Rockspring in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Nelson-DeLuz House
The restoration plan for the building has been based on research and careful examination of the structure. With a few exceptions the historic structure and its decorative elements have been retained. It has been repainted in the earliest color scheme. The back porch has been modified to provide accessibility.
In 1919 John and Etta Nelson purchased the house and moved in with their four children. Mr. Nelson worked for Southern Pacific Railroad and the children attended San Jose schools. The house remained in the Nelson family until it came to the Museum in 1987 as a bequest from Kristena DeLuz to the San Jose Historical Museum Association. A long time volunteer at the Museum, Kristena was particularly interested in the textile collection. Because of this interest, the building was selected to house textile exhibits and related programs.
This sign made possible through a grant from Questers Amapola Chapter 864
Erected by San Jose Historical Museum Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 19.156′ N, 121° 51.449′ W. Marker was in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It was in Rockspring. Marker could be reached from Senter Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose CA 95112, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Rod Diridon Sr. Trolley Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Warburton’s Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Paulson House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Print Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Printing Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica 1888 Ng Shing Gung – Temple of Five Gods (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mayor Janet Gray Hayes (about 300 feet away); Pacific Hotel (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
More about this marker. This marker is located in History Park, a part of San Jose’s Kelly Park. The Nelson-DeLuz House currently houses the Hellenic Heritage Museum.
Additional commentary.
1. The House Burned in February 2023 and the Marker is Gone
From a letter posted on the chain-link fence in front of the house:
”History San José is deeply saddened that a two-alarm fire has resulted in the complete loss of the historic Nelson-DeLuz House at History Park. The house was willed to History San José by former San José State home economics instructor Kristena Nelson-DeLuz who spent her entire life in the house.
We are grateful for the San José Fire Department's rapid response to quickly control the blaze, and we extend our appreciation to all the first responders who helped contain the fire and ensure the safety of our community.
The Nelson-DeLuz House was moved to History Park, where it provided space for community organizations including Portraits of the Past and the Hellenic Heritage Museum, In recent years, the house functioned as a rental space for community meetings and gatherings. Just this year, O'Brien's (formerly Treatbot) began using the historic neoclassical home as a venue for their themed tea services. The house was also a central part of History San José's rental program bringing in revenue for the organization to support its exhibition and educational programs.
The blaze did not just affect the Nelson-DeLuz House. The Leonard and David McKay Gallery in the next-door Pasetta House also sustained damage. The artwork from HSJ's permanent collection that was on view has been removed and will need emergency conservation work to mitigate smoke damage.
We appreciate the outpouring of concern we have received and our hearts go out to the staff, volunteers, and community members who hold fond memories and personal connections to the Nelson-DeLuz House.
If you would like to support us, we have created an Emergency Relief Fund to replenish the lost revenue from the rental program and supplement what our insurance does not cover. Thank you so much for sustaining History San José.
Bill Schroh, Jr.
President & CEO”
— Submitted June 25, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 3, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 7. submitted on February 3, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.