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SpectrumMar07.qxd 4/26/2007 4:47 PM Page 18 S THE SPECTRUM RAISING $20,000 IN A WEEK: BRINGING THE SOLARI WINDMILL TO UNION CEMETERY Judy Buchan, Contributing Writer graced George Solari’s residence and vegetable garden. 18 all I have to do is raise $20,000,” sighed Jeri Joseph-Hover. After a “Now moment of silent reflection, the energetic Parks and Recreation commissioner decided her task, raising funds to help relocate the Solari Windmill to Union Cemetery, was a piece of cake. “I can do that,” she exclaimed. Don’t doubt her for a minute. A treasured part of Redwood City’s agricultural history, the century-old Solari windmill and water tank now sits in the city’s Public Works Services yard, waiting for restoration and relocation at Union Cemetery. On March 6, the Planning Commission gave its unanimous approval to the project, and the windmill is scheduled to be in place in time for the annual Memorial Day observance on May 28. Nancy Radcliffe, planning commissioner and member of the city’s Historic Resources Advisory Committee, said the windmill’s move to Union Cemetery is “absolutely delightful.” She recalled when the windmill was located on Manzanita Street, adding that “now everyone in Redwood City will be able to see it.” Many residents recall the windmill as being the focal point of the Solari farm that operated on the site now occupied by Costco. But one resident, and a Solari family member at that, says the windmill first held sway on the farm that was located in what is now the alphabet streets. Leo Solari, great-nephew of George Solari and owner of Redwood City’s Able Tow, cites a 1988 interview with George Solari by Louis Dematteis and Ted Cole in which Solari stated that his family arrived in Redwood City in 1878. And the windmill first was located on a vegetable farm in the vicinity of Whipple Avenue (once known as Rogers Street). According to Solari, the ranch was “between Stafford Street by the railroad down to the marshlands.” Anecdotal accounts report that it was a true working windmill, with a 10-horsepower motor that pumped water out of a well for irrigation. George Solari recalled that it was a busy farm. “And up to about 1890 they ran five wagons on there.” Wagons ran to San Mateo, Woodside, Redwood City and Menlo Park. Leo Solari’s family history then notes that the windmill was eventually moved in 1913 to 1578 Manzanita, where it When George Solari passed away and the farm was sold, new owners attempted to demolish the windmill, only to be met by strong community concerns for historical preservation. In 1991, the windmill was moved to Garfield School, where it was planned for use in the school’s gardening program. As it turned out, the orchards behind the school were turned into playing fields, and the move toward demolition arose again. Jean Cloud of the Historic Resources Advisory Committee stepped in and went to the Parks and Recreation department for help. Joseph-Hover immediately signed on, the city offered $30,000 to help get the $75,000 project underway, and the windmill was moved to the Public Works Services yard. Now the true restoration work begins, according to Joseph-Hover. The wood-shingled windmill is 32 feet tall and houses a water tank and a small office. The Native Sons of the Golden West has volunteered to help restore the shingled part of the windmill tower. The Historic Resources Advisory Committee has also volunteered to help. The lower portion of the windmill will be reconstructed as closely as possible to the original structure. In addition, the upper portion will be restored and the pinwheel will be operational and maintained by the city. Water storage and pumping will not take place. The windmill will be placed at the northernmost corner of the Union Cemetery historic site. “This is a wonderful part of Redwood City’s history that needs to be preserved,” said Joseph-Hover. “It’s important for us to remember our agricultural past.” So if you’re driving on Woodside Road sometime next month, don’t be surprised if you see the windmill top being transported to Union Cemetery by a flatbed truck bearing the name Able Tow. Leo Solari will be in the driver’s seat, helping to preserve part of his family’s history and our city’s history as well. And come to Union Cemetery on Memorial Day to shake the hands of all who helped to make it happen. The guy with the baseball cap and big smile will be Leo Solari. The blond dynamo will be Joseph-Hover. You won’t miss ’em. Author’s note: Readers can help Joseph- Hover reach her $20,000 goal by contacting her at (650) 369-9010 or BrightonRWC@aol.com. Thanks to Leo and Debbie Solari for their wonderful family history and to Jeri Joseph- Hover for the photos and other valuable resources. WWW.SPECTRUMMAGAZINE.NET
SpectrumMar07.qxd 4/26/2007 4:48 PM Page 19 REDWOOD CITY’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE S S KAINOS/PENINSULA SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB IRISH NIGHT AT THE VETERAN’S MEMORIAL BUILDING - 1455 MADISON AVENUE - REDWOOD CITY SATURDAY, MARCH 17 TICKETS - $35 PER PERSON - ALL INCLUSIVE PAULA UCCELLI AND TED HANNIG ENJOY A LAUGH WHILE BIDDING ON AUCTION ITEMS. 5:30 - HAPPY HOUR WITH GREEN BEER & WINE SILENT AUCTION 7:00 - LIVE AUCTION & DINNER THIS YOUTH VOLUNTEER FROM REDWOOD HIGH ENJOYS HELPING. MAJOR EVENT UNDERWRITER SAN MATEO CREDIT UNION DOOR PRIZES FANTASTIC AUCTION! GREAT FOOD! WONDERFUL CAUSE! HOSTED BY THE PENINSULA SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB BENEFITING KAINOS HOME & TRAINING CENTER & OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES FOR TICKETS CALL KAINOS (650) 363-2423 KEN SKELTON IS A HEAD ABOVE THE REST WITH IRISH LOVE AS HIS WIFE, GAYLE, LOOKS ON. DAVE HYMAN AND THE KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS MAKING SURE IRISH LAUGHS ARE IN THE COOKING. 19 Do you have an adjustable rate on your: * Home Equity Line? * First Mortgage? Let us provide a FREE, NO OBLIGATION analysis of fixed rate options! Please call and ask me about our Kids First Program and how you can earn money for your school! Committed to the community ... Committed to you. LOURDES CARINI 650.823.1463 (cell) 805 Veterans Boulevard Suite 202 Redwood City 650.362.2700 Call us for details! WWW.SPECTRUMMAGAZINE.NET
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