Oakland City Landmark 1975 The Cupola National Register of Historical Places

Newsletter 1976

of the Alameda County Historical Society Landmark 1985 Pardee Home Museum California Historic Landmark

Spring / Summer 2013 1998

A MOST ATYPICAL GOLD MINER, Panama City followed the dangerous foreigners and favor Americans. The Enoch Pardee (1827-1896) river travel. Pack mules and the hikers $20 per month tax was more than most frequently had serious and sometimes miners earned in a month of “panning”. By Ron Bachman fatal falls. This tax was reduced to $3 per month Arriving in San Francisco in 1852, he in 1852. This was probably done since immediately left for Long Bar, saloons, gambling halls and pleasure California, on the Feather River. He did palaces were suffering because the placer mining probably panning by miners had no surplus money. himself or using a rocker or Long Tom Enoch also did not suffer the physical teaming up with a small group of other intimidation and the bigotry that the miners. He survived an epidemic of Native Americans, Chinese, Mexicans, cholera and participated in the South Americans and persons of Enoch Pardee (ca. 1880) treatment of others with the disease. African descent did. The Chinese He also avoided typhoid and dysentery frequently were forced to mine only at In 1851 Enoch Pardee abruptly halted which were common abandoned sites and, by hard work, his self-training to become a physician Unlike the majority of other gold made these profitable. Many Mexicans and joined the male population surge to miners, Enoch was able to save and South Americans returned home to California to “see the ” (see $10,000 (equivalent to about $250,000 seek their fortunes in gold mining there. article later in this newsletter). The in 2013 dollars) in one year on the Persons of African descent were few in excitement of being part of the Gold Yuba. He then left and opened his number and probably made up less Rush was likened to a child seeing the medical practice in San Francisco as than 1% of gold miners, but did have a at a circus. Up to this time an Oculist and Aurist (Eyes, Ears, presence (Nigger Hill and Arroyos de Enoch had spent his life in the North Nose and Throat – EENT). This fortune los Negros). East part of the USA (Ohio and allowed Enoch to begin his life in San Enoch was truly an atypical miner in Michigan). As a teenager he suffered Francisco – marriage, family, medical that he made a small fortune in placer Egyptian Ophthalmia (now called practice, and, ultimately, politics. mining and survived the diseases that Trachoma), a serious eye disorder that Now let’s put Enoch’s story into the were so common (cholera and could have left him blind. He was cured typhoid). One in five miners died by by a Dr. James Bigelow which led to historical context of the Gold Rush and the history of California. It has only disease, accidents, or homicide and Enoch’s decision to become an Oculist only one in 12 had any success in (now called an Ophthalmologist). been 164 years since James Marshall discovered gold, but our State had placer mining. He also was fortunate The lure and excitement of the Gold been inhabited for thousands of years to leave with his profits after one year Rush was probably the only thing that before this by Native Americans. since placer mining by an individual or could have interrupted his medical small groups ended in 1854. Enoch When Enoch and the other miners studies. He left City by ship was truly an “atypical gold miner”. in late 1851. He had chosen the fastest arrived in San Francisco, they had to purchase the clothes and equipment route to California (two months), but SAVE THESE DATES! needed: a gold pan, pick and shovel, probably the most dangerous. He Thursday, July 4, Noon to 4pm: Our would sail to the city of Chagres on the boots, and perhaps “waist overalls” (early name for Levi’s). Prices were traditional family event filled with food, east coast of the Isthmus of Panama music and fun. inflated and a pair of boots cost one then take a canoe 50 miles on the swift Sunday, September 15, 2 - 4:30pm: and dangerous Chagres River making ounce of gold that was then valued at $16 ($320 in 2013’s dollars). P.O.W.E.R. Presents the 2nd Annual every attempt to avoid capsizing and Ms Delilah Beasley Tea. robbers. He was also fortunate to avoid In the Gold Country Enoch was Saturday, September 28, 7pm - 12am: Chagres Fever (Yellow Fever fortunate to be a “White Anglo Saxon The 6th PHM Ghost Investigation. transmitted by mosquitoes). Protestant” of American heritage. He Sunday, September 29, 10:30 - 2pm: A steep and dangerous 25 mile did not face the foreign miner’s tax Waffle Brunch and Garden Concert. descent from the city of Gorgona to which began in 1851 to dissuade SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY IN NEW DOCENT – CYNTHIA FOSTER YELP RAVES FOR PARDEE TEA GARDEN A HUGE SUCCESS Cynthia was born in Utica, New York Pardee Home Museum tours and teas On a beautiful April afternoon the and was brought up in Clinton, New have been very favorably rated on Pardee Home volunteers hosted a Jersey. Her lifelong interest in history Yelp, the website that allows customers spectacular tea for thirty friends and brought her to the Pardee Home to rate their experiences. Fifteen family of a very appreciative eighteen- Museum. guests have taken the time to write year-old girl from San Leandro. Tables This interest goes back to her very positive and even lengthy reviews were set with china for a garden tea childhood. Family discussions often of their tours and teas. Nearly all the prepared and served by members of centered on family history as well as reviewers have given the PHM our tea committee under a shady oak and world history. experience five stars! in front of the carriage house. Cynthia graduated from Wells College http://www.yelp.com/biz/pardee-home- with a major in history. She was museum-oakland wondering what next when a judge The following comments are taken from offered her a summer job and then the Yelp reviews. “We have done suggested law school. She attended many activities in Oakland during the the University of Virginia law school 23 yrs we have lived here, and and then went to Washington D.C. to PARDEE IS THE BEST. It's amazing begin her career working for the chief that we have this local treasure right in counsel of the IRS. That is where she our own backyard, and so few people met her future husband. They married know about it.” An additional writer and transferred with the IRS to San The surprise birthday party girl wore a shared her thoughts. “Magnificent High Francisco. They moved to Piedmont vintage pink fifties prom dress. Her Tea (a bargain!) AND a fun tour! We and raised two children. mother and sisters arranged this have had high tea all over the West celebration because she had always Along the way Cynthia and her Coast. Pardee's is the best, and what a wanted to have a big tea party and she husband became seriously interested bargain! $25 gives you a private, is graduating from high school and in antique silver. Their interest in silver luscious tea with superior savories and studying at UC in the Fall. Two tables also gave them a good reason to return pastries (all baked by the volunteers), were filled with high school friends; the to England each year. Soon their and afterwards a guided tour of this boys particularly loved the "sushi" hobby became a business. They quaint, charming Old California home.” sandwiches (smoked salmon), and all started a catalogue business, “The raved about every course. Extended Leopard’s Head”, in antique silver and family of every age filled the other five sold at shows. Eventually they tables. Several commented that, as partnered with a shop on Union Street high tea fans, they found the PHM tea in San Francisco called “Argentum – delicacies the very best and intend to The Leopard’s Head”. They closed reserve a Dining Room Tea their business in 2011 and Cynthia immediately. retired from the IRS in 2012. The Pardee Home Museum is fortunate to have Cynthia as a volunteer where she serves as a docent and as The excerpts from Yelp give an insight secretary to the board of trustees. Plus into the popularity of PHM teas and she is always willing to help with tours. We have a unique setting and extras. an unusually talented and devoted tea committee that pride themselves on the SHADY ACTIVITY AT PHM quality of the food and the presentation Hans Boerner, owner of Alcatraz of the table including linens, flowers,

Shade Shop, has generously china and silver. Visit PHM on Yelp to donated his skills and materials to read for yourself the extent that our the PHM windows. All of the shades guests are enjoying themselves. in the house have been beautifully Thanks to the efforts of several green- Before the nice weather disappears, restored to working order or replaced thumbed volunteers who have renewed consider scheduling a tea for 20-50 in by Mr. Boerner. We wish to publicly the plantings and developed some the Pardee garden. Tables are thank our wonderful benefactor. fabulous new garden areas; and the covered in floral cloths, vases of fresh constant attention and meticulous We hope all the friends and flowers adorn the tops while tea is manicuring of our caretaker, Jose supporters of the museum will take served by the PHM volunteers. Rivera, the grounds look fabulous! Call their window covering business to Organization meetings and birthday our events coordinator to discuss large Mr. Hans Boerner at Alcatraz Shade parties have been held very event planning, weddings, birthdays, Shop at Alcatraz and Telegraph successfully in the garden. Call 510- musical programs, art and theater Avenues. Their website is: 444-2187 to reserve the garden for events, both indoors and out. http://www.alcatrazshade.com/ your special occasion. FILOLI FIELD TRIP, MAY 3, 2013 “SEEING THE ELEPHANT” A field trip to Filoli Home & Gardens (Adapted from January 2002 Cupola) (http://www.filoli.org/), in Woodside was organized by PHM Trustees Darlene ~ Dawson and Ron Bachman for all Pardee volunteers. Located thirty Membership Application miles south of San Francisco, Filoli was completed in 1917 for William Bowers YES! I want to become a member of Bourn II and his wife Agnes Moody the Pardee Home Museum. Bourn, prominent San Franciscans whose chief source of wealth was the __ Student $15 Empire Mine in Grass Valley. Mr. Bourn was also owner and president of ‘A man spake these words, and said: I __ Individual $35 am a miner, wandering "from away the Spring Valley Water Company. He __ Family $50 arrived at the unusual name of Filoli by down east," to sojourn in a strange combining the first two letters from the land. And behold I've seen the __ Benefactor $75 elephant, yea, verily, I saw him, and key words of his credo: “Fight for a just __ Patron $100 - $249 cause; Love your fellow man; Live a bear witness, that from the key of his good life”. trunk to the end of his tail, his whole __ Sustaining $250 - $499 body hath passed before me; and I The mansion has forty-three rooms and followed him until his huge feet stood __ Sponsor $500 - $999 seventeen fireplaces. The house was before a clapboard shanty; then with __ Visionary $1,000 & up purchased in 1937 by the William P. his trunk extended he pointed to a

Roth family, owners of Matson candle-card tacked upon a shingle, as Navigation Co. They ultimately though he would say Read, and I read __ New Member __ Renewing donated the house and garden to the The Miner’s Ten Commandments.’ National Trust for Historic Preservation Please make check payable to In 1854 Enoch mailed to his future wife, in 1975. The house is surrounded by Pardee Home Foundation sixteen acres of formal gardens. Filoli Mary, a letter written on the reverse provides an inspiring vision of a new side of the popular document “The and mail to Eden with bountiful land, plentiful Miner’s Ten Commandments.” resources and an emphasis on self- (http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist7/tenco Pardee Home Museum sufficiency. m.html) 672 11th St, This field trip was in keeping with the To forty-niners and those following, no Oakland, CA 94607-3651 expression characterized the California Pardee volunteer tradition of an educational enrichment outing each gold rush more than the words “Seeing the Elephant.” Those planning to travel MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION year. The first was by train to Sacramento and visiting the capital, the west announced they were “going to see the elephant.” Those turning back governor’s mansion and the Stanford st 1 Member’s Name (or Gift Name) Home. The following year the claimed they had seen “the elephant volunteers visited the John Muir Home tracks” or “the elephant’s tail”, and confessed they’d seen more than & Museum in Martinez. This year the nd group met for lunch on the patio of enough of the animal. 2 Member’s Name (if applicable) Filoli before touring the Home & The expression predated the gold rush, Gardens with very knowledgeable arising from a tale current when circus docents. parades first featured elephants. A Address The museum is always looking for farmer, so the story went, hearing that capable volunteers who enjoy spending a circus was in town, loaded his wagon time in a beautiful historic house with vegetables for the market there. City State Zip performing such important work as He had never seen an elephant and leading guided tours, hosting special very much wished to. On the way to town he encountered the circus parade events, cataloging historical articles, Home Phone Work Phone led by an elephant. The farmer was gardening, etc. We are also interested thrilled. His horses, however, were in recruiting qualified candidates for our board. You, too, can then join us on terrified. Bolting, they overturned the wagon and ruined the vegetables. “I E-mail our upcoming trips like this last one to Filoli. don’t give a hang,” the farmer said, “for I have seen the elephant.” Thank You for your Help! ~~~~~~~~~~~ For gold rushers, the elephant symbolized the high cost of their endeavor, an unequaled experience ~ and the adventure of a lifetime. FAMILY FUN ON THE FOURTH! FAMILY FUN ON JULY FOURTH!

Pardee Home Museum will host its annual July 4th Family Fun Day from 12 - 4:00pm on Thursday, July 4.

A highlight will be the return of Frederick Hodges and Ann Gibson who will provide music in the shaded back garden amid tables and chairs for our guests.

A barbeque of burgers and hotdogs, freshly boiled corn on the cob and many other tasty treats will be served. Also, guests will be able to enjoy lawn games of badminton and croquet. A table will be available with activities geared to the children plus a raffle of prizes will be held. In addition, tours of the interior of the Pardee Home will be available by our volunteer docents for an additional $5/person. This is a great opportunity for the Pardee friends and neighbors to celebrate July Fourth at our historic home. Please call 510-832-3456 to make reservations or simply show up at our Carriage House entrance th on 12 St. Prices are $15 for Adults, $5 for those 5-18 years old and Free for children under 5. For additional information as we get closer to the Family Fun Day, check the Pardee Home Museum website at www.pardeehome.org

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 10:30am – 2:00pm GARDEN WAFFLE BRUNCH Music by Oakland Technical High School Jazz Ensemble Adults: $25.00 (Reduced prices for children 12 & under)

Pardee Home Museum th NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 672 11 Street U.S. POSTAGE Oakland, CA 94607-3651 PAID PERMIT NO. 1071 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA The Cupola is published by the Pardee Home Museum 672 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607-3651 Address Service Requested Phone: (510) 444-2187 Email: [email protected]

The Pardee Home Foundation is a private non-profit foundation established in 1981 to preserve, interpret, and keep open to the public the historic home and gardens of the Pardee family.

Pardee Home Foundation Trustees Kay Cheatham, Chair Russell Nelson, Vice Chair Marianne Robison, Treasurer Ron Pardee Nielson, Life Trustee Stan Stidham, Life Trustee Ron Bachman Sue Coffin Darlene Dawson Cherie Donahue Katy Foulkes Lisa Gerstacker John Nicoles Paul Silberstein

Cynthia Foster, Board Secretary Van Lam and Ethyl Lee Miller, Newsletter Distribution Russell Nelson, Editor & Newsletter Production Please Deliver Quickly - Time Sensitive Material