H I S T O R I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G
Patrick Fitzgerald and family around 1895 .
Above : A self-portrait of Inez Fitzgerald Right : A portrait of Patrick Fitzgerald .
The Gilroy Fitzgerald House Bed & Breakfast 2008
This Old House
In and around Gilroy there are a number of houses that are rich with history . Gilroy Today would like to start this new series , “ Historically Speaking …” with a look at a house we know quite well because it is our home and business location . It is the Fitzgerald House on Rosanna between Fifth and Sixth Streets .
The original construction dates back to 1885 . In 1887 the property transferred from R . M . Davis to William Fisher . In 1889 Patrick Fitzgerald purchased the property . In 1894 he remodeled the house , adding a second story and adding the Queen Anne elements that adorn it today . Mr . Fitzgerald owned a local livery stable . Folks say that a small single-walled house across the street , that has since been moved and remodeled , was for his ranch hands . The livery stable was located on Monterey between Fifth and Sixth .
Patrick was a colorful character who also served on the Gilroy City Council . At one time he was also one of the owners of the local newspaper , The Advocate , the precursor of The Dispatch . His brother , Walter G . Fitzgerald , was the Mayor of Gilroy in 1908 and served on the Council until at least 1928 .
Another relative , Inez Fitzgerald , was a local photographer . As a photographer she was unable to make a living in San Francisco . In Gilroy , her studio was reportedly also on Monterey between Fifth and Sixth . Numerous photos of Gilroy oldtimers were produced at the Fitzgerald Studio . Inez had a reputation for being something of an “ ambulance chaser .” When there were accidents in the area , she was known get to the scene as soon as possible to record the event . Over the years family members of former residents , including descendents of Patrick Fitzgerald , have visited the Fitzgerald House . With their help , the history of this 121 year-old house and its occupants is coming together .
The house , as it is today , was raised four feet in 1987 and a first floor apartment was built . Since then , the whole interior of the house has been rewired , replumbed and remodeled . New materials have been utilized to mimic its Victorian roots . The house is a three-story structure with almost 6,000 square feet . Currently , in addition to being a home and the office for InfoPower Communications and Gilroy Today , it is The Gilroy Fitzgerald House Bed & Breakfast , the only B & B in the Gilroy , Morgan Hill , and Hollister area .
If the history of older homes is intriguing , join a history tour with Connie Rogers and the Historical Society .
Gilroy
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