— continued from p. 8
This building was destroyed in a fire in 1911. Members were able to save the new organ, pews, pulpit, and the Dale bell with the help of others from nearby St. Joseph’ s Church. The congregation built a much larger church. This building survived until 1948, when it was declared unsafe and condemned. A third building was constructed in 1951 on the same property bounded by Castro, Mercy, Franklin and Church.
But in 1959 the decision was made to move to the corner of Miramonte & Cuesta, where the congregation remains today. The location was formerly part of the 165-acre Benjamin T. Bubb ranch.
A celebration of 175 years in ministry was held on Sunday July 19, starting with a 10 a. m. worship service and followed by a 11:30 a. m. event that showcased the Dale Bell and a replica of the pump organ. Historical artifacts of church history were displayed.
MVHA congratulates the First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View for the many decades of ministry to our community.
Who loves Ice Cream? Our Founding Fathers!
We think of ice cream as something that needs electricity to be produced, but all one needs is ice to cool the egg custard base. Other methods, such as a hand cranked paddle that churned the mixture in a metal container, can be used to freeze the mixture.
Thomas Jefferson acquired a taste for ice cream while serving as ambassador in France. He hand copied a recipe for vanilla ice cream. He had his staff at Monticello prepare the concoction. Ice houses on the property kept ice ready to be used for making ice cream whenever Mr. Jefferson wanted a dish.
George Washington’ s love of ice cream was well known. He purchased elaborate molds used to shape ice cream, some in the shape of a basket of fruit. Martha liked to add pureed fruit( from their farm) to the mixture.
James Madison also was a lover of ice cream. His wife Dolley famously served a wonderful strawberry ice cream creation at President Madison’ s second inaugural banquet at the White House in 1813.
So when you next celebrate the 4th of July- add a cup of ice cream to your menu— you will be remembering the founders in a very tasty way.
MEMBERSHIP FORM 2026
The MVHA welcomes new members! You can also join / renew online at www. mountainviewhistorical. org. The MVHA is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501( c)( 3), Tax ID 94-6115407. Membership is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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