Poisoned Again! The Coverup and Murder of Jane Stanford
Join us on May 21 for the intriguing lecture, “Poisoned Again! The Coverup and Murder of Jane Stanford.” The free lecture will take place at 7:30 PM and will be given by John Hackmann, Palo Alto Historical Association President at the Immanuel Lutheran Reception hall at 14103 Saratoga Avenue in Saratoga.

The presentation is based on Dr. Robert WP Cutler’s book, The Mysterious Death of Jane Stanford, printed by Stanford University Press in 2006.

Jane Lathrop Stanford was the co-founder of Stanford University together with her husband, Leland Stanford. They founded the university in 1891 as a memorial to their only child, Leland Stanford Jr. Jane Stanford, took over the directorship of Stanford University after her husband’s death. With a firm hand she saved the university from bankruptcy and had teachers fired. She frequently was at odds with the President of the University, David Starr Jordan who felt she wielded too much power..

In 1905 she found rat poison in a water bottle and after drinking a sip threw it out. Nothing came of the investigation. Shaken, a few months later she took a trip to Hawaii where after eating a meal, became ill and local officials pronounced her dead from strychnine poison. Jordan flew to Hawaii and had another doctor change the cause of death to heart failure.

Relay for Life June 1-- Saratoga History Museum is participating!
Cancer strikes the young and old. Support the annual Relay for Life by sponsoring a runner or by making a donation. Simply go up to www.relayforlife.org/saratogaca and scroll down to Saratoga History Museum. All proceeds go to Relay For Life. If you would like to run, an entry fee is $10 and benefits the cause. Join us on Saturday June 1 at 10 AM-- the event will go until Sunday 10AM June 2. The museum will have a table in the St. Andrews playground (13601 Saratoga Avenue in Saratoga) with literature promoting membership and our many programs. Any questions, contact Nancy Kirk at 408-621-5922. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps our community celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Betty and Willys Peck—the Heart of Saratoga—New Exhibit Opens May 31
Take a sentimental journey as both Betty and Willys Peck are recognized for their many contributions to the community in a new exhibit. Betty and Willys Peck—the Heart of Saratoga. The exhibit opens May 31 with memorabilia and photos focusing on the Peck’s many contributions in the areas of drama, music, historical preservation, nature and community service.

A special reception is planned for June 23 from 1-3 PM at the Saratoga History Museum and is open to the public. Music and light refreshments will be enjoyed.

During the period of the exhibit and on the third Sunday of each month, some of the presentations Willys gave will be shown: July 21—Southern Pacific; August 18 – Walking Tour; September 11 – Peninsular Interurban Railway and October 20 – School Memories. These tapes will be shown at 2 PM in the museum (20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road). Free admittance.

Willys Peck—Saratoga Historian Passed Away 1923-2013
Willys Peck, well-known historian, passed away April 16. Peck was a historian, lawyer, newspaperman, train buff, playwright, disc jockey, and author during his lifetime.

Known for his passion for Saratoga, he wrote and told engaging stories about growing up in Saratoga; about walking in the orchards; about famous personalities in Saratoga, riding the Interurban railroad; and playing a duck in a play with actress Olivia de Havilland.

He was active in the community—saving the Memorial Arch (a landmark), finding a building and location for the Saratoga History Museum, and ensuring that Saratoga did not become part of San Jose. He was president of the Saratoga Historical Foundation for over 19 years and had continued to serve on the board of directors since the 1960’s. He was a museum docent for over 40 years. Some people thought of him as “Mr. Saratoga.” And one mayor even gave him the moniker of “Town Character” after an article on Saratoga in Life magazine appeared in the 1950’s and used the term “characters” in describing the locals.

Those wishing to make a donation for a memorial make send a contribution to Saratoga Historical Foundation, PO Box 172, Saratoga, CA 95071.

Blossoms, Sunshine, and Saratoga—Remembering the Blossom Festival

The Saratoga History Museum opens a new exhibit February 8: “Blossoms, Sunshine, and Saratoga—Remembering the Blossom Festival.” The exhibit will run through the end of May.

The Blossom Festival originated in 1900 as a celebration of the end of a two-year drought and the resulting beauty of the blossoming orchards. Dr. Edwin Sidney Williams, a retired minister, came up with the idea of the event. The event was so successful it was held each year for the next 40 years—growing larger and larger and reaching 20,000 attendees one year. Williams called the event a “thanksgiving jollification” and became known locally as the “Father of the Blossom Festival.” Come see photos, artifacts, and memorabilia covering this important event that brought governors, senators, and more to see the orchard blossoms of Saratoga.

The Saratoga History Museum is located on 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in Saratoga and open from 1-4 PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday.