San Ramon in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

History of Ramona Park

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2020

1. History of Ramona Park Marker

Inscription.

History of Ramona Park. . In 1906, the Meese family opened a 10-acre group picnic site, Ramona Park, on their ranch next to the Southern Pacific Railroad line, thus opening the first "park” in the San Ramon Valley. Ramona Park's location west of the Iron Horse Regional Trail near today's Greenbrook Drive in southern Danville was close to what was then San Ramon Village. The Martinez Daily Gazette on April 18, 1906, wrote, "Residents of this county are looking forward to Thursday, April 26, when Ramona Park, located at the foot of Mt. Diablo in the beautiful San Ramon Valey and said to be one of the prettiest parks in this State, will open." Picnickers were invited to enjoy the park which was "covered with wild maple, buckeye, elder and other California trees, and with a picturesque little lake...ideal for swimming." There was a fine dancing pavilion "whose floor no means have been spared to make perfect." Because temperance principles were to be followed in the park and within two miles of the premises, women and children were assured "perfect freedom from the insults of drunken bums."

Opening Day , Because of the San Francisco earthquake on April 18, the park opening scheduled for April 26, 1906, was moved to July 4 with 25% of the receipts turned over to the earthquake relief committee. On opening day a special train left San Francisco at 8 a.m stopping at all intervening stations along the old Southern Pacific rail line, now the Ironhorse Trail, and returned from the park at 5 p.m. Not only was the park a source of income for the Meese family, it also introduced the beautiful San Ramon Valley to people from all over the Bay Area.

In 1906, the Meese family opened a 10-acre group picnic site, Ramona Park, on their ranch next to the Southern Pacific Railroad line, thus opening the first "park” in the San Ramon Valley. Ramona Park's location west of the Iron Horse Regional Trail near today's Greenbrook Drive in southern Danville was close to what was then San Ramon Village. The Martinez Daily Gazette on April 18, 1906, wrote, "Residents of this county are looking forward to Thursday, April 26, when Ramona Park, located at the foot of Mt. Diablo in the beautiful San Ramon Valey and said to be one of the prettiest parks in this State, will open." Picnickers were invited to enjoy the park which was "covered with wild maple, buckeye, elder and other California trees, and with a picturesque little lake...ideal for swimming." There was a fine dancing pavilion "whose floor no means have been spared to make perfect." Because temperance principles were to be followed in the park and within two miles of the premises, women and children were assured "perfect freedom from the insults of drunken bums."

Opening Day
Because of the San Francisco earthquake on April 18, the park opening scheduled for April 26, 1906, was moved to July 4 with 25% of the receipts turned over to the earthquake relief committee. On opening day a special train left San Francisco at 8 a.m

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stopping at all intervening stations along the old Southern Pacific rail line, now the Ironhorse Trail, and returned from the park at 5 p.m. Not only was the park a source of income for the Meese family, it also introduced the beautiful San Ramon Valley to people from all over the Bay Area.

The City of San Ramon encourages our residents to enjoy this beautiful park named in celebration of our historic past. By acquiring, protecting and maintaining this valuable parkland, the City of San Ramon is preserving for current and future generations natural places where people and other living things can thrive.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1906.

Location. 37° 44.982′ N, 121° 53.232′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in San Ramon, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is at the intersection of Murdock Way and Kearney Way, on the right when traveling east on Murdock Way. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Ramon CA 94582, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. San Ramon's Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire Truck Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Antone School (approx. 1.4 miles away); Iron Horse Regional Trail (approx. 2 miles away); 1943 Fleet City 1946 (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Glass House 1932 - 1998 (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Glass House (approx. 3.6 miles away); Harnessing the Wind (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Ramon.

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History of Ramona Park Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2020

2. History of Ramona Park Marker - wide view

this marker. The marker is located just into the park from the Murdock Way (north side) entrance to the park.

View of park from marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2020

3. View of park from marker location

Ramona Park sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2020

4. Ramona Park sign

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 15, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.