Congratulations to Steve Hayes for correctly answering most of the questions asked in our March 14 .
The photo of the shown above, was taken in about 1870. Here, from Belmont historian Denny Lawhern are the other facts surrounding this amazing photo and the estate:
- The Ralston Estate viewed from about Alameda looking east down the Canada del Diablo (canyon of the devil). The canyon was mostly farm land at that time.
- The mansion was built in 1868
- 55,000 square feet
- 80+ rooms
- It had its own gas power-generating plant to produce gas for the hundreds of gas lights in the mansion
- 27 crystal chandeliers
- Mr. Ralston drowned in 1885
- Two U.S. presidents visited the estate: Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes (which is probably why Steve Hayes won this one!)
- King David Kalahaua of Hawaii also visited the estate
- It is the only building in Belmont on the National Register of Historic Places # 66000234
Looking down the canyon on the right side of the small building is where the Belmont Beer Garden Park was 1865-1890 (today's location of ).
Looking past the small building to the bay you will see a oak tree covered smaller hill . This was called Newhall Hill and was owned Henry Newhall. This hill was bulldozed flat in the early 1940's to provide dirt fill for upgrading Bayshore Highway. This area--Harbor Boulevard and Industrial Road became Belmont's Industrial Area.
Steve, please email me your home address and I will send you an "I Love Belmont" bumper sticker.
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I could use an antenna ball, just in case you consider expanding your prize inventory.
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