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Saratoga Sampler
New novel recalls the Blossom Festival
By Mary Ann Cook
BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: I don't suppose there will ever be an Asphalt and Stucco Festival, but years ago--as far back as 1900 and off and on until WW II--there was a Blossom Festival, one of the highlights of the Saratoga year. High school girls danced in it; San Franciscans and other foreigners came down on special trains to witness it.
And the valley did its part--it was awash in blossoms. It happened every year in late March, and was held in various places where a natural amphitheater existed. First, at the Foothill Club site and other downtown locations, later on at Fruitvale just off Saratoga Avenue.
Its day may be over, but the memories linger on. Even for those who weren't part of it. Such as Lawrence Coates, who teaches at Southern Utah University, and has just written a novel called The Blossom Festival. His grandfather was the last blacksmith in Saratoga, one Bert Bertelsen.
What a handy handle to hold on to and remember. Coates grew up in El Cerrito and fondly recalls his visits to Saratoga. In the book Saratoga is called San Natoma and Los Gatos is mentioned by name. In the credits, Coates names several Saratogans and Los Gatans whose reminiscences were of invaluable help to him in writing the book.
Some of them may even be in the book, thinly disguised, says informant Betty McClendon. Those credited are Willys Peck (no surprise there), Sheila Stanfield Heid, Peggy Stanfield Stuart and Susan Elizabeth "Betty" McClendon.
"We spent one whole afternoon with him, recalling stories about the festival," McClendon says. The three women danced in the festival as high school girls. Years later, McClendon played choreographer for the festival.
The weather didn't always cooperate. "One time we were coming down the hill in our papier-mâché costumes singing, "'Heigh! Ho! Come to the Fair!' when it started to rain. You can imagine what that did to the costumes! Another time one of the prune trees had to be carried off the stage, evidently with sunstroke."
The chorus was usually decked out as either prune trees or peach blossoms. As for the thin disguises: Peck could be the whistling boy in the book and McClendon could be Tatania, since she played that part. We may never know. The book was published by the University of Nevada Press, part of its Western Literature Series. Coates is past editor of Quarterly West.
AUTHOR'S TEA: To celebrate Andy Eschenfelder's latest book, A Guide to Living Intentionally in this Complex World, a tea and book signing will be held on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at Douglass Hall in Saratoga Federated Church. Alumni of study groups who road-tested early drafts of the manuscript will present a short program, which they say will "amuse and edify."
The Guide to Living affirms that life should be joyful and offers ways to manage difficulties, capitalize on elusive opportunities and increase one's quotient of joy. Eschenfelder retired from IBM in 1981 and continues pursuing "a life lived intentionally." He and his wife, Jean, have lived in Saratoga since 1967.
The book's publisher is Winepress Publishing. Future special interest study groups will be announced at the reception. For more information call Elaine Wade at 867-1000, ext. 223.
BALLET BENEFIT: An afternoon of Greek buffet and wine is in the offing for those who attend the San Jose Cleveland Ballet Council's benefit for the Betts Cartwright Memorial Scholarship Fund. The cost is $35.
The benefit will be at the mountain home of Linda Sarles, 18765 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept 26. Entertainment will be provided by the Hellenic Traditional Arts Institute. Contacts are Cynthia Somora at 238-0337 and Marti Stewart at 650/941-8811.
PAPER SCULPTURE: A new offering at Hakone is collage and paper sculpture with Amy Konsterlie. Sponge tape and glue gun help create layers for the three-dimensional work. Bring watercolor or other papers, paints for coloring. The class meets on Sept. 23 and 30, 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $35. Checks to Amy Konsterlie, 19736 Oakmont Drive, Los Gatos, 95030. Phone is 353-4447.
Papermaking from recycled paper and plant fibers will be taught by Jeanne Tillman in two series of five-hour workshops. One is Oct. 7 and 14; one is Oct. 9 and 16. Class meets 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $85. Bring a lunch. Register with Tillman at 15000 Old Ranch Road, Los Gatos, 95033. Her phone is 353-3921.
CATTLE BARON'S BALL: The Cattle Baron's Ball will be held on Sept. 25 at Moffett Field's Hangar 1. Cost is $200 and the beneficiary is the American Cancer Society. The event usually pulls in $1 million for cancer research and includes auctions, pig races, casinos. Call 879-1032, ext. 133.
Jane Hofstetter on Oct. 22 and 23. Call 867-2634. Or Kay Duffy at 867-0508.
CATTLE BARON'S BALL: The Cattle Baron's Ball will be held on Sept. 25 at Moffett Field's Hangar 1. Cost is $200 and the beneficiary is the American Cancer Society. The event usually pulls in $1 million for cancer research and includes auctions, pig races, casinos. Call 879-1032, ext. 133.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
