Showing posts with label landmark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label landmark. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2017

There's Fremont Peak!


For the past two years I've wanted to take a picture of Fremont Peak from the Fremont Peak Marker, aka California Historical Landmark #181, on Muckelemi Street. My attempts have been foiled by clouds or smog, until last week.

Do you see Fremont Peak up there in the background? You can't miss the pointy 2,799 feet high mountain and the TV tower to the left of the peak. What I like about this shot is the historical marker points an arrow to Fremont Peak, saying it's 11 miles away.

Here are two more shots of Fremont Peak that I took that same day.

From Highway 129 (aka Ohlone Kallentaruk Highway) in the Pajaro Valley

From San Juan Highway



Sunday, December 20, 2015

Santa Ana Mountain in the Mist


Recognize Santa Ana Mountain? It looks nearby in the photo but it's truly far off in the distance. I took this photo from Thomas Road, off of Southside Road.


Thursday, December 3, 2015

Keep the Peace


"The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace." ~ Carlos Santana


Friday, November 6, 2015

Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs


Some of you may recall picnicking, hiking trails, dipping your toes in the mineral springs, or swimming in the freshwater pool at the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs in the eastern foothills outside of Gilroy. The resort closed its gates to the public in the 1980s. Today, it is part of Henry Coe State Park.  

A couple of weeks ago the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs celebrated its 20th year as a historic landmark. It's a California Historical Landmark as well as on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. 


The resort has an amazing history that dates back to 1865 when Francisco Cantua stumbled upon the mineral springs while seeking lost sheep from his flock. He claimed the area and turned it into a campground, but shortly afterwards sold the property to George Roop. He, in turn, with the help of partners, developed the hot springs into a big-time resort. By, 1874, a large hotel and 18 cottages were built, which could house up to 300 visitors. 

And, people did come. Locally as well as from far away. Many, including the rich and famous, such as Adolph Sutro, James Phelan, and Claus Spreckels, from San Francisco took the three-hour train ride to Gilroy, stayed overnight at a hotel, then, the next morning, jostled for three hours in a horse and buggy on 12 miles of dirt paths to the hot springs. Visitors often stayed for one or two weeks. The springs was considered the best in California, and until the mid-1930s, it was a popular destination place. 


In 1938, Harry K. Sakata, a well-known lettuce grower in Watsonville, bought the property and changed the name to Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs. Yamato is the word for Japanese. Sakata's goal was to develop a retreat for Japanese Americans.

Then came the U.S. entry into World War II and the internment of the Japanese American population in very remote locations. Sakata's Caucasian business partners took over the management of the hot springs, returning the property to Sakata after the war. In the postwar years, Sakata invited interned families to live on the property as a place to transition back into American society. 


The famous hotel and clubhouse are no more, nor the soaking pools or the freshwater swimming pool. Many of the cabins are still on the grounds in various stages of disrepair, which are being renovated by volunteers known as the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs (GYHS), formerly known as the Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs. GYHS is a subgroup of the Pine Ridge Association, the nonprofit group that provides interpretive programs for Henry Coe State Park. GYHS' goals are to protect, preserve, and restore the site and its historic buildings, as well as to re-establish the landmark for public use.


The public can visit Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs when GYHS hold guided tours, which are usually the 2nd Saturday and 4th Sunday of the month. To ensure one is available, call GYHS at 408-314-7185 or send an email to info<at>gilroyyamatohotsprings<dot>org. 

By the way,  GYHS is seeking a campground host, with his or her own trailer or motor home, to live on the site. For more information, contact GYHS. 

Check out these websites to learn more about the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs
• GYHS
• Gilroy Hot Springs History (The Valley of Hearts Delight)
• Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs (Wikipedia) 

For more of my photos and a bit more story about the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, please click here

The once-upon-a-time swimming pool


Thursday, October 8, 2015

TBT: The Original Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

This Take 25 to Hollister post was originally published on August 11, 2009. 


Show of hands, Hollister folks: Who was born in this here building?

You. You. You. Me. You over there on the other side of the world. And a whole lot more.

This building stands at 910 Monterey Street. The corner of Monterey and Hawkins streets, to be exact. It’s the original Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, which was built and presented to the city of Hollister by Mr. Thomas S. Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins was one of the city’s founders. His granddaughter, the Hazel Hawkins, the sweetie of his heart, died from appendicitis in 1902. She was only nine years old. According to the story I’ve heard, Mr. Hawkins felt she may have lived if there had been the proper medical facility in town. So, he built one for the community as a tribute to his “Little Sunshine.”


Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital opened in November 1907 and served as the community hospital until the hospital district was formed in 1957. In 1962, the hospital moved into its modern digs on Sunset Drive. Today, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is part of the San Benito Health Care District which also includes skilled nursing facilities and a home health agency.

The old hospital building was used as a nursing home for many years. Then, somewhere along the line, it was turned it into an office building. And that's what it is today. The hair stylist who does my hair had her salon there for several years, which gave me a chance to prowl the corridors.


It’s a very beautiful building, as you can see. If you ever have a chance, pop in and take a glance of what’s inside. The left (or south) corridor especially. I'll just leave it at that. (Update: These ceiling decorations may have been taken down.)

By the way, does anyone know where the baby nursery used to be? The surgery? Just wondering.

Here are a couple of links to learn more about the hospital and the Hawkins family:

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Up Close — The Five Palms


From nearly everywhere you look in Downtown Hollister, you can see the five palm trees that mark the once-upon-a-time baseball field. It wasn't until the other day that I checked them out at their home base by the old train depot on Prospect Avenue.



Tuesday, August 25, 2015

The Other Clock Tower


Clock tower in Hollister?

I immediately think of the 106-year old clock tower on the corner of Fourth and San Benito Streets. But, that may not be the one that someone is seeking, especially if a person is looking for the pet store, car wash, or ale house that's by the clock tower.

Yup. That clock tower in the picture, which is in the Clocktower Plaza on McCray Street, near Meridian Street.


Thursday, August 13, 2015

San Juan Bautista Honors its Past

While I was walking around San Juan Bautista earlier this week, I kept coming across amazing things that showed how people and groups appreciate each other. For instance, the dedication of a bench to someone; the restoration of an old, old residence to its original look; and the display of a company's safety award within the community rather than at the company itself. Seeing all this made me feel good.

The Pico-Boronda Adobe on Fourth Street was built in 1840 by Rafael Pico, a Basque sheepherder. One of the four original adobes still standing in San Juan, it has been the home of the San Juan Bautista chapter of the Native Daughters of the Golden West since 1934.  The Native Daughters restored the building in 1935. (Details from the San Juan Bautista Historic District Walking Tour pamphlet.)

Located amongst the trees in the Carl Martin Luck Memorial Park is a concrete bench dedicated to Ann Baccala, who was a major figure the San Juan community. The plaque on the bench reads: "In memory of Ann Baccala who unselfishly gave her love, time, and devotion to the City of San Juan Bautista." 

Under the trees at Abbe Recreational Park is a concrete bench dedicated to Pimi Rodriquez, who was San Juan's public works chief for many years. I came across this 1993 article about San Juan in which the reporter wrote how Rodriquez worked without pay because of budget problems. 

Sitting at the edge of the baseball field in the Abbe Recreational Park is this beautiful plaque of a safety award that was presented to the Ideal Cement Company in 1960. The company operated a cement plant and quarry in San Juan Canyon from the 1920s to the 1970s. (Details from the San Juan Bautista Historic District Walking Tour pamphlet.)

Monday, June 29, 2015

The Masonic Lodge Clock Tower


I think it's time for another view of our famous timepiece in Downtown Hollister.

Until tomorrow. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. . . .

Monday, April 6, 2015

E is for. . .


Eric Tognazzini!

In his later years, Eric buzzed up and down the sidewalks of Downtown Hollister on an electric wheelchair. Before that, he rode his tricycle. Eric was constantly stopping to talk with friends and acquaintances, some of whom crossed the streets or popped out of the shops and restaurants to say hello and chat with him for awhile.

I never knew what Eric's physical disability was. I just knew that he did not stick to the shadows because of it. He had a charming personality that disarmed people so that they didn't feel uncomfortable being around him.

Eric died in May, 2011 at the age of 64. Immediately, his friends started a memorial fund to build a statue of Eric, so that we may all remember and be inspired by Eric's amazing joyful spirit. Last month, the statue was installed and unveiled in front of the Briggs Building on the corner of San Benito and Fourth Streets.

To Eric!



Click here to find other A to Z challenge participants.






Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Downtown Hollister Historic District: The Veterans Memorial Building


The Veterans Memorial Building, at 649 San Benito Street, is a local landmark. It is also another contributing building in the Downtown Hollister Historic District.  This handsome two-story building was dedicated on November 11, 1927, nine years after the Armistice was signed between Germany and the Allies to end World War I. Over the years, the Veterans Memorial Building has been used for various governmental, community, and private events, from town hall meetings to public concerts and private weddings and birthday parties.

Made of reinforced concrete, the Veterans Memorial Building is divided into three bays, with the center bay being twice the size of the side bays. The porch, or portico, of the center bay, is supported by two side piers and four eight-sided columns. Several gorgeous rounded windows and three arched entrances are protected by the portico's roof.


Jane McClosky Wapple was the person behind getting the building constructed. In 1923, she proposed the idea of establishing a building to honor the military members of San Benito County who died in World War I. To raise construction funds, Mrs. Wapple and her friends held a horse show at Bolado Park, which brought in $14,000. By the way, that horse show, which she called the Spanish Fiesta, became the start of the annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Parade.

Mrs. Wapple was a very interesting person in Hollister history. If you'd like to learn a little more about her, check out this article, "Sweet Jane Wapple," written by Martin Cheek in the Gilroy Dispatch.

Today is Our World Tuesday. Click here to check out what's going on in other parts of the world.



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

A Setting for Sitting


My favorite setting for sitting in downtown Hollister is the new county courthouse on Fourth Street. The beautifully landscaped grounds is like a little park. And, the benches, as well as the red chairs at the red tables, are comfortable seats.

The other morning, the Husband and I hung out there while we waited for our car to be fixed at a shop a few blocks away. It was quite pleasant, sitting on what's becoming "our" bench, reading and watching the cars and foot traffic go by. I'm looking forward to when the trees get bigger.

Today the letter is S at Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday. That's where I'll be checking out posts of other bloggers from around the world. Click here to join me.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

On Top of Park Hill


That's Santa Ana Peak in the distance. Quite a different look from this angle on top of Park Hill in downtown Hollister.

I'm hooking up at The Weekend in Black and White, hosted by Dragonstar. Click here to check out other monochrome photos by bloggers around the world.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Peeking above the Mist


That's Santa Ana Peak. Beautiful, isn't it? I caught it peeking above the mist this morning, as I was bicycling up Santa Ana Road. I can just imagine how even more gorgeous the sight must've been on Santa Ana Valley Road.


Sunday, May 25, 2014

A Peep of Beauty


The other afternoon I was walking by the Hollister United Methodist Church on Fifth Street and noticed that the stained glass windows were slightly visible. Normally, you can't see them from the outside. The windows are stunning. Click here to get an idea of how they look from the inside.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

The Anza House in San Juan Bautista


The Anza House, or the Casa Juan de Anza, is one of the oldest buildings in the Third Street Historic District of San Juan Bautista. It was designated a Registered National Historical Landmark in 1970. The sign says it was built in 1799, but, according to this National Park Service article, the building was constructed in 1834.  Jose Tiburcio Castro, a Mexican official, built it for his residence.

Still, there could be truth in the sign. I've got it on my list to find out the story. I'm also curious as to how the building became known as the Anza House. Anyone know?

5/28 update: According to the research done by the current owner of the Anza House, the original construction date is 1799. Read the owner's comment below for more details. Thank you!

Friday, May 23, 2014

A Glimpse


Stroll along San Benito Street.
Glance up at the Veterans' Memorial Building,
A sighting of the moon.
~ Su-sieee! Mac

 

Friday, May 16, 2014

Park Hill

View of Park Hill from Highway 25

What caused Park Hill to stick up above Hollister's valley floor? Have you ever wondered about that?

The Calaveras Fault skirts along the western base of the hill, so maybe it was pushed up by tectonic activity over millions of year. That's one theory of geologists.

Another theory is that Vista Hill somehow escaped being eroded away by whatever it was that wore down the terrain into a valley.

What do you think?

If you're interested in reading more the Calaveras Fault in Hollister, check out this page at Geology Cafe.com: Calaveras Fault in Hollister, CA.


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A Statue, a Mount, and a Mannequin

It sounds like a beginning of a joke—a statue, a mount, and a mannequin walked into a bar. . . . Sorry, I got none. But, that's what I happened to see last weekend in Aromas.

The Statue in front of Aromas Feed & Ranch Supplies



 

The Taxidermy Mount at Aromas Grill



 

The Mannequin on Carpenteria Road




Friday, April 18, 2014

El Camino Real Bell


This El Camino Real Bell stands in the front yard of the Native Daughters of the Golden West Adobe at 203 Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista. Cast from a mold of an original El Camino Real bell, it was dedicated in 2010, the year that "The Gold Dust Girls" of Parlor No. 179 celebrated its 100th anniversary.

El Camino Real was the foot path that the Spanish padres took between the California Missions, from San Diego to Sonoma. In the early 1900s, bells were erected every one to two miles to mark this historical route as well as to promote tourism in the state. By 1914, over 400 markers were placed.

To learn more about El Camino Real and its bells, check out these sites:

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