The San Francisco call., 1907-03-10
By William A. Curtis

end tel when it grew into a city. In
Its zenith governors, statesmen. SOL
diers, scouts and great explorers
claimed its hospitality and in its de-
cline II sheltered bandits equally fam
Gus ia their chosen profession
Now Il has all but gone. A monde
script cobbler and his mate sit in its
windows waiting for a business thar
never comes. The local newspapers
take a fling az IL when copy IS low On
the hook, and quarrel as TO whether Il
is 70 be pulled down or not; who Sta
builders were.
Il was built during the early part Of
the last century, probably during the
last days OF 1919 or the spring Of 1920
by Don Antonio Sunol. and its renains
now nestle under the shadows OF the
main onlces OF the Interurbsn Railway
Company on South Market street, San
Jose. directly across from the plaza,
which is laid out on the site OF Cali
fornis's first capitol building.
At that time San Jose was synony-
nous with the home of Don Sunol,
and that in turn was only another way
OF saying genuine old-fashioned Span
fish hospitality. A few OF the more
famous who could vouch for this state
ment from actual experience were
General Fremont, Captain George Van
couver, the noted explorer; Generals
II. n Naglee and Vallejo. Kit Carson,
the scout; Pho Pico, the Mexican Gov
ernor OF this State, California's maiden
Governor. Peter II. Burnett, and legis-
lstors without number.
a little later II served as the consul
lstes OF three countries. France, Spain
and Mexico. and later still. even after
Il passed from the hands OF the Sunol
family, its ioeestone qualities for the
attraction Of the famous did not desert
st.
While conducted as an hotel, Joaquin
Murietta, The Terror OF the Mines"
and Tiburcis Vssouez. two gentlemen
engaged in a friendly rivalry for mur-
dering people and securing their ears
as trophies, found shelter under its
roof
The early history OF the building can
be told better perhaps ia the words of
senor Narciso SunoI. now over 20 years
OF age, one OF the younger sons OF Don
Antonio, whom found near the Garden
city's metropolis. Oak Hill. residing IN
small but scrupuiously neat tank
house, a grim mute memento OF the
doings OF the early GrinEos
Before the Gringo came the Sunoi
family was one OF the wealthiest in the
land. owning probably a tenth OF the
great Santa Clara valley. Narciso's
personal share upon the death OF his
father comprised that portion OF the
valley now known ss Edenvale. the
present home OF Congressman e. A.
Hayes and HIS brother.
The Spanish Open Door
But IN those days men were meas
ured by standards other than money.
Hospitality was one OF them, and it
was virtue that the Gringo was quick
10 realize and take advantage OF.
Riding through the streets OF San
Jose amid familiar scenes awakened
memories long dormant IN the old
mans breast, and Don Narciso simply.
without any trace OF false modesty. told
me the story OF his fathers life. q little
ot his own, and fragments OF other
mems. all OF which concerned more or
less directly the history OF the old
adobe.
ITO go back 20 the beginning" the
old Spsniard commenced. Il had per-
haps better tell you OF my father. He
was one OF the first Europeans 60 set
tie in this ithe Santa claral valley.
coming here IN 1913. Though OF one OF
the Oldest and noblest OF the Castliian
fsmilies, he attached himself to the
French navy when youth and was
present at the surrender OF Napoleon.
lIe was familiar with the courts OF both
Trance and Spain and was very highly
cultured, all OF which tended 90 bring
him in contact with the best class OF
people in his new home.
Shortly after building the old home
Ctbe adobe on Market street,, he was
appointed the first postmaster OF the
State by the Mexican Government. Az
ter the formation OF the California
Government he built the first capitol
building with his Indian servants. The
cost was very slight. but he rented Il
10 the State for $4,000 per month and
later sold it 20 them for about s5o.ooo.
Il myself was born or the old Santa
Teresa Ranch. but when a very small
babe was taken TO the adobe house and
spent my childhood there"
Marveling at the nuency and purity
OF the old gentleman's diction. oues-
toned him concerning his education
and found that the rudiments were re-
ccived at a private school which James
Alexander Forbes. the British Vice
Consul. maintained for the benefit Of
HIS family. consisting OF nine boys and
three girls. Later the Consul General.
. man by the name OF Rae, committed
suicide IN san Francisco and Forbes
was promoted 60 his position.
This OF course broke I'D the little
school and Narciso. then only Is years
OF age, was sent TO a military academy
et Bordeaux, France. 70 complete his