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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