Immigrant House & Heritage Park Open to the Public !
By Marina Marinovich MVHA Publicity Chair
On Saturday , December 10 , 2016 , Mountain View ’ s new Heritage Park held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony . The day ’ s persistent rainfall deterred neither Mountain View ’ s city officials , nor the 150 or so enthusiastic citizens who showed their support for this new concept in park design by coming out .
With historic Immigrant House as its central focal point , and an authentic windmill , interpretive signage , heritage trees , and a community demonstration garden , the park is intended for relaxation , quietude , and education .
The celebration ’ s speakers included Mayor Pat Showalter , Community Service Director JP de la Montague , City Manager Dan Rich , Friends of Immigrant House Founder Mary Kay Marinovich , and The Soil and Water Project ’ s representative , Kavita Coombe .
Vice Mayor Ken Rosenberg ( now Mayor ), council members Chris Clark , Mike Kasperzak , John McAllister , and Lenny Siegel ( now Vice-Mayor ), former council members Margaret Abe-Koga ( re-elected ), and Ronit Bryant all joined Mayor Showalter in the official ribbon cutting .
Marina Marinovich speaks at the grand opening of Heritage Park .
To maintain the authenticity of the exhibit , Senior City Project Manager Rey Rodriguez has put in place a threefold process for scouting and donations :
1 . Items must be from the 1920s era or before . 2 . Photos and a description of said items need to be approved by the City for possible inclusion .
3 . Items must be approved as historically and aesthetically accurate by the City before they are actually acquired or purchased .
Stay tuned for information regarding the Grand Reveal !
Also present was Frances Stieper , who sold the property to the City below market rate under the condition that it become either a park or senior housing . She had a front row seat for the installation of Heritage Park ’ s official plaque , and seemed very happy with the outcome of the project .
According to the new plaque on its front , Immigrant House is officially recognized as a Santa Clara County Historical Structure . The house is now reinforced and looks beautiful thanks to excellent craftsmanship and the kitchen ’ s 1920 ’ s-style wallpaper , which was recreated by Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers .
The Pear family ( who are long-standing members of the Mountain View Historical Association ) generously donated authentic furnishings of the era from their old farm in Mountain View . Items include a wonderful icebox , stools , and tables .
The interior of Immigrant House is still in need of more furnishing . On the master list of items needed are a stove , a heat source , a bed , items for the kitchen , and a washbasin , among others . Those interested in joining in the volunteer effort to obtain furnishings are encouraged to get in touch with Friends of Immigrant House at ( 650 ) 961-8209 .
HERITAGE PARK FACTS & FIGURES
• Heritage Park covers 1.2 acres and is home to approximately 150 trees .
• The historic Immigrant House is one of the city ’ s oldest buildings , and a recipient of Santa Clara County ’ s Historical Heritage Grant . Constructed before 1888 and used as a home for immigrant laborers and farm workers , it was relocated to the park from 166 Bryant St .
• The 80-year-old windmill is a gift from the Garliepp / Gabler family , and was previously located on San Leandro Ave .
• The volunteer demonstration garden , providing agricultural and gardening education , is the first of its kind in Mountain View .
• Beehives original to this property are currently offsite for construction , and will be returned in spring of 2017 .
• The park ’ s construction phase took five months .
• The park sports four interpretive signs , providing additional information .
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