Antoine Borel - the Swiss diplomat of San Mateo

The brothers started as commission merchants then branched into banking.

Under pressure from his wife, Alfred Borel returned to Europe. When Alfred Borel returned to Switzerland, he left the business in the capable hands of Antoine. The company prospered and became known for its solid business activities.

Antoine Borel was highly respected. He was appointed vice-consul for Switzerland for Northern California and Nevada when he was only 21. In 1885, he was made consul general of Switzerland, a position he held until 1913.

He has been described as being of medium height, and with a pleasant, but firm demeanor. He was exacting of his employees, but kind. He had an explosive temper, but did not hold grudges. He paid above-average wages to his employees. Punctuality was one of his most important requirements. Antoine Borel served on the boards of directors of many of the large companies in San Francisco and was a member of the prestigious Pacific Union Club.

Antoine Borel and his wife had five daughters and two sons. All conversation at meals was conducted in French to help preserve the culture Antoine Borel cherished. The family made frequent trips to Switzerland, where Antoine Borel maintained a chateau. He loved horses and the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were among his hobbies. All the children rode horseback.

Antoine Borel wanted a summer home for his growing family. As with many wealthy San Franciscans, he looked toward San Mateo County. He bought property from the heirs of F. L. A. Pioche in San Mateo. He had it luxuriously landscaped with gardens and paths. He built the Geneva Chapel on his estate for religious observances. The land was located in the heart of modern San Mateo. The Borel Private Bank and Trust Company today occupies offices on the old grounds. The chapel served as the home of the Hillbarn Theater for many years until it was torn down to make way for a freeway.

Antoine Borel retired in 1913 and left on a pleasure trip to Switzerland. World War I broke out while he was there, and his cars and even his horses were commandeered for the war. In March 1915, he died after having an operation for cancer. He left an estate valued at $3 million. His wife lived on in San Mateo until 1923.

Three of the Borel girls married. Alice Borel married Aylett Cotton, who became a judge. Sophie Borel married John M. Lewis. Years later she also married Aylett Cotton after her husband and her sister both died. Grace Borel married Louis Bovet. Guadeloupe Borel remained unmarried, as did Chonita Borel, who had become an invalid after a car accident. One son, Alfred Borel, died at the age of 4, but the other, Antoine A. Borel, married Mardie McMahon.

Guadeloupe Borel began a tradition of giving a Christmas party for the children of San Mateo during the last two weeks of December. This was a custom she continued from the Christmases the family had celebrated in Switzerland during her childhood.

Rediscovering the Peninsula appears in the Monday edition of the Daily Journal. For more information on this or related topics, visit the San Mateo County History Museum, 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City.