History San Jose has received countless donations over the years, but few have caused so many people to go down research rabbit holes as a grandfather clock recently has.
History San Jose CEO Bill Schroh said the nonprofit depository of the city’s history — a massive collection that includes everything from historic buildings and vehicles to fruit-packing crates, photographs and clothing — hasn’t yet taken possession of this particular grandfather clock as it works to research its origins.
The clock in question is a Seth Thomas “Jeweler’s Regulator” from the late 19th century, which apparently spent a few decades at Al Mitchell’s Jewelry store at 48 S. First St. But it was also said to be the main clock at the old City Hall, the imposing brick building in Plaza Park that was the center of government activity from 1889 until 1958, when City Hall moved to North First Street for nearly five decades years before returning downtown in 2005.
This grandfather clock, which History San Jose is considering accepting as a donation, set off a hunt for photographs of the interior of the Victorian-era San Jose City Hall, which sat in downtown’s Plaza Park from 1889 until it was replaced in 1958. (Courtesy History San Jose)
Schroh told me he and History San Jose’s staff went looking for a photo of the clock inside City Hall to corroborate that but had no luck. And this is where the tale takes a turn into the Twilight Zone. Not only could they not find a photograph of this clock, they couldn’t find any photographs taken inside that City Hall.
So now they’re turning to the public, hoping that longtime residents or families may have photographs of the old City Hall’s interior. So start combing those old photo albums, and if you turn up something from the old City Hall, email Schroh at bschroh@historysanjose.org.
SERVICE OUTAGE: I heard from several people Friday about this weekend’s Viva CalleSJ event creating problems for Sunday services held at churches along White Road. There are no fewer than five churches along the route, which will be closed to vehicle traffic starting around 8 a.m. to set up for the event, which begins at 10.
It’s definitely a hassle for anyone driving to a church service that morning. Fortunately, most of the affected houses of worship have alternate parking lot entrances that aren’t on White Road. One of those that aren’t accessible by car at all, White Road Baptist Church, is holding services at 5 p.m., after the roads open again.
Of course, the same thing happens when Viva Calle runs through downtown. Depending on the route, St. Joseph Cathedral, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the First Unitarian Church of San Jose and First United Methodist Church can all be directly affected by either parking or noise issues. But none of those churches has a parking lot, which could mean regulars are already used to building in time to find parking on nearby streets or even walking or biking to church.
I mentioned the church issue to Viva Calle organizers last year, and they said that every effort is made to inform churches of the event — as they do with businesses and residents on the route — so they can communicate that to their congregations. You can get all the Viva Calle details at www.vivacallesj.org.
IT’S LEVITT SUMMER IN SAN JOSE: There’s been a lot of new buzz lately about the long-planned effort to bring a Levitt Pavilion stage to St. James Park. The Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose held a couple of recent sessions to update supporters (and potential supporters) on the plans for a permanent stage in the downtown park that would host at least 50 free events each year.
While the fundraising train is chugging along, the group announced a summer schedule of 10 free shows that kicks off with Onye & the Messengers on May 24 and closes Sept. 6 with the Peach Tree Rascals. Other acts include Devon Gilfillian (June 7), the John Santos Sextet (June 20), The Altons (July 5), and Prince tribute band The Purple Ones (Aug. 16). Get the full lineup and other details at www.levittsanjose.org.
DRAMA OF PROTEST: Talk-back sessions after a theatrical performance aren’t anything new, but the Pear Theatre in Mountain View is collaborating with Indivisible Palo Alto Plus on post-show activism trainings after four performances of its current show, “Anon(ymous).”
Artistic Director Sara Kannen Dean says you don’t need a ticket to the show to take part in the hourlong sessions, which are being held April 18, 19, 24 and 25. The first two will cover the power of community organizing, while the second pair will focus on the risks posed to cities by installing surveillance camera systems.
The sessions actually line up pretty well with the theme of “Anon(ymous),” Naomi Iizuka’s adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey that’s told from the viewpoint of a young refugee searching for community and connection. Get more information on the show, which runs through May 3, and the post-show discussions at thepear.org.
A DEAL THAT DOESN’T STINK: Did you know that Sunday is National Garlic Day? It’s a big deal at Gilroy Gardens, the family theme park in the undisputed garlic capital of the world, which has teamed up with Christopher Ranch and the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association for a day of festivities. That includes Ken Christopher reading his children’s book, “Elephant Garlic,” the Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant and lots of meet-and-greet time with the park’s sibling garlic bulb mascots, Gil and Roy. Plenty of garlicky menu items will be available to purchase, as well some free samples.
Gilroy residents, with proof of residency, get a special treat in the form of $12 admission (and $12 parking) — a big discount from the regular $65 ticket. Hours and other information are available at the Gilroy Gardens website, gilroygardens.org.