Balsa (that's how it was spelled), Bird Creek Road, Fairview Road, San Juan Road, Santa Ana Road, and Tres Pinos Road.

Both the research room and museum are under the direction of the San Benito County Historical Society.  The research room holds a a collection of business directories, family histories, assessment rolls, property records, incarceration information, educational registrations, school year books, and local history books, among other resources. It also carries copies of the Hollister Free Lance and Hollister Advance from years past.

The research room is open to the public once a month—every second Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For a small fee, you can make an appointment to use the facility on another day. For more details, visit the historical society Web site and click on the "Research" tab. 

Sheila, Research Room Curator

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Tuesday in Hollister: Where to Go for History?


If you want to learn about the history of Hollister or San Benito County, one of the doors you may want to enter is that brown one in the photo. Do you know where that building is? Do you know who holds the key to that door?

The photo to your right is your hint. This house belonged to Dr. George Wapple, one of the local pharmacists in the olden days. It was built in 1909. Until the 1990s, it was the residence of the Wapple family. The home now houses local history.

Be sure to come back on Thursday for the answers and a look at what's behind that brown door.

ShareThis

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails