Santa Clara in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old Downtown Santa Clara
[Panel 1:]
Photo 1 - Upper Left:
Franklin and Main Streets formed the business hub of early Santa Clara. Widney Store was on the northeast corner of Franklin. Circa 1875.
Photo 2 - Upper Right
Main Street looking south from Franklin toward the Methodist Church and the City Park. Circa 1900.
Photo 3 - Lower Left:
Main Street looking north toward Benton Street with the Fatjo Store founded in 1848 on the left. Circa 1900.
Photo 4 - Lower Right:
The trolley car heads west on Franklin Street at Main. The Bank of Italy building on the corner. Circa 1910.
[Panel 2:]
Photo 1 - Upper Left:
Cameron House on Franklin Street was headquarters for actors who played at Widney Hall Theater. Circa 1869.
Photo 2 - Upper Right:
The bandstand in the City Park was the site for many early Santa Clara events. Circa 1900.
Photo 3 - Lower Left:
Franklin Street saw many parades while it served as Santa Clara’s main business street. Cherry Carnival Parade – May 1913.
Photo 4 - Lower Right:
This group of patriotic marchers head east on Franklin as the cross Washington Street. July 4, 1917.
Panel 3:]
Photo 1 - Upper Left
Santa Clara incorporated as a town in 1852. The first Town Hall and jail, built in 1891, was located on Main at the corner of Benton Street.
Photo 2 - Upper Right:
Santa Clara’s second City Hall and jail, locate at Franklin and Washington Streets, was built in 1913.
Photo 3 - Lower Left:
Oddfellows, Hall on Franklin at Washington, was built in 1867. Wade’s Pharmacy was located at this corner from 1944 to 1966.
Photo 4 - Lower Right:
Wilson’s Jewel Bakery, 1151 Franklin, operated 43 years at this site until displaced by the renewal project of the early 1960’s.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 37° 20.959′ N, 121° 56.824′ W. Marker is in Santa Clara, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker is on Jackson Street south of Benton Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Jackson Street, Santa Clara CA 95050, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Menzel House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Town Hall and Jail Site (about 400 feet away); Mission Santa Clara Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Kersell/Lorente House (about 600 feet away); Johnson House (about 600 feet away); Dr. Saxe Office Building (about 600 feet away); Elim Community Church (about 600 feet away); H.L. Warburton House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clara.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,292 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.