The architecture and history of Los Gatos, California is colorfully presented using almost 500 photographs, neighborhood maps, and descriptions of over 150 Victorian, Craftsman, Mediterranean and Contemporary homes, commercial and civic buildings. The fascinating and prototypical history of the town, from the California Gold Rush to the devastating 1989 earthquake-and the town's remarkable recovery-is also covered in detail, with historical maps and a graphic timeline.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Author
Los Gatos is unique, but it has much in common with small towns everywhere. In appreciating its preserved and restored buildings, it helps to know something about the flesh and blood people that created the town and its landmarks.
If I had been born and raised here, as so many current residents were, perhaps I wouldn't be as curious about the stories, but I became fascinated to learn that, for example, the restaurant in the grand mansion downtown was a funeral parlor for most of the twentieth century. At Walt Disney Imagineering, we would often invent fictional histories for new old buildings. Here in Los Gatos, I found authentic buildings shaped by interesting personalities, such as the French Chateau on Broadway, built by a local merchant who was enthralled by France during World War I. When a home features a rusting neon sign on the front lawn saying "Florentine Village," you just have to wonder. I wrote Los Gatos Observed to share what I found out.
Like many towns, Los Gatos is struggling to define its own future and limit mindless growth. There is one 40-acre walnut orchard remaining in an area that was almost entirely "planted to fruit" at the last turn of the century. I believe that intelligent planning must begin with an understanding of the past. "Ignorance killed the cat, sir. Curiosity was framed..."
From the Back Cover
The architecture of Los Gatos, California expresses the diversity of small towns everywhere. Born shortly after the Gold Rush, the town flourished once the railroad arrived in 1879. Trains brought tourists from San Francisco and delivered the town's bountiful nuts, fruits and wines to market. Many wealthy residents employed leading architects of the day-Willis Polk, Bernard Maybeck, W. R. Yelland and Julia Morgan among them. The population increased six fold following the arrival of the freeway and the semiconductor industry. The catastrophic earthquake of 1989-and the town's remarkable recovery-emphasizes the need to manage growth, respect the past, but look toward the future as well.
Los Gatos Observed covers the town, from the Queen Anne cottages and Craftsman bungalows of quaint neighborhoods like Almond Grove; the historic downtown; the understated, half-hidden civic center; to modern residences by contemporary architects such as William Turnbull. The history of the town, its colorful characters and the stories behind the buildings make for fascinating reading. For example, fine restaurants can be found today in a former bank, an automobile service garage and a funeral parlor.
Whether you want to fit in or stand out, if you are curious about the unique town of Los Gatos, are looking for authentic style references, or just enjoy a good story, you must own Los Gatos Observed.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent piece of work, clearly done as a labor of love,
By A Customer
This review is from: Los Gatos Observed (Paperback)
I moved to Los Gatos in 1996. Before I read this book I had virtually no idea of the town I lived in. Now I understand it very well. It's actually interesting! By the way, this book was obviously created as a labor of love by someone with a genuine interest in their community.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Los Gatos Observed,
By A Customer
This review is from: Los Gatos Observed (Paperback)
This book displays a wonderfully compiled history of Los Gatos. The photography is beautiful, and just about every fact is historically accurate. A good section of the book is where the buildings are shown today downtown, and then their original use is displayed below the photo. Anywone who lives in Los Gatos or anywone who loves Santa Clara County history will love this book!
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Los Gatos Observed (Paperback)
I also live in Los Gatos,and was surprised and pleased to see my house pictured, and written about in the book! I have always wondered about many of the homes shown in the book, and especially about where I actually live. This book has sparked my curiosity even more, and I am looking forward to having more detailed conversations with the owner of the house, to get additional information! A must have book for anyone who lives in Los Gatos, or has visited and enjoyed the town. Also a great book for California history buffs! My only suggestion would be to possibly print some in hard back!
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