Burlingame in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Kohl Mansion
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, December 4, 2009
1. Kohl Mansion Marker
Kohl Mansion was built by C. Frederick and Elisabeth Kohl in 1914. The Tudor-style mansion, was designed by architects Howard and White. Was the centerpiece of a 40 acre estate called "The Oaks". The property originally included a carriage house, a rose garden, a tennis court, and a 150,000 gallon reservoir.
The Kohls separated in 1916 leaving the estate in the hands of caretakers. On Mr. Kohl's death in 1921, the property was bequeathed to Marion Louderbach Lord who sold it to the Sisters of Mercy in 1924 for $230,000. The sisters used the house as motherhouse and novitiate until 1931 when they added a wing of four classrooms on the northeast side and opened Mercy High School. Another wing of 13 classrooms was added in 1956.
In 1982 a complete restoration of the mansion's exterior was begun, Kohl Mansion is now operated by the Sisters of Mercy as Mercy High School for Girls and as a site for community and private events.
Erected by Albert Shumate, M.D., California Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 37° 34.947′ N, 122° 22.991′ W. Marker is in Burlingame, California, in San Mateo County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The San Andreas Fault (approx. 1˝ miles away); Millbrae Historical Society (approx. 1˝ miles away); George Lange Kelly (approx. 1˝ miles away); Flight 7 (approx. 1˝ miles away); First Camp after Discovery of San Francisco Bay (approx. 1.7 miles away); Anza Expedition Camp (approx. 2 miles away); Burlingame Railroad Station (approx. 2.1 miles away); Burlingame Train Station (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlingame.
Also see . . .
1. The Kohl Mansion. The Mercy High School website tells a short history of the mansion. (Submitted on December 16, 2009.)
2. The Sisters of Mercy. Congregation website homepage (Submitted on December 16, 2009.)
Additional commentary.
1. C. F. and B. C. Kohl
Charles Frederick Kohl was raised in San Mateo. California. He was the son of Captain William Kohl of San Francisco. His father worked for the Alaska Commercial Company.
He married Bessie Elizabeth Godey daughter of Edward and Catherine W. Godey on October 7, 1903 in Washington
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, December 4, 2009
2. National Register of Historic Places Plaque
In 1911, Freddie, as he was called, was shot by a family maid. He survived the attack but was left disabled and emotionally scarred. He and Catherine moved into the mansion in 1914, but two years later separated, after which, she divided her time between Paris and San Francisco. She married twice after that, in 1925 to Count Pierre de Lambertye and again in 1929 to Count de Thine. She died in 1949 in Monte Carlo.
Freddie believed that the maid who shot him was still after him, and this fear led to his committing suicide in 1921. There are several stories as to how and where this happened. Of the many stories, one says he shot himself on a beach in San Francisco and another says he shot himself at the mansion.
After his death the mansion was given to whom is reported to be his mistress, Marion Louderback Lord, who sold it to the Sisters of Mercy in 1924. There are many tales and stories of Freddie still “residing” in the mansion and many sightings. These sightings have occurred even after priests performed exorcisms in the mansion.
— Submitted December 16, 2009.
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, December 4, 2009
3. Kohl Mansion Marker
Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, December 4, 2009
4. Kohl Mansion
Photographed By Unknown, circa 1920's
5. Kohl Mansion - Mercy Convent, Burlingame
6. Mercy High School Commencement Program - 1939
Photographed By Winnie Baird, July 23, 2011
7. Marked mrs c f kohl 14k
I acquired this gold purse and began doing research and I believe it belonged to Bessie..Age is about 90-100 yrs old...In excellent condition...49 gms. I love it!
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 3,030 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 15, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. 5, 6. submitted on December 16, 2009. 7. submitted on July 23, 2011, by Winnie Baird of Newland, North Carolina. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
