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The MVHA ’ s logo ( featuring a stylized depiction of MV ’ s Southern Pacific train depot with the Santa Cruz Mountains in the background ) was reworked into a circle-shaped seal for the City of Mountain View sign on Shoreline Boulevard .
MVHA Added to City Sign
When researching the topic for the Summer Ice Social event August 7 , our board looked at the MV organizations display rack located on Shoreline Boulevard where it meets Stierlin Road . When we started looking closely at the groups listed , we discovered a “ time capsule ” sorely in need of an update !
This mid-20th Century sign once marked the northern gateway ; it was installed long before the city ’ s developed area expanded north toward the bay . Like similar signs in many towns throughout the country , it features the logos and seals of organizations that operated with the city at the time . Since then , many of the organizations have ceased local operations or disbanded all together In addition , the condition of the rack was looking a bit ragged .
An email was sent to the City of Mountain View to inquire about the status of the panels and rack . A reply quickly arrived — the City was already in the process of updating the sign , making a new rack , and ( re ) installing organization logo panels . We inquired if the MVHA could have a panel installed and were delighted to learn that the city would secure a place for us if we provided the 30-inch panel . Nick Perry reworked the rectangular MVHA logo into a round form .
The artwork was transferred to a thin metal sheet by a local sign making company . The City mounted the panel on the new rack , which is smaller than the previous one . More organizations will have their logos mounted later . The MVHA is also working with the City to preserve the logo sign of one defunct organization , the “ Sociedad Progresista Mexican Logia No . 49 ”, a defunct lodge of a Mexican-American mutual aide society and add it to our archival collection due to its unique association with Chicano history in Mountain View .
MVHA is proud to be included as an important local organization on the City ’ s sign !
MVHA Meets the Community
One great feature of community life in Mountain View is the annual neighborhood association summer ice cream socials . Grants from the city provide funding for the purchase of ice cream , which is given away at the events .
In an effort to increase awareness of the MVHA and gain new members , our group attended events for the following neighborhoods : Gemello , Cuesta Park , Monta Loma , Old Mountain View , Varsity Park , Rex Manor , Shoreline West , Wagon Wheel , and an event at Rengstorff Park hosted by the Community Action Team .
At the events , board members have been able to talk to neighbors , many of whom are not familiar with our organization . We also learn local history from the neighbors who are eager to talk about their memories .
The sale of books about Mountain View history also increased activity around our table . At several events we offered coloring pages & crayons for children , which were a big hit . We look forward to participating in more neighborhood events in the future and are always looking for volunteers to help staff our information table . Please reach out if you ’ re interested !
MVHA Board members at our info table
Young visitors to our info table enjoy our local-history themed coloring pages
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