Gilroy in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Highway 152 Tree Row

Photographed by Frank Gunshow Sanchez

1. Highway 152 Tree Row Marker

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
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Inscription.
Has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior

Celebrating the first statewide Arbor Day, the school children of Gilroy planted 75 Deodar cedars along the south side of the newly paved Highway 32 on March 7, 1930. The following year, 65 additional cedars were planted, totaling 140 trees. Local groups under the direction of the Rotary Club were proud to celebrate the new highway by beautifying the western entrance to Gilroy.

The new Hecker Pass Highway was named for Santa Clara County Supervisor Henry Hecker, who held that office from 1916 until 1945. He allocated funds for this connection from Gilroy to Santa Cruz County, a vital link to the coast. The new highway was dedicated on May 27, 1928, with a grand celebration on top of Mount Madonna. In 1933, ownership was formally transferred to the State of California, and it was designated as Highway 152. this 1.39 mile of cedar trees, still largely intact, continues to fulfill its original purpose of welcoming visitors to Gilroy.

Erected 2024 by Gilroy Historical Society, E Clampus Vitus Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 7, 1930.

Location. 37° 0.693′ N, 121° 37.079′ W. Marker is in Gilroy, California, in Santa Clara County. It is at the intersection of Hecker Pass Road and Third Street (Highway 152), on the right when traveling east on Hecker Pass Road. Marker is by the roundabout, on the bike path to the right when traveling east towards town. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gilroy CA 95020, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gilroy (approx. 2.2 miles away); Round House (approx. 2½ miles away); Ranchos and Growth (approx. 2½ miles away); Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park (approx. 2½ miles away); Arrival of the Spanish (approx. 2½ miles away); School Days (approx. 2½ miles away); A journey of a Lifetime (approx. 2½ miles away); Uvas Creek (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gilroy.

Also see . . . Highway 152 Tree Row (The Clio). Full citation: Tinker, Steve and Pamela Curtin. "Highway 152 Tree Row." Clio: Your Guide to History. April 27, 2018. Accessed August 31, 2024.

Excerpt: The town of Gilroy, which was incorporated in 1870,
Photographed by Frank Gunshow Sanchez

2. Highway 152 Tree Row Marker
had already planted numerous deodar cedars and was eager to plant more along its western approach. The deodar cedar had arrived in the United States from the Himalayas, via Europe, in the early 1800s. Known as the “living Christmas tree,” the deodar cedar is well adapted to the warm, dry climate of California. They also grow quickly, their wide canopies provide year-round shade and they require little maintenance. Since Gilroy was pleased with their previous experiences with the deodar cedar, it only made sense to continue planting them on the outskirts of town, along Highway 152.

On March 7, 1930, (Arbor Day) a parade of local business leaders and more than 600 students escorted two flatbeds loaded with the trees to their destination just west of town. The trees were provided by the Gilroy Elks and Ladies Auxiliary Groups and the community event was organized by the Gilroy Rotarians. The 75 trees were then planted by a large group of Rotarians, Elks, American Legionnaires, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, school children and other Gilroyans. Across the state, over 25,000 trees were planted that day. The next Arbor Day, the town planted
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an additional 65 trees along Highway 152. It would be the last time they did so as the residents, and the country, became increasingly preoccupied with the Great Depression and the coming of World War II.

(Submitted on August 31, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2024, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 18, 2024, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.