The impending sale of the Giannini house and the Burlingame Historical Society's letter of intent to lease the Burlingame Train Station for free are two moves that highlight local efforts to salvage history. Both deserve commendation.
Too often, mementos of our past are ignored and left in disrepair. That was happening to Seven Oaks, the house that once belonged to Bank of America founder A.P Giannini. The house is modest but its link to Giannini makes it one of the more valued pieces of property in San Mateo. As founder of Bank of America, Giannini established branch banking and loaned the money that helped rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. When his daughter Claire Giannini Hoffman died, she willed that the house be razed because she believed no one could do justice to her father's legacy. She was wrong.
For the last several years, the city of San Mateo, led by Councilwoman Sue Lempert, former City Attorney Roy Abrams and current City Attorney Shawn Mason, fought the estate to keep the building from the wrecking ball. Because of their dogged effort, the estate acquiesced and donated the house to a nonprofit run by former television reporter Rigo Chacon. The house is now on its way to being sold to be used as a residence. Under the city's watchful eye, the house will likely be returned to its former glory and be preserved for generations to come.
In Burlingame, the city's historical society does not have an acceptable home but is signing a free lease agreement to move into the train station off Burlingame Avenue. In exchange for the free rent, the society will be liable for utilities and maintenance costs. It is planning to have a docent on duty for a museum, but is trying to collect money for the upcoming costs.
The move should keep the train station, one of the oldest structures in the city, from falling into disrepair. The move means more visibility but also more responsibility for the society. We believe it is a responsibility the society can take on well.
The preservation of the train station and the Giannini house, along with the increased visibility of the Burlingame Historical Society, are important steps to making sure the past gets the attention and respect it deserves. <
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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