April 10, 2008

CAHA honors Almaden history

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

With fanfare and accolades, the Committee for Almaden Historical Awareness [CAHA] dedicated the New Almaden Historic photographs, mobile display and local history display at the Almaden Library and Community Center on April 5.

NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan shares the history of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine to visitors at the library on April 5. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“The library and community center’s 4,000 visitors per day will be able to take a step back from the hustle bustle of modern Silicon Valley and remember the region’s rich history,” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle. “CAHA has done the city a great service by preserving these works of art.”

Bob Durbeck, who has lived in Almaden for 40 years, attended many library meetings before construction started, always stating the importance of including the New Almaden history in the art to be placed in the facility. The completion of the building included two history pieces--a two-part mural with the first depicting the Santa Clara Valley’s agrarian past and the second showing it’s future both with cinnabar and a silver base. The second work of art is an Ohlone Indian princess statue in the courtyard.

But that wasn’t enough for Durbeck, who wanted to see the area’s rich mining past to young and old residents. “The only reference to New Almaden mine history were the two murals in the community room,” said Durbeck. “At the building dedication, I resolved to see if somehow we could mount an effort to install historic photographs, displays and exhibits for citizens to learn Almaden history.”

In August 2006, Durbeck organized Art Boudreault, Mike Boulland, Almaden Library Branch Manager Pam Crider, Kitty Monahan, Almaden Senior Program gerontology specialist Torie O’Reilly and John Slenter who together represented five organizations including Santa Clara County Parks (SCCP), New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association (NAQCPA) and Friends of the Almaden Library (FAL). This was the genesis of CAHA.

CAHA implemented the plan of six historic photos at the community center entrance, three large photographs in the group study rooms and the living room and a freestanding display with Almaden historic artifacts. Funding came from grants, FAL, NAQCPA and SCCP.

“We owe a special thanks to John Slenter for doing the vast majority of work preparing the nine photographs and his work for designing the display,” said Durbeck. “Without his expertise we probably would have struggled mightily.”

NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan presented a history of the New Almaden area going back to when the local Ohlone Indians used the cinnabar for paint, adornment and as barter. Mexican Calvary Officer Castillero saw the crimson and knew the red rock could be mined. He opened the Santa Clara Mines that would become the New Almaden Mine.

Also in attendance of the dedication were San Jose Public Library Director Jane Light and San Jose Community Centers Supervisor Marie Alberry-Hawkins.

“Today, we are here to celebrate the work of the members of CAHA,” said Alberry-Hawkins. “The library is creating a new history here in San Jose…It’s great CAHA wants to make sure we know from where we came, so we know where we’re going.”