Monday, March 25, 2013

The Father of Los Altos

My husband and I went for a stroll over the weekend in the little town of Los Altos.  I had expressed an interest in knowing where the public library in the vicinity was located, and so my husband led me to the place he once did all of his research for high school papers and such.  (This is before the internet was a reliable source. Perish the thought!) 

We wondered across San Antonio Road and toward the front entrance of the library.  Then, we couldn't resist following the apricot tree-lined path past the entrance to see what else we might find.  A delightful surprise awaited us--the house where Los Altos began!  Around the turn of the 20th century, Mr. J Gilbert Smith started building his home as well as planting an apricot orchard.  Apparently, the whole valley was once orchards of every size and shape imaginable.  He built the beautiful craftsman all by his lonesome...one load of wood at a time.  It's now the home to the Los Altos History Museum.  You can picnic in the garden, read under one of the magnificent trees, or get married in the courtyard behind the house.  Your choice!  We took the tour inside as well.  The museum has refurbished it with articles (furniture, clothing, dishes, etc.) that you would find in and around the 1930s.  

After the tour, we found ourselves under a tree, just being quiet.  It's one of the quietest places I have found here thus far.  Peaceful. Serene.  So much beauty.


















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