North Los Altos in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

395/397 Main Street

— "Copeland Building" —

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 7, 2016

1. 395/397 Main Street Marker

Inscription. Built in 1911, this two-story structure, often referred to as the "Copland Building". was the forth building to appear along Main Street. At one time a side door existed on First Street near the rear of the building. Except for the removal of this separate entrance and the addition of the brick facing to the first floor in the mid-1970's, it stands as originally built. A drug store and a notions counter occupied the corner building (397 Main) with a fountain and candy store in front. One had to pass through them to reach the post office in the rear. Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Copeland ran the entire operation. For a time, Mr. Copeland reactivated and published the Los Altos Star, the news organ of the Altos Land Company.
In 1923 the drugstore was sold to Jack Gregory, who operated it for more than a decade. Jack Shoup, Paul's son, owned the store when Samuel Kahn bought it in 1939.
The other side of the building (395 Main) housed a bakery for many years and then in 1926 a theatre. Charlotte Gregory played the piano for the movies and there were also shows with live talent. The theatre was a popular gathering place on Saturday nights. The upstairs served as living quarters for the Croplands and later for the Gregorys, and eventually as the first office space available in town.

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City of Los Altos.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings.

Location. 37° 22.669′ N, 122° 7.051′ W. Marker is in Los Altos, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in North Los Altos. It is on Main Street near First Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 395/397 Main Street, Los Altos CA 94022, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 398 and 388 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); 316 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 306 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Los Altos Elementary School (about 300 feet away); Site of Juana Briones de Miranda Home on Rancho La Purisima Concepcion (approx. 1.6 miles away); Birthplace of Silicon Valley (approx. 1.9 miles away); Mayfield Fire Bell (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Altos.

395/397 Main Street and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 7, 2016

2. 395/397 Main Street and Marker

The marker is located in the entrance alcove.

Copeland Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 29, 2022

3. Copeland Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 499 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on June 2, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.