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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08061996 - C95 C.95 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Date: August 6, 1996 Matter of Record SUBJECT: Resolution for the Preservation of the John Marsh Stone House, Contra Costa County, California C.95 Resolution of the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society urging the State to stabilize the condition of the John Marsh House (aka The Stone House) and begin a plan for the restoration of this landmark. THIS IS A MATTER FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY NO BOARD ACTION WAS TAKEN RECEIVED C . .n 0 2 21996 SAN RRA_ VALLE�UPERVISOR SMITH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY P. O. Box 305 Diablo, CA 94528-0305 ° �0 4e4Qe RESOLUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE JOHN MARSH STONE HOUSE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA WHEREAS John Marsh was an historical force on at least two American frontiers; AND WHEREAS John Marsh was preeminent in encouraging American pioneers and settlers to come to California and the Great Valley prior to 1846; AND WHEREAS John Marsh's Rancho Los Meganos was the original terminus of the California Trail; AND WHEREAS his stone dwelling on this site, locally called The Stone House, is held by the State of California for purposes of preservation and restoration; AND WHEREAS said Stone House has been allowed to deteriorate under State stewardship to a disgraceful condition so unstable as to put the very existence of this historic structure at dire risk; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the SAN RAMON VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY urges the State of California, as guardian of this historic landmark, to take immediate and emphatic steps to stabilize the condition of said John Marsh dwelling, and to forthwith begin a plan of restoration so that this important relic of California's early history be preserved for the edification and enjoyment of future generations Date adopted: Place adopted: Danville, California SIGNED > Title !' SIGNED Title ,. OTHER SIGNATURES: Request to Speak Form ( THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the Veakers' rostrum before addressing the Board 93 9= 9/inn �fttsrcrr� C''�Nre�� Narne. A zw1-EEN J.- Ilk-,so plione• 36 •� S�}iyFo��� sr r; CON D G'o Co �1eN77, IIIS7-oRt cAL Soc/E 7�j 1 am speaking for myself`or organka lOf� ��nu MARgg disco is (Ru sr btic owns of orprdnl* CHECK ONE _ 1 wish to speak on Agenda Item #_Ll Date:—j--G---9.L. Mr o--IUUI is will be: general _fbrr j*WnA I wish to speak on the subject of t do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to � P- . �fRGAJT VOu APDoP'r THE ?&504-k?7ON Fop- -ME 'a � RE/JT kJOO 6 C o e o u sO-W r . OU Volume t Number 1 1996 - - -_ — FIRST EDITION CURRENT& FUTURE PLANS FRIENDS OF JOHN WHAT HAPPENS MARSH GROWING NEXT? ELCOME to the first issue of the here are three primary tasks the Board MARSH HOUSE, a newsletter for the has set for themselves. All are critical friends and supporters of the John Marsh to the success of our mission. Historic Trust, Inc. After almost 3 years of quiet behind the scenes work the Board of the CHARTER 1. Persuade the California Parks and Recre- Trust is ready to make a major public effort to FRIENDS ation Commission to designate the Marsh save the Stone House of pioneer Dr. John Mary Baldwin property as a STATE HISTORIC PARK. Marsh. Many of you receiving this first issue James Beardsley Put the park at the head of the line for prepara- Dolores Belew tion of a GENERAL PLAN. If necessary raise . "Many of you...have already R&.M Bewley some of the money required to fund the Gen- Big B Lumberteria eral Plan. Shown your faith In us by Barbara Bonnickson 2 persuade members of the California Legis- joining the FRIENDS....» Tracy Borden lature and the Governor to appropriate funds Yvonne Brown Carpenter Local#152 for at least part of the restoration, raise the have already shown your faith in us by joining Gary Craft remainder of the funds needed from private, the FRIENDS OF JOHN MARSH. You have C&D DeMartini , corporate and foundation sources. also shown a deep understanding of the impor- DLM Plastering tant place John Marsh holds in California His- Bill Filios 3. Enlist as many FRIENDS OF JOHN tory. His place has been neglected and too often W&J Foskett MARSH as possible to provide funds for steps vilified by those who do not have a true picture R&U Gaedtke i 1 and 2. of this remarkable man . We expect to show in 'Garavanta Company FOR YOUR INFORMATION this and future issues the many sides of a man Janeth Gessler ---- - --- - - - - - who left his stamp on every frontier he touched. K&F Goff Speaker's Bureau For those of you who are not yet members of the Robert.Gromm FRIENDS we urge you to join. The time Norma Hart alotted to save this Historic Landmark is very L&-N Higgins I f you belong to, or know of an organi- short, the elements and economy are against us. Home Depot zation that needs a speaker please con- You will find an application for membership Ann Huston Sider one of ours. We have several included with this issue. If you are already a CCC HisuSociety choices to brighten any program. Please call member please pass it on to a friend. Mary-Ellen Jones our Secretary for a flyer with all the details, she The Trust is operated entirely by volunteers, M&K Klovee will also be happy to schedule your event. we have no paid employees. All the money .Wayne Korsinen There is no charge for a speaker but we do raised goes directly to this project and is tax -Beverly Lane encourage groups to join the Friends. deductible. Money raised by the FRIENDS is Aaron Meadows used for Public Outreach projects and other John Mackenzie MARY LOU KLOVEE expenses connected with reaching those who (510) 516-7484 will help save this house. THE NEWSLETTER OFITHE JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC. THE BIOGRAPHY t WHO IS DR. JOHN MARSH? PUBLIC OUTREACH he was heroic. located Marsh in many places: in Mas- Wherever John Marsh went there was ro- sachusetts, where he was born-, at mance and adventure. His life reads like a Phillips-Academy, Andover, in his Prep volume of fiction. The name of Marsh should be days; at Harvard where he graduated; a household word. Yet fate, for some in- at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, where he taught scrutable reason, denied him a place among the the first school; at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; MORE CHARTER immortals.. George D.Lyman at Davenport, Iowa; at New Salem, Illinois; at FRIENDS(Cont'd) San Francisco,May, 1930 St. Louis and Independence,Missouri: at Santa W&K Mero (Preface to John Marsh,Pioneer,NY, 1930) Fe, New Mexico, and finally on a rancho in Bryan A.Mero California. Gene Metz Resolution hits the When I had run down the clews, collected Thelma Milliff my data, and pieced together my information, J&J Mumay John A.Ne,edly Legislature what a history it disclosed! What a man! I had PG&E found a hero neglected by the historians! Dolores Ricks For John Marsh was one of the greatest of Ed Sanderson s you read this edition of the MARSH D&S Schmidt HOUSE hundreds of co ies of the RES- our early adventurers. He was a pioneer of six P American frontiers, a founder of common- S.H.Cowell Foundation OLUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION R.A. nbe tz OF THE JOHN MARSH STONE wealths, a power in every community in which Georgee Steinmetz he lived. What other frontiersman, I ask, can R&B Vanburen HOUSE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY are equal that record? What other man figured as Van Mulder Sheet Metal making their way to historical, fraternal and Zella Weeks civic organizations all over California. We are largely in the pioneer annals of the frontier as DLM Plastering g he? Garavanta company asking these citizen groups to adopt our resolu- John Marsh was a Harvard graduate. How S H Cowell Foundation tion and join us in convincing the California many others,-of our wilderness wanderers legislators and the CA Parks and Recreation boasted an alma mater? That diploma made Commission to save the John Marsh House. him unique as a frontiersman. He carried the This is the second mailing of the resolution, the intellectual traditions of New England from the OUR BOARD OF first mailing, last summer brought dozens of Atlantic-to the Pacific. The faded and dusty DIRECTORS records show that he made them revered. He "These concerned citizen helped to bind Massachusetts, the Mississippi, JOHN A.NEJEDLY and the Pacific with one indissoluble bond. Honorary Chairman historians are doing their part to Therein lies John Marsh's chief claim to fame. John Mackenzie preserve..." Not only did he blaze a trail; he carried a torch. Robert Gromm One of Marsh's acts is quoted as a cause adoptions. You will find a list of resolution pp leading up to the Black Hawk War. He was a Mary Lou Klovee supporters elsewhere in this issue. Once witness of the treaty that terminated that strug- Kathleen Mero adopted these resolutions are being sent in pack- gle, and that transferred an immense tract of Aaron Meadows ets to our legislators and commissioners to help land from the possession of the red men into Gary Craft them see the scope of support we have to the hands of the whites. preserve this piece of history. We are asking Betty Maffei one - Another of his acts started prairie schooners everyone who cares about California History to rolling across the continent. Still another freed Mary-Ellen Jones carry our resolution to any group they belong to. California from the last of her Mexican gover- Constance Rehr We want support from youth groups, civic nors. Both accomplishments paved the way to Gene Metz groups, fraternal, history and preservation California's ultimate acquisition by the United groups, corporate boards, non-profit boards, States. William Mero libraries, foundations, city councils, MAC'S, Many of Marsh's deeds were greater than, Bob Shellenberger County Boards of Supervisors, churches, the man himself. Many fell short. Sometimes Barbara Bonnickson schools and school classes,local genealogy soci- he destroyed. Mostly he builded. He was Bob Nunn eties and so many more. If you need copies of strong. He was weak. He was great. He was John(Marsh)Butler the Resolution Packet, please call and we will small. He loved.. He hated. But always he was send them to you immediately. Time is growing human. On every occasion but one he was short, the house is in dire need. Please help us, master of circumstances. Even then, in defeat, we thank you in advance. PAGE 2 WHO IS DR. JOHN MARSH'S I located Marsh in many places: in Massachusetts, where he was born; at '- Phillips Academy,Andover, in his prep days; at Harvard where he graduated; at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, where he taught the first school; at Prairie du = ,M ,x Chien, Wisconsin; at Davenport, Iowa; at New Salem, Illinois; at St. Louis € and Independence, Missouri; at Santa Fe, New Mexico, and finally on a rancho in California. When I had run down the clews, collected my data, and pieced together my information, what a history it disclosed! What a ~Bleot be the man that man! I had found a hero neglected by the historians! For John Marsh was eparee theee otonee~ one of the greatest of our early adventurers. He was a pioneer of six American frontiers, a founder of commonwealths, a power in every commu- nity in which he lived. What other frontiersman, I ask, can equal that record? What other man figured as largely in the pioneer annals of the frontier as he? John Marsh was a Harvard graduate. How many others, of our wilderness wanderers, boasted an alma mater? That diploma made him unique as a frontiersman. He carried the intellectual traditions of New England from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The faded and dusty records show that he made them revered. He helped to bind Massachusetts, the Mississippi, and the Pacific with one indissoluble bond. Therein lies John Marsh's chief claim to fame. Not only did he blaze a trail; he carried a torch. One of John Marsh's acts is quoted as a cause leading up to the Black Hawk War. He was a witness of the treaty that terminated that struggle, and that transferred an immense tract of land from the possession of the red men into the hands of the whites. Another of his acts started prairie schooners rolling across the continent. Still another freed California from the last of her Mexican governors. Both those accomplishments paved the way to California's ultimate acquisition by the United States. Many of Marsh's deeds were greater than the man himself. Many fell far short. Sometimes he destroyed. Mostly he builded. He was strong. He was weak. He was great. He was small. He loved. He hated. But always he was human. On every occasion but one he was master of circumstances. Even then, in defeat, he was heroic. Wherever John Marsh went there was romance and adventure. His life reads like a volume of fiction. The name of Marsh should be a household word. Yet Fate, for some inscrutable reason, denied him a place among the immortals. GEORGE D. LYMAN San Francisco May, 1930 (From preface to JOHN MARSH, PIONEER by George D. Lyman, NY, 1930, Scribner's& Sons) visiT us ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB: http://nanospace.com/home/marsh/ APPLICATION TO THE FRIENDS OF DR. JOHN MARSH Dedicated to the preservation and protection of the JOHN MARSH HOUSE in Brentwood, Contra Costa County, California. A committee of the JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC., the FRIENDS through their membership and support provide the funds for the operation of theTrust. The Trust has no paid employees, directors or consultants. 100% of the funds generated by the FRIENDS are applied to the efforts of the Trust to secure the protection and preservation of the Marsh House. Please add my voice to yours in support of this fragile piece of our history. NAME _$15 VAQUERO _$25 DOS VAQUEROS ADDRESS _$50 PIONEER(S) _$100 PADRONE CITYSTATE ZIP+ _$250 ALCALDE - — _$5 SCHOOL CLASS PHONE Mail Check to: _$35 NON-PROFIT GROUP JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC _$1000 CAMPANARIO(S) FAX 1700 OAK PARK BLVD. RM C-5 THANK YOU..... PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 e-mail (510) 939-9180 Fax(510)609-8896 Aaron Meadows, Chairman e-mail -kmero@ix.netcom.com THE JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC. 1700 OAK PARK BLVD RM C-5 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 PHONE (510)939-9180 Fax(510)609-8896 A SHORT LIST REPRESENTATIVE Of THOSE ADOPTING THE RESOLUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION Of THE JOHN MARSH HOUSE,CONTRA COSTA COUNTY,CALIFORNIA AFL-CIOICENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL CO CO COUNTY LUTHER BURBANK HOME&GARDENS AINSLEY HOUSE MANTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ALAMO WOMEN'S CLUB MARTINEZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY ALAMO-LAFAYETTE CEMETERY DISTRICT MCCLAIN'S MUSEUM OF VINTAGE FASHION ALTA MIRA CLUB/PERALTA HOME MCCONAGHY HOUSE ALVARADO ADOBE MISSION PEAK HERITAGE FOUNDATION BAY AREA HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF LOCAL HISTORY BURBANK HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM OF SAN RAMON VALLEY BUTTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OAKLEY MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE BYRON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OCTAGON HOUSE CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY PARADISE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PARADISE HISTORICAL SOCIETY CAMRONSTANFORD HOUSE PARDEE HOME CASA DE RANCHO CUCAMONGA HIST SOC PERALTA ADOBE/FALLON HOUSE CASA PERALTA PICO RIVERA HIST&HERITAGE SOCIETY CITY OF BRENTWOOD PLEASANT VALLEY HISTORICAL SOC/MUSEUM CITY OF SAN RAMON RALSTON HALL CITY OF WALNUT CREEK RENGSTORFF HOUSE CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY RICHMOND MUSEUM OF HISTORY CONCORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY ROSEVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONTRA COSTA CO MAYOR'S CONFERENCE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SAN GABRIEL H;STORICAL ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA RETAIL CLERKS CREDIT UNION SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COVINA VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SAN JOAQUIN PIONEER HISTORICAL SOCIETY DUARTE HISTORICAL MUSEUM SAN JOSE HISTORICAL MUSEUM DUNSMUIR HOUSE&GARDENS,INC. SAN PABLO HISTORICAL MUSEUM SOCIETY E CLAMPUS VITUS-SLIM PRINCESS#385 SAN PEDRO SAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY E CLAMPUS VITUS-MEEKS/STEWART#10 SANCHEZ ADOBE E CLAMPUS VITUS-NEW HELVETIA#$ SEARLE$VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EAST CO CO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SISKIYOU COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EAST VALLEY SERVICE CLUB TEHAMACOUNTY MUSEUM FOUNDATION EUGENE O'NEILL SITE TOMALES HISTORY CENTER FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER TRINITY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATHER RIVER RAIL SOCIETY VALLEY OF THE MOON NATURAL HIST ASSOC FERNDALE MUSEUM VICTORIAN PRESERV ASSOC ST CLARA COUNTY GARDEN GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY VILLA MONTALVO GEORGE PATTERSON HOUSE WASCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY GOLETA VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WESTERN MILITARY ASSOC HAAS-LILIENTHAL HOUSE WESTERN SONOMA COUNTY HIST SOCIETY HAGGIN MUSEUM. HARRIS-LASS HISTORIC PRESERVE HAYWARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY- HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF TEMPLE CITY IBEW-LOCAL UNION NO.302 JAMES SHINN HOUSE JOHN MUIR SITE KOHL MANSION LA JOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY LAFAYETTE HISTORICAL SOCIETY .LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY LAKE TAHOE HISTORICAL SOCIETY LAKESIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY LATHROP HOUSE ` ( To photocopy Place your official letterhead or logo here) RESOLUTION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE JOHN MARSH STONE HOUSE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA WHEREAS John Marsh was an historical force on at least two American frontiers; AND WHEREAS John Marsh was preeminent in encouraging American pioneers and settlers to come to California and the Great Valley prior to 1846; r AND WHEREAS John Marsh's Rancho Los Meganos was the original terminus of the California Trail; AND WHEREAS his stone dwelling on this site, locally called The Stone House, is held by the State of California for purposes of preservation and restoration; AND WHEREAS said Stone House has been allowed to deteriorate under State stewardship to a disgraceful condition so unstable as to put the very existence of this historic structure at dire risk; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the urges said State of California, as guardian of this historic landmark, to take immediate and emphatic steps to stabilize the condition of said John Marsh dwelling, and to forthwith begin a plan of restoration so that this important relic of California's early history be preserved for the edification and enjoyment of future generations. Date adopted Place adopted : SIGNED Title SIGNED Title OTHER SIGNATURES: Return one copy to: Marsh Historic Trust, 1700 Oak Park Blvd. Rm C5, Pleasant Hill,.CA 94523 "THERE WAS NOTHING IN CALIFORNIA THAT APPROACHED IT IN MAfiNIFICUCE." JOHN MARSH, PIONEER by George D. Lyman OUR VOLUNTEERSWANTED What is happening at the VOLUNTEER TEAM If you have a building skill, or are just willing to John Marsh House? carry tools for those who do, please give us a JEFF MILLER few hours of your time this spring when the Gene Metz,A.I.A. weather permits work to resume on the house. DICK OLSEN Be a part of historical preservation. Work takes DUTCH DICKENSON place on Saturday mornings. Be one of the few The Great Stone House continues to deteriorate. PAT DENNIS who are allowed to see this wonderful house"up Weatherization and stabilazation work went on GARY TRUER close and personal", call and place your name through November. The good news is that the RICK HARRINGTON on the volunteer rolls. most important roof work has been completed. TIMOTHY HARRINGTON In addition a 25 foot wall brace outside and DAVID DEAN CALL GENE METZ .inside was finished last spring. The bad news is TIM ELSKIN (510) 522-1437 that a small failure of the stone wall occurred on BOB LAFOLLETTE ROGER GRIGGS "The Great Stone House BILL KUCZYUSKI What is happening,amt'd... continues to deteriorate..." PHIL PETER A DRI is still not finished and that complete restora- Gene Metz, Project Leader GARY CRAFT tion remains in the distant future. What we DARREL DEBOER have accomplished is the prevention of the vast GREG JOHNSTON majority of rain getting into the house and the back side early this summer. It has become OOLEY destroying the stone work. The large brace we more obvious that rainwater flowingthrough a ANTHONY WILLIAMS g RICHARD ILLIAMhope will prevent the collapse of a section of badly deteriorated roof for years has soaked the the front wall. We have at the very least walls, causing serious softening and weakening GEORGE slowed the rapid deterioration of the Great of the sandstone. Awareness of this problem KIRK WAARRENRREN Stone House. resulted in our commitment to rebuild the worst JEFF DAUGHERTY sections of the roof and install a temporary roof STEVE DAQUIOAG Materials were donated by HOME DEPOT in to keep the house dry. TODD SALVADOR Pittsburg, and BIG B LUMBERTERIA in DOUG CERVANTAS Brentwood, DLM PLASTERING brought More than 500 hours have beenven ib 19 RUss JENNINGS g Y scaffolding, GARAVANTI delivered a debris volunteers to achieve this reroofing and struc- MIKE BAKER box,and took away the debris box when it was tural bracing! Special appreciation goes to TOM HIGH filled, PG& E and VAN MULDER SHEET DICK OLSEN and others from Carpenters ED STRACKE rP METAL,.'CO. loaned us safety belts and ropes.. Union Local 152, Martinez. They were the first FSK CAVELHo Additional materials'"and supplies were pur- chased respond and have done the bulk of the work. BILL WILSON chased at cost with funds from the S.H. COW- Consider JEFF MILLER who has been driving PAUL,STECKEL ELL FOUNDATION. The value of the above from Napa to log some 75 hours. Volunteers HOME DEPOT approaches$10,000. include a few architects from the East Bay and BIG B LUMBERTERLA dedicated folks from East Contra Costa. PG&E The Trust and the community owe a great debt GATRELL Equip Rental to those who are giving their Saturday morn- Work on the north side of the roof has not been VAN MULDER Sheet Metal ings to save a priceless piece of history. completed. As proud as I am of the work that GARAVANTA Waste THANK YOU has been done, I remain frustrated that our work LARRY FERRI THE GREATER TASK STILL LOOMS PAGE 3. tFRIENDS OF DR. JOHN MARSH._.Please take a moment Y o return your appli- cation and ;support . r`work For additional applications please.call Chairman Aaron,Meadows (510)625-4949 Fax (510)'625-7983. Your society can help! Include our application/flyer with your next newsletter mailing or reprint the ap Iication; Call Friends Chairman Meadows for details and arrangements. JOHN MARSH HOME PAGE -NOW ON THE INTERNET-http://www.nanospace.com/home/marsh/ Designed by Bryan A.Mero Site contributed by Nanospace of San Francisco i 1 { r # s It. .d itJliiJ Yom• �rp n _ Y s a y �V rj ' `aglM I� a. ..,r`: IIfI1iH1 Ltt' tt.'d-7111 d..l sl. +udil...tl.n.t. i: i .•I y '� --- — THANKS The John Marsh Historic Trust extends its warmest appreciation and thanks to PEARL&DAYTON SILVA of the Sparrowk Ranch A. which surrounds the Marsh House,for their cooperation in the com- ing and going of our volunteers THE JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC. NONPROFIT 1700 OAK PARK BLVD. RM C-5 ORG PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 q U. S. POSTAGE is ---- _---- ------- -- --- ---_...---- _' � PAID CONCORD, CA PERMIT NO. 630 AUG - 61996 - .JEFF s,�,/,nw C1 KBOARDOFSUPERY5 Sup�Rvrso Disrr2rc-r- 2 �CONTRA�COSSA,��' -__ THE NEWSLETTER OF THE JOHN MARSH HISTORIC TRUST, INC.