Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Greeninger House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 21, 2012

1. The Greeninger House Marker

Inscription. Preserved at this location through the generosity of the Thomas R. Bettencourt Endowment Fund.
Born in Germany, Adolph Greeninger came to San José in 1865. Starting with practically no means at the age of 23, Mr. Greeninger worked tirelessly at his trade of carriage painting, eventually co-founding the Globe Carriage Factory. The two-story structure on West San Fernando Street was an impressive enterprise that employed many local citizens.

After establishing himself as a successful businessman, Mr. Greeninger became actively involved [in] local government. He was a member of the San José City Council for six years and served on the county Board of Supervisors for twelve years. A husband and father of five, Mr. Greeninger also ardently supported the fire department and held different positions up to that of President of the Board of Delegates. In addition, he served as a Director of Agnews State Hospital.

In 1903, Mr. Greeninger built this house for his family at the corner of Balbach and Orchard Streets in San José. After more than 100 years, the house was moved and restored in 2007 to become part of the Community

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Youth Center that stands before you today.

Erected by Thomas R. Bettencourt Endowment Fund.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 37° 19.785′ N, 121° 52.963′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is at the intersection of South 3rd Street and East William Street on South 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 498 South 3rd Street, San Jose CA 95112, 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 walking distance of this marker: First Normal School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bickur Cholim

The Greeninger House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 21, 2012

2. The Greeninger House and Marker

(approx. 0.4 miles away); Tower Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chinatown (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Burning of San Jose Chinatown (approx. 0.4 miles away); First State Capitol (approx. 0.4 miles away); First State Capitol Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 722 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.