Portola Valley in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Our Lady of the Wayside

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 24, 2009

1. Our Lady of the Wayside Marker

Inscription. Built in 1912 this country church was the first executed design of noted architect, Timothy L. Pflueger, who had just begun work for James Miller. An awareness of the Spanish California Missions inspired the style, which contrasts with the large commercial buildings and art deco theaters for which Pflueger later became notable. Construction of this Catholic Church was initiated by a non-denominational club, The Family.

California Registered Historical Landmark No.909
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Town of Portola Valley, September 4, 1977.

Erected 1977 by State Department of Parks and Recreation and the Town of Portola Valley. (Marker Number 909.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Landmarks • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the California Historical Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 4, 1883.

Location. 37° 23.028′ N, 122° 14.042′ W. Marker is in Portola Valley, California, in San Mateo County. It is on Portola Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 930 Portola Road, Portola Valley CA 94028, 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hallidie Tramway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Portola Primary School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Town of Searsville (approx. 1.4 miles away); First Saw Mill (approx. 1.9 miles away); Casa de Tableta (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Chinese Walls (approx. 2.4 miles away); Folger Stable c.1905 (approx. 2.4 miles away); St. Denis Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portola Valley.

Regarding Our Lady of the Wayside. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 909 on 5/12/1977.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 24, 2009

2. Our Lady of the Wayside Marker

Our Lady of the Wayside image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 24, 2009

3. Our Lady of the Wayside

Our Lady of the Wayside Courtyard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 24, 2009

4. Our Lady of the Wayside Courtyard

Our Lady of the Wayside image. Click for more information.

Historic American Buildings Survey (LOC)

5. Our Lady of the Wayside

Building/structure dates: 1912 initial construction Significance: This church was built for the growing Catholic community at Portola Valley, with the assistance of a men's club called The Family.
HABS CAL,41-PORVA,2-
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,720 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.