Letters

Historical buildings moved through time

As a follow-up to your recent articles about the Saratoga Historical Park, I would like to have your readers know some more facts on how the buildings were moved to become the Chamber of Commerce office and the Historical Museum.

The year was 1972, and the James McWilliams House (circa 1850) was to be demolished to make room for a Western Federal Savings and Loan Association office to be built on the site. The home was built by one of Saratoga's early blacksmiths and in 1972 was one of the oldest buildings in town. I was told by the Western Federal regional vice president, Henry Duque, that the building would be demolished if not moved in two weeks.

I was president of the Saratoga Rotary Club, and acting on their behalf, along with the assistance from Saratoga Historical Foundation and approval by the city of Saratoga, the ancient house could be moved to the Historical Park. It was agreed by the city to rent it for $1 a year, and with a $1,000 donation from the Rotary Club and funds from the Florence Cunningham Estate, the house was moved. It needed extensive restoration and with volunteers from the Rotary Club, the Historical Foundation and many residents of the community, the building was preserved.

In 1975 the Swanee Purcell Dress Shop building (circa 1904), which was adjacent to the McWilliams house, was to be demolished. The owner contacted me about saving this building and moving it to the Historical Park. Again, the two organizations went into action. With $3,500 from Saratoga Rotary to pay the Kelly Bros. House Mover costs and funds from Historical Foundation and interested citizens of our community, it was moved on a Sunday morning starting at 6 a.m. The sheriff's department and the Saratoga Fire District were on hand to see that all went well during the move. It was truly quite a sight to behold with members of both organizations, along with interested citizens, watching the slow progress of the future museum move up Saratoga-Los Gatos Road to the site. With further assistance by citizens, the building was restored to become our museum.

It all seems like yesterday, and every day as I drive home from my office on Big Basin Way and past the Historical Park, I think of all of the Saratoga citizens who helped make this dream a reality.

Miles Rankin
Former Saratoga Rotary Club President
Former Saratoga Chamber of Commerce President
Saratoga Historical Foundation Member

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