Historic residence open to the public for the first time
A shorter version of this story was published in the June 11-27, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo by Liza Garibaldi
The Thomas family, left, Donal Thomas, Darryl Thomas and Jasmin Thomas meet Merion Rhoades at the Morgan Hill Historical Society’s Rhoades House tour last month.
About 170 people got a rare glimpse at one of Morgan Hill’s most exquisite and historic home with the open house of Rhoades House hosted by the Morgan Hill Historical Society May 31.
“This hidden treasure was unknown to most of Morgan Hill until the Giancolas family came to the historical society a few years ago to share its story at one of our general meetings,” said Kathy Sullivan, president of the society.
The 1920 Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival Rhoades home and surrounding 12-acre propertyon Cochrane Road near Anderson Reservoir include much of the natural setting and conveys the feelings and associations of the past owners with our community agricultural heritage, she said. The original owners were the Rhoades family who were involved with the California Apricot and Prune Growers Association, now known as Sunsweet Growers. Another prominent owner was the Thomas family who were the Strawberry Institute of California, which served as the beginnings of Driscoll Strawberry Associates. and Goldsmith Seeds.
The fundraising event required over 30 volunteers including Rotary Interact Students, AAUW members and MHHS Members and docents to relate the stories of the house and the property, Sullivan said. Several Rhoades and Thomas family members were also present for the tour.
“It was exciting for tour guests to be able to talk to the kids and grand kids of the persons who lived in the house and operated the businesses that make up a significant story in our valley’s history,” Sullivan said. “They brought the past to life while reminiscing about how they lived in the house, what it looked like then and related background on many of the old photos that Sheila and Joe Giancola had placed around the house.”
From the architectural design by Higbie and Hill, the exceptional craftsmanship and the attention to detail that the Giancolas family have paid to preserving the integrity of the history of the property, it was inspiring for guests to walk through history, she said
“The historical society believes that sharing the stories of historic properties brings the past to life and provides insight into those who paved the way for what makes our community the special place it is today,” Sullivan said. “Through the generosity of these home owners, the tours also raise funds that provide for the continued preservation, maintenance and operation of Villa Mira Monte, owned by the Historical Society.”
The home owners are also providing a service to the community in opening up their homes, sharing the history and and allowing the public to capture the details, she said. The society is now looking for the next historical home to tour, so if anyone has an historical property and would like to participate, please let Sullivan know.
Historical society member Liza Garibaldi said it’s vital to introduce children and families to residences that convey a sense of the local past.
“Our homes are where our hearts live. They are where the stories of our lives take place,” she said. “These historic homes contain the stories of the families that occupied them and the community in which they lived. Collecting the photos and sharing these stories are what the Morgan Hill Historical Society is all about – preserving the past to share with the present and our future.”
Growing up in Morgan Hill has helped shaped her as a person, Garibaldi said, so learning the history of the community is important for her personally.
“The pride and love I have for this city is due in large part to friends, teachers, store owners, farmers, my church, all the things that make up this great community,” she said. “This is where some of my best childhood memories were made and I want to provide that same sense of joy and happiness for generations to come.”
