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

316 Main Street

— "Eschenbruecher Hardware" —

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 7, 2016

1. 316 Main Street Marker

Inscription. Built in 1908, this structure housed the first commercial business in the new town of Los Altos. William and Lillian Eschenbruecher operated their hardware store here for more than a year before electricity and water became general available to business lots. As with many early establishments, the hardware store served a dual purpose. William was also the town's first Postmaster and he ran the post office from one corner of his store until 1911, when the post office was moved to the Copeland Building at 397 Main Street.
After a few years William (commonly called "Billy") died. Lillian, his wife, and their young son, Roy, continued with the business for many years. The front of the hardware store has been altered, but it is believed that the original facade exists beneath the present store front.
The Eschenbruecher home, once located at 130 Second Street, was the first home in the downtown triangle. In 1985, this well preserved house was moved to Los Altos Hills, where it serves as the town's Heritage House.

Erected by City of Los Altos.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list.

Location.

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37° 22.698′ N, 122° 7.023′ W. Marker is in Los Altos, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in North Los Altos. It is on Main Street near Second Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 316 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: 306 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Los Altos Elementary School (a few steps from this marker); 398 and 388 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 395/397 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 7, 2016

2. 316 Main Street Marker

The marker is at the left edge of the 316 Main Street 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 631 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.