Building & Grounds
History San José is the primary caretaker of The Edwin Markham House.
Our new Building & Grounds chair, Bob Coo, has listed many items needed
for improvement of the house, such as: storage shelves, furnishings,
office equipment, and exterior painting. Much of the work needed is in
progress. The garden, designed by Middlebrook Gardens, has been planted
and mulched thanks to a small army of volunteers that donated, along
with the Compton Foundation, funds for the plants. They arrived armed
with rakes, trowels and hoes on planting day.
This spring the Markham House should be a beautiful sight. The grounds
that encompass History Park are used for tours, concerts, picnics,
parties and Family Days. Poetry Center San José participates in the
five to six Family Days throughout the summer, engaging children in
poetry activities. The Empire Firehouse is also available for our use
for readings and parties, free of charge. O'Brien's, an ice cream
parlor and soda fountain in the old Pacific Hotel, is open Tuesday
through Sunday.