Centennial tour of Spanish Revival homes
A century ago, the accomplished architectural firm of Wolfe & Higgins brought the Spanish Revival style to San Jose. On Aug. 26, you can tour eight of these exquisite residences — most never before open to the public — in a much-anticipated event sponsored by the Preservation Action Council of San Jose.
These striking buildings are known for showy elements such as red tile roofs, arched doors and windows, twisted pillars, wrought iron trim and ornate door surrounds. The homes on parade are located in the Willow Glen and Rose Garden neighborhoods.
The tour will be accompanied by a sale of local history books, collectibles and more. Be sure to also keep your eyes peeled for midcentury decor, gift baskets and pottery at the emporium located on 295 Sequoia Ave., off The Alameda, San Jose, says Patt Curia, the organizer of the boutique. The sale is open to the public.
Home tour tickets cost $30 for members, $35 for non-members and $40 the day of the tour at Hester School, 1460 The Alameda. Purchase advance tickets at the Antiques Colony (1881 W. San Carlos St.), Willow Glen Home and Garden Shop (1123 Lincoln Ave.) or at www.preservation.org. Tour hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Two advance events will complement the tour. A fundraising preview party at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 (in a Dutch Colonial Revival home not on the tour of eight!) will benefit PAC*SJ, which is dedicated to preserving San Jose’s rich past. Tickets, $100 members or $120 non-members, include the Aug. 26 architectural tour.
On Aug. 20, Krista Van Laan, author of the newly released tome, “Wolfe & Higgins: Master Architects of the Spanish Revival,” will deliver a presentation and autograph books at 3:15 p.m. at the San Jose Woman’s Club, 75 S. 11th Street, San Jose. The club, constructed in 1929, is one of many edifices pictured in Van Laan’s treatise. It will be an eventful day at the landmark since the 10th annual Ice Cream Social occurs at 2 p.m. The signing and social are free and open to the public. Details: 408-294-6919.
SAN LORENZO’S PAST >>
Cemeteries are an interesting glimpse into our history, and one in the East Bay has been earnestly digging into its past. On Aug. 12, the latest tour in a series at the San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery (15506 Hesperian Blvd.) will have “Native of … Stories of Immigration” as a theme. The grounds are among the properties maintained by the Hayward Area Historical Society.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost: general, $15, museum members, seniors and students, $10. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. Details: 510-5810223, or www.haywardareahistory.org.
SARATOGA SALE >> The Saratoga Historical Foundation will conduct a dispersal of donated treasures Aug. 12. Shoppers are certain to find antiques and collectibles, as well as vintage jewelry, toys, sporting goods and household items at bargain prices.
The sale, at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in Saratoga, runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Details: 408-867-4311, orwww. saratoga history. com. Monies raised will go toward the construction of a blacksmith exhibit.
LOS ALTOS ANTIQUES
EVENT >> I will be a guest moderator/presenter at the second annual “Let’s Talk Antiques,” to be held Aug. 21 under the stately heritage oaks at the Los Altos History Museum. Jennifer Berg, founder of Antiquum and an enthusiastic antiques guru, will once again assist me. Proceeds for the fundraiser help the organization with community programs and educational outreach.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. attendees will feast on a delicious lunch and pastries, then receive a verbal evaluation of a single treasure. It’s a good opportunity to learn whether your great aunt’s turkey platter, or that flea market find, has a value.
The museum is at 51 S. San Antonio Road in the Civic Center next to the library in Los Altos. Tickets: $40. Spaces are limited. Details: 415-948-9427, extension 14, or www.losaltoshistory.org.
Contact Yvaska at steve. yvaska@sbcglobal.net.