I’m going to try to update my blog on Saturdays. I consider the workweek time to move my second novel, 1892, along. I had worked on it about two or three years ago, prior to going through the publishing process with 1891. I learned a lot from that which I have applied to the latest book. It is going along good. So far, 27 chapters have been completed. This is equivalent to 100 pages, a third of the book. I have printed up ten copies and put them in the hands of people who helped me out with the first book. So far, good results. I’ve got three reactions, all good. Like I said I can’t help but feel that the more I write, the better I get. The next step will be to try, again, to get a publisher and/or an agent. I don’t want to go through the self-publishing, again, but, I must admit that if you do it that way, the best way is iUniverse. I have no complaints. If the book did not catch on. It is not their fault. I certainly had the exposure. Now, since it is the second book, I think it will get better acceptance. I hope publishers and agents will think: Yes, he is going to write a tetralogy about Stanford University. There is a market for this. He’s not the greatest writer in the world but he has interesting characters that may have legs.

I just finished a chapter about Andrew White, early president of Cornell University. He was offered the presidency of Stanford, but turned it down. After reviewing White’s history, I came to an interesting conclusion. White was probably homosexual. I’m not sure how Cornell people will take this. If they are like Stanford, they will ignore the whole thing, but it does make an interesting turn of events in the book.

Also, I am about to get into the details of the first Big Game, also interesting.

Stay tuned. jerry

Review of 1891:A Novel about Stanford University
Steve Staiger, Historian, Palo Alto Historical Association, The Tall Tree, November 2007
 
I just finished reading a novel covering the early days of Stanford. Entitled 1891: A Novel about Stanford University, it is part of a planned, four-volume saga by author Jerry Franks. He was 79 years old when he wrote this first installment, but he claims to be working hard on the subsequent volumes. The author did a great deal of his early research using our archives. Beth Bunnenberg would help him as he searched through our files on Stanford and Mayfield.
            Chapter One introduces major characters Orrin Leslie Elliott and his wife Ellen in Ithaca, New York, but quickly moves them and the other characters such as Dr. Jordan and a group of males students living at Encina Hall to the brand new Stanford University campus. Franks vividly recreates everyday life for faculty and students on the campus as well as life in the town of Mayfield. Perhaps Palo Alto was too new to play a role in this first volume. I enjoyed his description and play-by-play of the first faculty-student baseball game, where the faculty led by captain and first baseman Dr. Jordan are defeated by the students in a long, hard fought battle. He has several of the students travel to San Francisco, visiting Chinatown at the time of the Tong wars. Over Thanksgiving holiday we see life in the South Bay as hikers and bicyclists climb Mount Hamilton with a hazardous outcome.
            When we read historical fiction there is always the opportunity to be entertained while learning more about a time and place that interests the reader. I enjoyed the author’s re-creation of historic events of which I had some degree of familiarity. For an author there is always the danger of introducing anachronistic elements into his storyline. A minor example in this novel was a visit to a Mayfield farmhouse discovered by finding a name on the mailbox. Home mail delivery in this area was still 13 years in the future, even longer for rural delivery
            A more significant example involves an attempted assassination of Leland Stanford by one of the characters, who blamed him, in his role as the Governor of California, for the death of her father in the Mussel Slough battle. Stanford was Governor in the early 1860’s, nearly 20 years before that incident.
            Putting these minor details aside, the author has created an interesting story and a group of characters that promise a great deal more in the future volumes. He left us hanging at the end of the first volume. Is Timothy Hopkins really the villain hinted to in this first volume? We will have to wait and see.
 
~~
 
 

“I found 1891: A Novel about Stanford University to be both amusing and bemusing.” Gerhard Casper, president of Stanford University, (1992-2000).
 

1891 may be purchased at Kepler’s, Stanford Bookstore, B&N, Amazon.com or your local bookstore.

 

Anyone reading this blog knows that I am not satisfied with the way historical Stanford is being commemorated.

 
Why is this commemoration so important? James Baldwin wrote, “History does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it with us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.”
 
During a Stanford student’s busy life, I doubt, with all the weight of study, social obligations, the future, that much time is spent contemplating what might have happened during Stanford’s early days. For returning alumni, visitors, prospective students, it would be a different matter. Seeing sites, statues, reading plagues, being told about the early difficulties, and honoring the people who overcame them, would give insight into why Stanford University is such a great institution, to enter, to support.
 
If this is the case, why is it that: the statue of the Stanford family is relegated to an isolated site; the Chemistry building stands deserted; the Stanford Museum is devoted to art objects; unrelated statuary dominates Memorial Court; the first administrative area is unmarked; the first temporary chapel is unmarked; the first library is unmarked; Encina Hall is an office building with no visitors; Escontite Cottage, the first domicile in the area is unmarked, no visitors, and probably up for demolition when a new housing complex is built; and Ernest Johnson, Stanford’s only African American graduate for five decades is not honored. (Imagine the  impact a statue of Ernest Johnson in Memorial Court would have on visiting tourists and prospective students.)
 
I am sure there are other sites and people that are being forgotten or neglected that deserve mention.
 
There is a Historical Society and there is an Archivist and I am sure they are doing the best job they can under prevailing circumstances. My head is not in the sand and I understand those circumstances involve considerations of donor dollars, growth, and space. If these considerations meet historical significance head-on, there is no question that they will prevail.
 
If you agree with me, please bother the Stanford hierarchy: president, archivist, historical society, trustees, or anyone else who has clout. A single voice will not be heard.
 
One day, twenty-five, fifty years from now, the Stanford Community may ask our grandchildren, “How could they have done this? What were they thinking when they destroyed our Stanford heritage?”
 
Will our grandchildren answer, “We think they thought there were other considerations that were more important. Yes, they were wrong, but, now, that it is destroyed, what can be done?”

 

It was the first domicile on what we now call Stanford University. It was built by Peter Coutts in 1873, and was his home until he returned to France in 1882. Bought by Leland Stanford, it was furnished with expensive, museum-like furnishings, some dating back to Marie Antoinette. In 1891, it was the destination of the group who would administer the new university: David Starr Jordan and his family, Orrin Leslie Elliott and his. On its porch, Leland Stanford and Jane Stanford greeted the Jordans and the Elliotts on the first evening of their arrival. On its porch, the first entrance tests were administered. On its porch, David Starr Jordan greeted the women of Roble Hall when, one evening, they came to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Barbara.

 

These are some of the recorded events taking place within the confines of this building. There must be countless others. And yet, now, hidden within the oaks of Comstock Circle, Escondite Cottage, now known as the Administration Building of Escondido Village, is unmarked as an historical site and closed to visitors.

 

As part of my research for a series of novels I am writing about Stanford University—-1891: A Novel about Stanford University is written and published. 1892 is partially written and should be completed in a year—I am preparing an historical tour of Stanford University that could be used in conjunction with the books. In somewhat of a happenstance manner I have published this tour on my blog. I expect to combine these tidbits and place it on my site: http://home.earthlink.net/~jerryfranks.

 

The tour had just been to Encina Hall and I was about to describe Escontite Cottage when I decided to revisit the site, I had not been there in 3-5 years. I wanted to make sure it was still there. At first, I was not certain. The surroundings were different this time. Using a “where are you” map, I picked out the administrative building for Escondido Village and made my way there. Rounding the turn, I knew the building before me had to be it. The porch had been changed and a second floor added, but the narrow windows were unlike those of its single story neighbors, and it had an older, more majestic appearance.

 

Walking in, I was greeted by a young Hispanic woman. I asked her if she knew she was working in an historic site. She said that she did and had looked up the cottage on the Internet. She knew all about Peter Coutts and the history of the building. I was pleased. I asked her if I could look around. She said, nicely, no I could not. Could I peek around the doorway? Yes.  The building had not been gutted. The doors and woodwork looked like the original. Down the narrow hall, I could see various rooms that might have been the dining room, parlor, and bedrooms. Up and down that hallway, Kingsley Jordan and Lewis Elliott would have chased one another. I asked the young lady if the interior was pretty much as it was and she said yes, it was. I thanked her and exited, highly elated that Escontite Cottage remained, still pretty much as it was back in 1891.

 

If you would like to visit this historical site, take the Bowdoin exit to Stanford Avenue, turn left to Escondido Road, turn left, go past Olmsted—This is the only homage paid to Frederick Olmsted who designed the oval and its surroundings. For more information about the relationship between Leland Stanford and Frederick Olmsted, go to my site.—-the next turning to the right is Comstock, turn. The address is 859 Comstock Circle. You won’t be able to go in and look around, but perhaps our friendly receptionist will let you take a peek down the hallway. Tell her the old guy with white hair sent you.

Looking back at my blog, I see we were at the Quad. There are some things I left out about that historic place. It was the heart of the university. The Opening Ceremonies took place at the East Arch. How they hung the black velvet curtain up and the picture of Leland, Jr. I will never know. But they did it. Courting or queening as they called it in those days took place in the circular planters. Couples had a hard time making out. There were few private places. For goodness sake, the cactus garden. How romantic can you get? Sam MacDonald had a story when he was living in Cedro Cottage; he heard a couple making the sounds of love. He made his presence known and he was sure they thought he was a ghost. Roble Bridge was another spot, across the creek. As you know and I know, couples can be very creative when they want to, irregardless of Mrs. Stanford’s wishes.

Back to Encina Hall. It’s an easy walk from the Quad. Still there in all its glory. I walked into the lobby and walked around but that is about as far as you can get. The details behind the double doors were dug up from my memories of being there circa 1952. My first year was at Stanford Village, now the municipal center of Menlo Park, but that is another story that someone should write.

Encina was the most imposing building on the campus. Because of that, all the posed pictures you will see that were taken at that time (1891-1901) were taken on the steps or in front of the building.

Another thing to remember is that all the boys, men, professors, and even some visitors were housed there. Because of that broader friendship could be formed and more mischief could be conceived on a grand scale—the flatcar prank is a good example of that.

Going into the lobby will give you a feel for the place. You can see where the dining room was, dead ahead. I particularly like to remember how the Roble girls swept into the place and the Encina boys were hanging like monkies  from the bannisters.  

I lived on the western side, toward Mayfield. I could look out my window and see what was going on that side of the building. One incident sticks in my head. A Stanford Rough was proudly showing his mother around the place where, I guess, he lived. They wandered a little too close and a water bag rained on his mother’s head. The rough made a fist at the bank of windows. In response, a high-pitched laugh rang out. I have heard that laugh described in other situations and can only think it is another Stanford tradition. Who am I to say? Enough for now. Will probably think of more, later. Otherwise, on to David Starr Jordan’s residence—-Escontite Cottage.

 

 

 

 

eventy nine year old, fledgling novelist, Jerry Franks, announced that the book he wrote, just published, 1891: A Novel about Stanford University, will be part of a four volume saga entitled, fittingly enough, The Stanford Saga.

Franks said, “I have finished six chapter of the second volume, 1892, and have pretty well mapped out the rest of the book which was easy because the first Stanford-Cal game took place in March of 1892 and Ernest Johnson, the only African American in the Class of 1895, enters the picture at the beginning of the second semester, so 1892 had significant historical developments with which I could work.

“The third volume, 1893, will be murkier because Senator Stanford will have died and the university will go through significant financial difficulties plus the country, in general, will suffer economic difficulties—the Pullman Strike and the Panic of 1893.

“The final volume, 1894-95, at the moment, is only a hazy concept. For those graduating in the Class of 1895, it must have been an unhappy experience, going from the frivolous pranks and an atmosphere of dreams of future success to the reality of a nation in an economic depression, without hope or jobs, facing a future back home or on bleak streets of San Francisco. Those remaining at the university also faced trying times, no money for salaries or even coal for the power station. Without benefit of prescience, the Saga will have end on a note of uncertainty for the very future of the university.

“Uncertainty will also apply to finishing a four volume saga in your eighties. In fact, taking an old joke further, if you really want to make God laugh, tell him you’re going to write a saga. Time will tell.”

This was brought home to Franks in the past year when he was diagnosed with CMML—a form of leukemia that probably won’t kill him, but may help something else do the job. Beyond that, just the realities of growing old will slow him up. His best hope is that younger writers will become interested in his project.

1891: A Novel about Stanford University is available at Kepler’s, Stanford Bookstore, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stanford’s Inner Quad: Circa 1891

While reading my book, 1891: A Novel about Stanford University, I think it is important to realize that the campus of 1891 was not at all like it is today. Leslie Elliott, the first registrar and one of the main characters in the book, wrote in a descriptive pamphlet dated 1896 describing the Quad: “The first impression to visitors is usually disappointing. The plan provides for the erection of a second quadrangle entirely surrounding the first, with the building two stories in height, a connected arcade facing outward, and an imposing arch at the main entrance.” The arch was a monstrosity and by the grace of the 1906 earthquake was destroyed, but that is another matter.

Somewhere, I am not sure exactly where, a model of the proposed campus was built. I would guess in the foyer of the administrative office where prospective students and their parents could see it. I get the feeling that some of the inadequacies was caused by the imposing Gothic Halls and multi-storied buildings of University of California, across the bay.

The outer buildings and massive arch and other cheaply built buildings destroyed by the earthquake were added about 1899, some eight years after the opening of the university. All of this building took place after the financial problems of the university were solved, but I am getting way ahead of myself.

The important thing is that the years my novels portray were years of attempting to explain away their inadequacies.

Back to our tour. So after you have made your way through the Memorial Court, now dominated by statuary, I would suggest you should look for signs of where the original Quad was and where it was extended. Over the years, the signs have been pretty well masked over, but if you look at the wall just this side of the first building on the right, Building 110, with double doors, where the administrative office and president and registrar resided, you can see a jagged crack running from the ceiling, in front of the columns, to the floor. Also, if you look up at the ceiling, you will see that the new ceiling is about eighteen inches higher than the old. Also, it is constructed with lesser quality redwood. At least it doesn’t have the same sheen as the old. And, if you have read 1891 you know I am prejudiced against the Charles Lathrop, who probably controlled the new architect now assigned to the expansion.

Another interesting thing about the Inner Quad is that there are no ladies WCs. The two men’s, both of them are underground. Yes, underground. Out of sight, so that visitors would not think Stanford men and women had to go. The first underground will be on your left, between, what was then the library (#1 and 2) and math building (#10-15). On the other side of the statuary, more double doors for the library. The math building now houses the offices of the president. If you want to really go back to the 1891, walk down the steps to the urinals.  The plumbing is new, but the fixtures anc cubicles are mostly the originals. The other underground wc is across the way behind the last building at the southeast corner. I would think that the placement was to take care students who were taking shop courses at the buildings south of the Quad. This is the one, I always used and continue to use.

I have a story about this use that I thought was funny. I was downstairs, doing my duty and walking up the stairs ran into two young ladies walking down. Being the gallant, older gentlemen, I informed them that this was the men’s room. The two of them looked at me as if I were from outer space. “What was my problem?” I then realized that times have changed and so have the mores about men and women sharing toilet facilities. Oh, well.

Enough about the inner quad. I am sure I have gone into too much detail. Next will be Encina Hall.

1891: A Novel about Stanford University

“Jerry Franks has done an excellent job of weaving factual elements into this fictional novel to create a feel for the times.”—The Midwest Book Review

If you enjoy historical novels, you won’t be disappointed.”—Kaye Trout

And kudos from Stanford graduates: All the way from Greece, the doyenne of a large Stanford family wrote: “Your 1891 novel just arrived, and we are so pleased to have a copy. It is beautifully crafted, so full of history, of poignant facts, and exciting personalities. I’ll order at least five for my Stanford family, and again as many for interested friends. Let us know when the sequel is ready.” One fellow, class of ’75, from New York City, said he could hardly wait for the sequel and the movie. Another Stanford graduate, ’50, from Portola Valley, wrote: “What a beautiful piece of work! …You obviously have dedicated many hours (weeks, months??) to that effort. Thanks for writing 1891.”

1891 is an irreverent look at the founding days of Stanford University, from March 16^th through the end of 1891, as seen through the eyes of Orrin Leslie Elliott, the first registrar, and his wife, Ellen; Rubin (Sosh) Weinberg, the only Jewish student in the class of 1895; an heroic Fletcher Martin, ex-Army officer; a scurrilous Sam Cutter and his gang of thugs, who prey on the weak in darkened, Encina halls; and Sally Forrest, a belle from Anaheim, whose father was killed by Southern Pacific agents, and who will attempt to avenge his death by assassinating Senator Stanford. 

There is no mayhem, rampant sex, daredevil rage, or destructive impulses. Men are gentle and humble, except, of course, Sam, and his cohorts. Women are strong and outspoken. Yes, there is a little rough housing and pranks, but what would Stanford be like without that.

1891 may be purchased wherever books are sold. If you would like to have the author inscribe the book, you may order a copy from him for $20. (includes S&H) by using PayPal or sending a check. Use the contacts to get my address or email. 

If you would like to sample the first few chapters go to http://home.earthlink.net/~jerryfranks

1891: A Novel about Stanford University was published in May 2007. 304 pages long, 15.8 ounces heavy, the novel’s ISBN is 0-595-43794-X.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s see we were at the mausoleum. Near there are the cactus gardens. For some reason, during Victorian Days, the well-to-do felt cactus gardens were exotic. Even today, some people love cactus. I am not one of them. When I was last there, about a year ago, some of the cactus lovers were restoring the grounds. I imagine the site has vastly improved. And while I am at it, the grounds where the old Palo Alto grows, on Alma Street, were also improved by some dedicated individuals. They did a wonderful job. Too bad, when I was there, no one else was. Some joggers from Menlo Park passed through, but it was old stuff for them. Back to the Cactus Gardens, now I am capitalizing, about the best thing is to imagine Stanford couples romancing in this secluded area. It must have been interesting.

In my mind, the museum would be the next stop. Now it is the Cantor Museum and mostly devoted to art objects. When I was in school, the museum was closed, going through some kind of renovation. In the lobby, if you can imagine, was Stanford’s own Steam Engine in all its glory. With the new emphasis, the engine was moved to Sacramento. That must have been interesting. There is a room devoted to the Stanford family, but I bet there are lots of memorabilia that is stacked in boxes like the storage area in Citizen Kane. I like the stuff identified with the Senator—particularly the pearl handled cane. It is in all of his later pictures and there it is in all its glory. The boy’s art and stuff he colected shows that he was a pampered child. And why not, he would die when he was fourteen. And if he hadn’t died there would be no Stanford University.

From the library, walk toward the main quad and you will go by the Chemistry Building, now vacant and waiting for what? Someone to come along and tear it down or use it as a real museum. Who knows. I was never in it. Chemistry was way off the beaten path. The reason it was so isolated was the explosion over at  San Jose’s College of Pacific Because of that most of the students transferred to Stanford. For obvious reason, COP, in Strockton, has brushed that portion of their history under the carpet. I don’t see why. It is a great school, and I think, overcoming that diversity is a wonderful accomplishment. But, as you will see, history is funny. People pick and choose the portions they want, and we have to guess at what really happened.

That’s enough for now. Stay with us. We are approaching the oval and getting to the interesting part about the realtionship between Senator Stanford and Frederick Omsted. Please forgive the typos.