History

The Alameda, The Beautiful Way (excerpt)

by Shannon Clark

Shasta/Hanchett Park

The Agricultural Park encompassed 76 acres of land bordered by Race Street, The Alameda, Magnolia Avenue and Park Avenue. The Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Society began to have state fairs in 1856, but finally bought this park in 1859. The Agricultural Society’s fundraising committee sold subscriptions and raised $14,464.55 in just two weeks. The Society paid General Naglee $6,000 for the 76-acre parcel. This allowed the society to use the remaining funds to improve the park. This park served as a recreational facility for over 40 years. Livestock fairs, circuses, and dances made this one of the most popular San Jose parks. Leland Stanford raced his prize horses, Palo Alto and Occident, in the famous racing track located there. After returning from his trip around the world in 1879, President Grant visited The Agricultural Park to watch Occident race against the clock. In 1905, the “father of basic flying” and inventor of the cambered wing, John J. Montgomery, gave some of the first public flight demonstrations of a heavier than air high-air glider in the Agricultural Park.

Alameda Park Subdivision, Part 1 of 3

by Kay Marie Gutknecht

The Alameda Park subdivision includes 99 parcels on four streets—Schiele, Pershing, Harding and Hoover Avenues. (See Figure-1.) It was built out during the boom years of the 1920’s with modest, predominantly single-story family home, with two or three bedrooms and a single bath. The architecture is quintessential California, the type featured in Sunset magazine during this time and best classified as 20th century revival. The area has maintained a high level of architectural integrity through the years.

Alameda Park Subdivision, Part 2 of 3

by Kay Marie Gutknecht

Part 2 coming soon.

Alameda Park Subdivision, Part 3 of 3

by Kay Marie Gutknecht

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are a key feature of every home in the Alameda Park. All have (or had) true divided lights in a variety of pane patterns. Square or rectangular window panes are either presented in a frame pattern or are evenly divided into panes of the same size. Semi-circle window panes are presented in fan, sunburst or evenly divided patterns. The variations identified on homes in the subdivision are: